Surrogacy is a beautiful journey that helps individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood. This guide provides essential information about the surrogacy process, types, legal considerations, and what to expect.
Types of Surrogacy
Gestational Surrogacy
The most common type, where the surrogate carries a baby created through IVF using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.
- ✓ No genetic link between surrogate and baby
- ✓ Fewer legal complications
- ✓ More widely accepted legally
- ✓ Requires IVF procedures
Traditional Surrogacy
Less common today, where the surrogate's own egg is used and fertilized through artificial insemination. The surrogate is genetically related to the child.
- ✓ Genetic link between surrogate and baby
- ✓ More legal complexities
- ✓ Less commonly practiced
- ✓ Lower medical costs
The Surrogacy Journey
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1
Initial Consultation & Planning
Meet with agencies, understand costs, explore options, and decide on the surrogacy type that fits your needs.
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2
Surrogate Matching
The agency helps match you with a suitable surrogate based on preferences, values, and compatibility. This process can take 2-6 months.
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3
Legal Agreements
Comprehensive legal contracts are drafted covering all aspects: compensation, medical decisions, parental rights, and contingencies.
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4
Medical Procedures
IVF process begins, including egg retrieval (if needed), fertilization, and embryo transfer. This can take several cycles.
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5
Pregnancy & Support
9 months of pregnancy with regular monitoring, prenatal care, and ongoing communication between all parties.
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6
Birth & Legal Finalization
Baby is born, parental rights are established through legal processes, and you take your baby home.
Legal Considerations
International Legal Landscape
Surrogacy laws vary dramatically by country and jurisdiction. Understanding these differences is crucial for a successful journey.
Fully Legal
- • United States (most states)
- • Ukraine
- • Georgia
- • Russia (for citizens)
Altruistic Only
- • Canada
- • United Kingdom
- • Australia
- • Netherlands
Restricted/Banned
- • France
- • Germany
- • Spain
- • Italy
Important: Always consult with a specialized reproductive lawyer in both your home country and the surrogacy destination before proceeding.
Who Can Use Surrogacy?
Medical Indications
- • Absence or malformation of uterus
- • Repeated IVF failures
- • Recurrent miscarriages
- • Medical conditions making pregnancy dangerous
- • Hysterectomy
Family Situations
- • Heterosexual couples with fertility issues
- • Same-sex male couples
- • Single intended parents (where legal)
- • Transgender individuals
- • Anyone unable to carry a pregnancy
Understanding Costs
Surrogacy costs vary significantly by location, agency, and specific circumstances. Here's a general breakdown for the United States:
International surrogacy in countries like Ukraine or Georgia typically costs $40,000 - $70,000, offering significant savings while maintaining quality standards.
Glossary of Terms
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
- Process where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory.
- Intended Parents
- The person(s) who will become the legal and raising parents of the child.
- Embryo Transfer
- The process of placing embryo(s) into the surrogate's uterus.
- Pre-birth Order
- Legal document establishing intended parents as legal parents before birth.
- Gestational Carrier
- Another term for a gestational surrogate who has no genetic link to the baby.