Ever Wondered what are the Pros and Cons of Surrogacy?
For a Surrogate, nothing beats the feeling of giving life to someone else’s family and giving the gift of parenthood to those people. Choosing to become a Surrogate is one of the biggest selfless acts that not every woman can do. Most women do consider their experience as a Surrogate as something wonderful and extraordinary.
But you should also know these surrogacy pros and cons before making a final decision to become a Surrogate. Prospective Surrogates should be aware of various benefits and risks that could come as a result of the process. One of the main benefits is how rewarding surrogacy can be. Giving the biggest gift of life to a family who otherwise would not be able to have a child is very rewarding.
- Surrogate requirements
- Pros of becoming a Surrogate
- Cons of being a Surrogate
- Pros of becoming Parents through surrogacy
- Cons of Surrogacy for Intended Parents
Basic Surrogate Requirements at Physician’s Surrogacy
A surrogacy journey is not only physically demanding but emotionally as well. Our team works diligently to make sure that your journey is as smooth as possible. Our surrogacy agency is located in San Diego, California but we are recruiting Surrogates all over the U.S. Below are the basic requirements to become a surrogate mother with Physician’s Surrogacy.
- Be between the ages of 20.5 and 39.5 years old
- Have at least one child of your own
- Can pass a background screening
- Have a BMI under 32- you can calculate your BMI here
- Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
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Either be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident of AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI.
The Pros of Becoming a Surrogate
Women who decide to become a Surrogate have different reasons for doing so. Most of them find this to be an amazing and wonderful opportunity through which they can contribute to another family’s growth. They find their journey to be an extremely satisfying and highly rewarding experience. Let’s take a look at the advantages that come with the decision of being a surrogate.
Surrogacy brings rewarding experience of love and altruism
Surrogacy can be a fulfilling experience, for both the Surrogates as well as the Intended Parents. Nothing compares to the joy of carrying a child for someone who is unable to do so themselves. The Intended Parents get a sense of completeness by welcoming a new family member, but for a Surrogate, the feeling is one of pride from having provided the parents with the bundle of joy they’ve waited so long for.
Surrogate mothers are usually caring and compassionate women with a strong urge to help others in need. They make dreams come true for those who are unable to have a child on their own. They also complete their family by participating in such a wonderful and life-changing event, which results in happiness, satisfaction, and an amazing experience for everyone involved.
Surrogates enjoy a deep sense of personal satisfaction and pride knowing they have helped another family in such an incredible and life-altering way. They involve their family members, friends, and other supportive people in the process and are able to set a wonderful example of selflessness and generosity for those around them.
Surrogates are supported by a strong surrogate community
Surrogacy is a singular experience but the road to becoming a surrogate can be challenging. Potential Surrogate mothers must undergo extensive medical screening processes and psychological evaluations.
Luckily, Surrogates have banded together to create a solid community of support and sisterhood. The opportunity to share your surrogacy experience with other Surrogates can be encouraging and fun.
Surrogates can relive and enjoy pregnancy
Every Surrogate has one thing in common, they all truly enjoyed being pregnant. One of the basic requirements in order to become a potential Surrogate is to already be a mother. By choosing to carry a pregnancy for someone in need, you can enjoy the experience of being pregnant all over again without expanding your own family.
Surrogates are compensated generously
Surrogates receive financial compensation for their commitment, time, and risk involved in the process of surrogacy. wondering how much Surrogates get paid in California? On average, in California, a Surrogate can receive between $48,000 to $75,000 for their efforts and dedication to carry the pregnancy to term.
Expenses such as travel are covered as well. You’ll also receive health insurance throughout your surrogacy journey. You can achieve your personal goals like buying a house or paying for education with the compensation that you will receive.
Robust Legal Protections in Place for Surrogates
Legal contracts are placed to protect both the Intended Parents and the Surrogate mother. They come into place after you’ve gone through the Surrogate screening and matching process. These contracts clearly outline the obligations and responsibilities of both parties to ensure not only a healthy pregnancy but a smooth journey.
These contracts also ensure that a Surrogate is reimbursed for her time and contribution and reinforce the fact that she won’t have any responsibility for the child after birth.
The Cons of Being a Surrogate
While there are great benefits once you become a surrogate, there are also some risks and disadvantages that you should consider.
Surrogacy is demanding – Physically and Emotionally
It is mandatory for every surrogate to undergo medical screening processes and psychological evaluation to see if they are fit to carry a child to term. You, as a Surrogate, will have to meet all the physical demands of being pregnant, attend regular appointments, and receive treatment. The process can also be emotionally challenging as carrying a baby for someone else is a huge responsibility.
Most Surrogates will experience ups and downs throughout the journey. Having a reliable emotional support system is very important at this time. It is recommended that you use a counseling service or participate in support groups organized by social workers or agencies when you require emotional assistance.
Surrogacy is still not accepted by everyone an is often judged
Most people are becoming more accepting of surrogacy, however, there are those that are still against the idea. Just keep in mind that not everyone will be accepting or understanding of your decision. This is due to a lack of information and misconceptions.
Surrogacy requires long time commitment
The process of surrogacy is considerably lengthy and requires commitment. From filling out the application to delivering the baby, there are many steps involved. Finalizing the surrogacy contract and completing the IVF process takes time as well. It takes around 12 months for the entire process to be completed. A surrogate should not make any major travel plans during this time.
Surrogates require medications for pregnancy
Part of the surrogacy process does involve taking medication. In some cases, you may be given birth control as well. Medications may include estrogen and progesterone. Some Surrogates are caught off guard by the amount of medication required to just prepare for the embryo transfer. However, you need to keep in mind that it’s essential in order to guarantee a healthy and successful pregnancy.
Surrogacy itself presents health challenges
There’s always a risk in carrying a pregnancy and being a Surrogate is no different. There is the slightest chance of pregnancy complications that can have a negative effect on your health. You will also have your blood drawn for tests and receive regular ultrasound checks to ensure that both you and the baby are healthy. It’s important to understand that all these are essential for guaranteeing a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Travel is Required in Most Cases
For some, the requirement to travel may be among the pros of surrogacy, and for others, this may be a con. The Intended Parents’ selection of their fertility clinic is based on multiple factors, with the most important factors being high success rates and reasonable cost. Intended Parents, therefore, look nationwide to find the best option, and the clinics IARC parents work with most often are highly reputable with excellent success rates.
The Intended Parents’ chosen clinic is generally not local to the Surrogate. Travel will require a one-day trip for final medical approval and then a 3-5 day trip for each embryo transfer. Surrogates have a travel companion for the first transfer and may request a companion for other trips during contract negotiations if they are anxious travelers or feel they need that support.
Fill Out An ApplicationPros of becoming Parents through surrogacy
Fulfilling Your Dream of Starting a Family
Surrogacy offers couples and individuals the opportunity to start a family—regardless of if they are struggling with infertility or cannot conceive on their own. Surrogacy is not just a way to start a family. For many people, it’s the only way. According to a CDC survey of married women, approximately 1.5 million women in the United States are infertile. This could be due to a number of reasons, including one’s age or a previous medical condition. These women deserve to be mothers just like anyone else. Surrogacy offers these parents the possibility of starting a family.
Surrogacy creates relationships
Many Intended Parents become close with their Surrogate and her family during the process, developing meaningful bonds that can last a lifetime.
Surrogacy allows for genetic connections
Gestational surrogacy often enables one or both parents to maintain a biological relationship with their child.
Surrogacy ensures you are involved.
Intended Parents can actively participate in their Surrogate’s pregnancy, attending crucial appointments and being present for significant milestones like embryo transfer and birth.
Legal counsel ensures you’re protected
The legality of surrogacy around the world has been a source of contention for decades, but in many places, we are beginning to see legislation in favor of protecting both the parents and the surrogate. In the United States alone, we’ve seen several states adopt surrogacy friendly laws in the last 40 years.
Surrogacy is likely to be successful
Surrogates have a proven track record of carrying healthy pregnancies, which often makes surrogacy more likely to be successful than fertility treatments for Intended Parents.
Pregnancy success rates are high—and ever-improving—due to ongoing advances in medical technology. The technology for producing successful “surrobabies” has come a long way since its inception. Since the first surrogacy arrangement in 1986, tens of thousands of Surrogates have successfully carried their surro baby to term. This can be attributed to the great work of our diligent matching specialists and fertility doctors, and the constantly evolving IVF technology.
We thoroughly screen every gestational surrogate throughout the process to select only the most qualified candidates. Surrogates have already carried other pregnancies and have a proven uterus, increasing their chances of successfully carrying a surrogate pregnancy. This may make surrogacy more likely to be successful than fertility treatments for Intended Parents.
Better than adoption
When you complete an infant adoption, there is always the possibility that a prospective birth mother will change her mind and choose to parent. A Surrogate, however, always knows that the baby is not hers to keep, and you can rest assured that once the pregnancy proceeds safely, you will have a baby at the end of the process. You also have the knowledge that a Surrogate can successfully carry a pregnancy, determined by the extensive screening she undergoes.
Cons of Surrogacy for Intended Parents
Surrogacy can be complicated
Gestational surrogacy involves complex medical procedures and surrogacy laws. Legal processes can be overwhelming at times. It is important to work closely with a trusted professional like Physician’s Surrogacy to ensure the process is completed safely and legally.
Surrogacy costs can be significant
Because of the number of people and services required to complete a successful surrogacy, surrogacy can be expensive.
Surrogacy requires you to let go of some control
While Intended Parents typically enjoy a greater sense of control and involvement than families pursuing adoption, you will need to relinquish some control and trust your surrogate to carry the pregnancy for you.
Finding the Perfect Agency
Surrogacy can be a complicated process, so both Intended Parents and Surrogates must carefully select a reliable, professional agency that will have their best interests. Surrogacy laws vary from state to state, so both Intended Parents and Surrogates require a knowledgeable attorney—preferably one who has a large network of lawyers throughout the country and is a member of the American Academy of Assisted Reproduction Technology Attorneys.
Funding Your Surrogacy Journey
Surrogacy is a large financial expense and Intended Parents often require financial assistance, such as from Prosper Healthcare Lending or GPAP.
Finding the Perfect Match
For both Intended Parents and Surrogates, It’s incredibly important to ensure you find the perfect match—especially if you don’t have the benefit of working with an award-winning matching agency.
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