Surrogacy: Expectations vs. Reality – A Definitive Guide for Intended Parents

Gestational surrogacy is a complex procedure where a surrogate carries a baby for the intended parents until birth. While surrogacy offers hope to many, it also comes with its own set of challenges, expectations, and realities. 

 

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Understanding these can help intended parents navigate the surrogacy journey more effectively. This guide will explore key aspects of surrogacy, from eligibility to costs, and offer insights into what you can realistically expect.

 

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Surrogacy: Expectations vs. Reality

 

Myth	Reality
Surrogacy is only for wealthy individuals.	Surrogacy costs vary widely. While it can be expensive in some countries, more affordable options are available in others.
Surrogates are primarily motivated by money.	Most surrogates are driven by altruism and the desire to help others build their families. Compensation is secondary.
Surrogates are always genetically related to the baby.	In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby; she is simply carrying the embryo created via IVF.
Surrogacy is a straightforward and easy process.	Surrogacy involves significant emotional and physical challenges for the surrogate, including lifestyle changes and medical appointments.
All countries have the same surrogacy laws.	Surrogacy laws vary significantly by country. It’s essential to understand the legal requirements in the chosen surrogacy destination.
Surrogacy is the same everywhere.	Different countries have different regulations, costs, and surrogacy practices. Research is needed to find the best option based on personal needs.
Becoming a surrogate mother is easy.	Becoming a surrogate involves meeting strict health and lifestyle criteria and undergoing a rigorous screening process.
Surrogacy is a guaranteed way to have a baby.	While surrogacy can help many individuals become parents, it is not without risks and does not guarantee pregnancy or delivery.

 

Who Can Opt for Surrogacy?

Eligibility for Surrogacy varies significantly by country, reflecting diverse legal, financial, and social norms. Here’s a breakdown:

• Eastern Europe: In countries like Ukraine and Georgia, surrogacy is restricted to married heterosexual couples. Single individuals or same-sex couples are generally excluded.
• United States: Surrogacy is permitted in many states, but laws vary widely. States such as California are more surrogacy-friendly and support a range of family structures, including same-sex couples and singles.
• Latin America: Countries like Colombia offer more accessible surrogacy options for both heterosexual and same-sex couples. Surrogacy here is legally secure and often more affordable compared to Western nations.

Consult a Local Lawyer or Surrogacy Professional: To ensure compliance with local laws and to choose the best surrogacy destination for your needs, seek guidance from experienced professionals.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Becoming a Surrogate?

Becoming a surrogate involves significant personal and medical criteria. Here’s what is typically required:

1. Age: Surrogates should be between 21 and 45 years old, as per the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, though some agencies may have different requirements.
2. Health:

• No smoking or drinking.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) under 30.
• No history of major complications from previous pregnancies.
• No history of postpartum depression.

1. Experience:

• Must have at least one successful pregnancy.
• No more than five vaginal deliveries and three cesarean sections.

1. Medical:

• Free from treatable STDs for at least 12 months.
• No antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications for 12 months before starting surrogacy.
• Must be able to travel for appointments.

1. Personal:

• Raising at least one child of her own.
• Wait 12 months from the last tattoo or piercing before starting surrogacy.

Is Becoming a Surrogate Mother Easy?

Surrogacy is a demanding process that goes beyond the physical act of carrying a pregnancy. Surrogates undergo extensive emotional and lifestyle adjustments. They must prioritize the baby’s health, avoid harmful substances, maintain a healthy weight, and attend regular medical appointments. Despite these challenges, many surrogates find fulfillment in helping others build their families.

How Does a Surrogate Get Pregnant?

Surrogacy Types:

1. Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate’s own egg is fertilized by the intended father’s sperm or a donor’s sperm. This type involves a genetic link between the surrogate and the child, and is less common due to legal and ethical concerns.
2. Gestational Surrogacy: In this method, embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) are implanted into the surrogate. The surrogate has no genetic relationship to the baby, making it the more widely accepted and legally secure option.

Does Surrogacy Involve Significant Financial Compensation?

Surrogacy involves substantial financial and emotional investments. While surrogates are compensated, this payment does not fully cover the physical and emotional toll of the surrogacy journey. Compensation varies based on location, experience, and specific agreements, but it is generally considered a token of appreciation rather than a primary motivation.

Key Points:

• Compensation covers medical expenses, legal fees, and a base fee for the surrogate.
• The financial aspect is secondary to the emotional and physical responsibilities involved.

Surrogacy Costs

Surrogacy can be expensive, particularly in Western countries like the USA. Costs include medical procedures, legal fees, surrogate compensation, and agency fees. However, more affordable options are available in countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and Colombia, which offer legal protection and lower overall costs.

Cost Breakdown:

Expense	Estimated Cost (USD)
Surrogate Compensation	$30,000 – $50,000
Medical Procedures	$15,000 – $25,000
Legal Fees	$10,000 – $15,000
Agency Fees	$10,000 – $20,000

 

Additional Resources to Read:

Gay Surrogacy in USA

How to find surrogate mother in USA

Why is Surrogacy in Georgia the Right option for childless couples in the USA or Europe?

Top Countries for Surrogacy: A Comprehensive Guide for Intended Parents

 

Conclusion

The journey of surrogacy is filled with high expectations and varying realities. International surrogacy laws and practices are constantly evolving, and the information available online might not always be up-to-date or accurate. Consulting with a knowledgeable surrogacy consultant can provide personalized advice, save time and money, and ensure legal security.

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at Georgia Surrogacy Agency. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

Get in touch for  FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:

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Email: ​neelam@ivfconceptions.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Surrogacy

1. What is gestational surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is a process where a surrogate carries and delivers a baby for intended parents. In this arrangement, the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby, as the embryo is created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

2. Who is eligible to become a surrogate mother?

To become a surrogate, you generally need to:

• Be between 21 and 45 years old.
• Have a healthy BMI of less than 30.
• Be a non-smoker and not use alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Have had at least one successful pregnancy and be raising your own child.
• Have no history of major complications from previous pregnancies or postpartum depression.

3. What are the legal requirements for surrogacy in different countries?

Surrogacy laws vary by country:

• Ukraine and Georgia: Surrogacy is allowed for married heterosexual couples.
• United States: Surrogacy is legal in many states, but laws vary. States like California are known for being surrogacy-friendly and support various family structures.
• Colombia: Surrogacy is legally secure and accessible for both heterosexual and same-sex couples.

Consulting a local lawyer or surrogacy professional is essential to navigate these legal requirements.

4. How does a surrogate get pregnant?

In gestational surrogacy, embryos are created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. The embryo is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate carries the pregnancy but has no genetic link to the baby.

5. What is the difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy?

• Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate’s own egg is fertilized by the intended father’s sperm or a donor’s sperm. This type involves a genetic link between the surrogate and the child.
• Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries an embryo created via IVF, with no genetic connection to the baby.

Gestational surrogacy is more common and legally straightforward.

6. How much are surrogacy services typically?

Surrogacy costs vary widely depending on the location and services included. In the USA, costs can range from $100,000 to $150,000 or more, including surrogate compensation, medical expenses, and legal fees. More affordable options are available in countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and Colombia.

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown:

Expense	Estimated Cost (USD)
Surrogate Compensation	$30,000 – $50,000
Medical Procedures	$15,000 – $25,000
Legal Fees	$10,000 – $15,000
Agency Fees	$10,000 – $20,000

7. Why do surrogates agree to participate in surrogacy?

Surrogates often choose to participate out of a desire to help others achieve their dream of having a family. While they receive compensation, many surrogates find fulfillment in the altruistic aspect of their role and the emotional reward of helping others.

8. What are the emotional and physical challenges of being a surrogate?

Surrogates face numerous challenges, including:

• Emotional adjustments to carrying a baby for someone else.
• Physical demands of pregnancy, including regular medical appointments and lifestyle changes.
• Potential physical discomfort and risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

9. What should intended parents consider before starting a surrogacy journey?

Intended parents should:

• Understand the legal requirements and costs associated with surrogacy.
• Choose a reputable surrogacy agency or consultant to guide them through the process.
• Be prepared for the emotional and logistical aspects of working with a surrogate.

10. How can I get started with surrogacy?

To start the surrogacy process:

• Research and consult with surrogacy professionals or agencies.
• Understand the legal and medical requirements in your chosen country.
• Prepare for the financial and emotional aspects of surrogacy.