5 Frequently Asked Questions from Intended Parents
No matter what path you choose, it’s an exciting and uncertain time, as you begin the journey of building your family. For parents in the making, surrogacy can be a daunting concept with many unknowns. The list of FAQs is endless, but we’ll just start with 5 of the big ones that we hear all the time.
How much does surrogacy cost?
There are many variables, so it’s tough to come up with a figure. It truly depends on your individual situation and needs. A general estimate would be $120,000-$170,000 including the surrogate’s compensation.
What is a woman’s motivation to be a surrogate?
The most common answer to this question, hands down, is the desire to share the amazing gift of being a parent with someone who isn’t able to have this experience otherwise. Women tell us how much they loved being pregnant, and now that their families are complete, they can’t wait to see the joy on a new parent’s face when their sweet bundle comes into the world. While there is compensation for the surrogate, that is very rarely the sole motivation. Many use this money to fund their child’s or their own college education or as a down payment on a house.
What kind of relationship will our surrogate want during the pregnancy and after birth?
Great question! And one that has many different answers. This is a significant part of the surrogacy journey, and we do our best to match like expectations on both sides, as good communication is key. The majority of gestational carriers and intended parents would like to experience appointments together when possible, especially the big ones…hearing baby’s heartbeat or ultrasounds. They also want a fair amount of communication. Some prefer more or less. Other intended parents aren’t able to be as involved during pregnancy purely due to location.
What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?
The difference between these two types of surrogacy is simple. It’s the biological connection. A traditional surrogate uses her own egg and is artificially inseminated to become pregnant. The much more common now-a-days gestational surrogacy involves the intended mother or donor egg being fertilized in a lab with sperm from the intended father or a donor to create an embryo which is then transferred to the surrogate’s womb. A gestational surrogate is not biologically related to the child she is carrying.
Why should I work with an agency?
Using an agency is a good idea for all parties involved. An agency can help protect the important relationship between the surrogate and intended parents. The agency will help coordinate screenings, keep track of appointments and deadlines, coordinate medical, as well as financial aspects, and provide guidance and support throughout the process.
These questions just scratch the surface, and we know you’ve got many more. We’d be happy to answer any others that you may have. Contact us for a free consultation.