Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a topic that raises many questions and concerns for infertile couples, single parents, or same-sex couples, who are considering this alternative path to parenthood. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about surrogacy to help you better understand the process and make informed decisions. Let’s dive in!

1. What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is the process by which a woman, known as the surrogate or gestational carrier, carries a pregnancy and gives birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple. The intended parents may provide their own genetic material or use a donor’s eggs or sperm to create an embryo that will be transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

2. Types of Surrogacy

There are mainly 2 types of surrogacy arrangements:

Traditional Surrogacy: Traditional surrogacy involves the use of the surrogate’s own eggs, making her genetically related to the child. In this method, the surrogate’s egg is fertilized with the intended father’s sperm through artificial insemination. It is less commonly used due to legal and emotional complications.  

Gestational Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create an embryo using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. This embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, which carries the pregnancy but is not genetically related to the child. This is the most used method of surrogacy and is legally allowed in most countries.

3. Who Can Opt for Surrogacy?

Surrogacy can be an option for various individuals and couples, including:

• Couples struggling with infertility or medical conditions that prevent pregnancy
• Same-sex couples who wish to have a biological child
• Single individuals who want to experience parenthood
• Individuals or couples who have undergone treatments that rendered them unable to carry a pregnancy

4.  What is a Surrogacy Process?

The surrogacy process involves several key steps that both the intended parents and the surrogate need to go through. Let’s explore these steps:

• Finding a Surrogate: The first step is to find a suitable surrogate. This can be done through surrogacy agencies, online platforms, or personal connections. It is essential to find someone who is medically and emotionally prepared for the journey. 
• Legal Consideration: Once a surrogate is chosen, it is crucial to ensure that all legal aspects are addressed. This includes drafting and signing a surrogacy agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. It is highly recommended to seek legal counsel experienced in surrogacy laws to navigate this process smoothly. 
• Medical Procedures: The next step involves medical procedures to prepare the surrogate’s body for pregnancy. This typically includes fertility medications to synchronize the menstrual cycles of the intended mother (or egg donor) and the surrogate. Once the uterine lining is ready, the embryo transfer takes place, and the surrogate begins her journey to carry the pregnancy. 

5. What are the Benefits and Challenges of Surrogacy?

Benefits of Surrogacy: 

• Biological connection: Surrogacy provides a biological connection for individuals or couples.
• Parenthood opportunity: It offers parenthood for those unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy.
• Control and involvement: Intended parents have control over the prenatal care and can be involved in the pregnancy journey.
• Emotional bond: Surrogacy can create a unique bond between the intended parents and the surrogate.

Challenges of Surrogacy

• Emotional rollercoaster: Surrogacy can be emotionally challenging for all parties involved due to the complexities and expectations.
• Legal complexities: Navigating the legal aspects of surrogacy can be complex, requiring careful consideration and legal support.
• Financial implications: Surrogacy can be expensive, involving costs such as medical procedures, legal fees, and compensation for the surrogate.
• Social and cultural perceptions: Surrogacy can face societal stigma and varying cultural attitudes.

6. Is Surrogacy Legal?

Surrogacy laws and regulations vary significantly across countries and even within different states or regions. It is crucial to understand and comply with the legal framework governing surrogacy in the intended jurisdiction to ensure a smooth and legally protected surrogacy journey.

7. How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

The duration of the surrogacy process typically ranges from one to two years, encompassing various factors that contribute to its timeline. These factors include the waiting period for the egg donor, and surrogate mother, the time required for the surrogate to conceive or the number of IVF attempts, and other relevant variables.

8.  How much does surrogacy cost?

The costs associated with surrogacy can vary widely depending on various variable and unpredictable factors such as the location, the chosen surrogacy agency, medical expenses, legal fees, and compensation for the surrogate.

That being said, intended parents can expect to pay somewhere between $130,000 to $150,000 if you are looking for surrogacy in the US.  In case you are planning to do international surrogacy, the surrogacy price is between $50,000 to $70,000 depending upon the country and types of services taken.

9. How Important is the Emotional Aspects of Surrogacy?

Surrogacy involves complex emotions for all parties involved. Intended parents may experience a mix of excitement, hope, and anxiety throughout the process. The surrogate may also have her own emotional journey, as she carries and eventually gives birth to a child who will be raised by someone else. Emotional support, open communication, and counseling can help navigate these emotions and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

10. What are Ethical Considerations while opting for Surrogacy?

Surrogacy raises ethical questions and considerations that should be thoroughly examined. These include issues of consent, autonomy, exploitation, and the well-being of the surrogate and the child. It is essential to prioritize the ethical aspects of surrogacy to ensure the best interests of all parties involved.

11. Is Surrogacy for LGBT+ Couples Possible?

Surrogacy has become an important option for LGBT+ couples who desire to have children biologically related to them. It provides an avenue for same-sex male couples or single men to become fathers and for same-sex female couples or single women to become mothers. Surrogacy has played a significant role in expanding the possibilities of family-building for the LGBT+ community.  We recommend and assist you with surrogacy for gay couples in Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. Similarly, for single-parent surrogacy, the above options are available.

12. What are the Success Rates and Statistics of any Surrogacy Process?

Surrogacy success rates can vary depending on various factors, including the age and health of the intended parents, the quality of the embryos, and the experience and health of the surrogate. According to recent studies, the success rates of surrogacy can range from 40% to 70% per embryo transfer.

13. What are International Surrogacy Options?

Surrogacy laws and regulations differ significantly from country to country. Some countries have embraced surrogacy and established clear legal frameworks, while others have banned or restricted the practice. It’s essential for intended parents to understand the legal landscape of surrogacy in their desired location and consider factors such as availability, cost, and legal protections. We will advise you to consult an experienced surrogacy professional to become engaged in surrogacy abroad.

14. Is surrogacy Legal in all Countries?

No, surrogacy laws vary from country to country. Some countries have banned or heavily restricted surrogacy, while others have well-defined legal frameworks. Countries like the USA, Georgia, and Ukraine allow commercial surrogacy.  However, other countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK allow only altruistic surrogacy arrangements.  Besides this most of European countries do not recognize any form of surrogacy like Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden etc. Latin American countries like Colombia and Argentina only allowed affordable altruistic surrogacy.

15. Why do People Choose to do Overseas Surrogacy Rather than in their own Country?

The primary reason for the preference for international surrogacy is the prohibition or restriction of surrogacy, or the allowance of only altruistic surrogacy, in the intended parents’ home countries.

Altruistic surrogacy, which involves finding a surrogate without any financial compensation, often presents challenges in terms of finding a suitable surrogate.

However, opting for international surrogacy not only reduces the overall average surrogacy cost but also allows finding a surrogate quickly and options to choose from many candidates. In our opinion, international surrogacy is a very good option, if done legally and with an experienced surrogacy agency. It is a win-win situation for intended parents, surrogacy service providers, and surrogate mothers.

16. What are Common Myths and Misconceptions of Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to misunderstandings and biases. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions: 

• Myth 1: Surrogates are just “baby-making machines.” In reality, surrogates are compassionate individuals who want to help others experience the joy of parenthood.
• Myth 2: Surrogacy is only for the wealthy. While surrogacy can involve significant costs, there are various options and financial arrangements available to make it more accessible.
• Myth 3: Surrogacy is exploitative. Surrogacy should always be based on informed consent, fair compensation, and protection of the surrogate’s rights. Ethical surrogacy practices prioritize the well-being of all parties involved.
• Myth 4: Surrogates will bond with the child and refuse to give them up. Surrogacy agreements and legal frameworks ensure that intended parents have full parental rights, and surrogates understand and respect this from the beginning.

17. What Happens if the Surrogate Wants to Keep the Baby?

Surrogacy agreements and legal processes ensure that the intended parents have full parental rights. Before entering into a surrogacy arrangement, both parties undergo thorough legal processes and consent to the terms of the agreement, which prioritize the intended parents’ rights. So, the chances of a surrogate keeping a baby are much less than parents abandoning the baby as per past experience.

18. How can the Surrogate Mother and Intended Parents Find each other?

Intended parents and surrogates have various options for connecting or matching with each other like via surrogacy agencies, online platforms like Facebook groups, privately, and via friends and family.  

However, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of both of the parties and avoid scams. It is highly recommended that surrogacy is a long and complex process with legal, financial, and emotional stakes, so having a consultation with a surrogacy professional is recommended.

19. Who are the Women who Wish to Become Surrogate Mother?

Any woman who is of reproductive age, with a fantastic physical, mental, and medical history can become a surrogate mother.

What is important is that she should have at least one baby of her own and need to had eventless past pregnancies and deliveries.

Surrogates come from diverse backgrounds and need to have a kind and compassionate desire to help a childless family.

20. What Screening is Done for Before Becoming Surrogate Mothers?

Before becoming surrogate mothers, thorough screening processes are typically conducted to ensure the suitability and well-being of the candidates. The screening protocols may vary depending on the surrogacy agency or fertility clinic, but they generally include the following:

• Medical Evaluation: Surrogate candidates undergo comprehensive medical evaluations, including physical examinations, reproductive health assessments, and a review of their medical history. This helps determine their overall health, fertility, and ability to carry a pregnancy.
• Psychological Assessment: Surrogate candidates undergo psychological evaluations conducted by qualified professionals. These assessments assess their mental and emotional readiness to undertake the emotional challenges of surrogacy, including the ability to handle the emotional bond with the child and the potential separation after birth.
• Lifestyle and Background Checks: Surrogate candidates are often subjected to background checks, including criminal record checks, to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved. Additionally, their lifestyle choices, living conditions, and support systems may be assessed to ensure a stable and supportive environment for the surrogacy journey.
• Genetic Testing: In some cases, surrogate candidates may undergo genetic testing to assess the risk of hereditary diseases or genetic disorders that could potentially impact the child.
• Legal Consultation: Surrogate candidates typically consult with legal professionals who specialize in reproductive laws. This helps ensure that the candidates understand their legal rights and obligations, as well as the legal aspects of the surrogacy process.

21. How does a Surrogate Mother Conceive the Baby?

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is just the carrier of the baby.  The embryos are created in a fertility clinic via assisted reproduction techniques like In Vitro fertilization (IVF) and subsequently, an embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus by a fertility clinic physician.

In case of the traditional surrogacy, artificial insemination is used for fertilization.

22. How Many Embryos are Transferred on Each Attempt?

Generally, 1 to 2 embryos are transferred to the surrogate mother based on the country and clinic where surrogacy is done. However, most of the countries where we work prefer to transfer one embryo at a time to avoid multiple pregnancies and complications.

23. How Many Embryos Transfers Can Be Done in a Surrogate Mother?

The kind of arrangement varies but usually, a surrogate mother is given a maximum 3 times embryo transfer attempts and it is included in her agreement.

24. Is the Baby Genetically Related to the Surrogate Mother?

In gestational surrogacy, no. In traditional surrogacy, yes.

The baby is biologically related to the two people who contribute the egg and sperm when the embryo is created, not whose uterus the baby is carried in.

That means that if intended parents need the help of egg and/or sperm donors to create an embryo, the baby will be biologically related to the donor(s). If the egg and/or sperm come from the intended parents, then the baby is biologically related to them.

No, in the case of gestational surrogacy baby is not genetically related as the commission’s parents’ eggs and sperm are used for fertilization.  Sometimes egg donor sperm donor or both can be used as per the need of the specific case. But in any case, the surrogate is just a carrier.

On the other hand, in the case of traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is biologically connected with the baby, as her eggs are used for fertilization.

25. How Would I Know That My Baby is Healthy and Growing Normally?

You will get regular updates about the progress of the surrogate pregnancy.  These regulatory updates consist of scan reports, blood tests, and Marker tests, to confirm the growth of the baby. 

A trans nuchal scan, also known as a nuchal translucency (NT) scan, is a prenatal screening test performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It is a non-invasive procedure that assesses the thickness of the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck, known as the nuchal translucency.

Non-Invasive Fetal Trisomy Testing (NIPT) conducted at week 10 of gestation can also be conducted to rule out any genetic abnormality.

26. How much contact a surrogate mother and intended parents can have during the process?

The level of contact and communication between the commissioning parent and surrogate mother varies based on their relationship and personal preferences. Many surrogacy partners discover that they appreciate maintaining ongoing communication and connection throughout the entire journey, including before, during, and after the birth of the baby.

On the other hand, some partners may prefer less contact and are satisfied with parting ways after the baby is born. The extent of contact is determined by the mutual agreement and comfort of those involved.

27. How much does the surrogate mother is paid?

The compensation for a surrogate mother can vary depending on several factors such as the location, specific arrangements, and the surrogacy agency involved.

Generally, surrogate mothers get a significant financial package that covers their time, effort, and the physical and emotional demands of the surrogacy journey.

This compensation typically includes a base fee, which can range from around $30,000 to $50,000, and additional allowances for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.

For surrogacy abroad, the surrogate mother’s payout is much less as compared to the US surrogate mother. Internationally, a surrogate mother’s compensation is around $20,000 to $30,000.

28. How are pregnant surrogate mothers cared for during the pregnancy?

Pregnant surrogate mothers receive comprehensive care and support throughout their pregnancy to ensure their well-being and the successful progression of the surrogacy journey.

• Prenatal Medical Care: Surrogate mothers receive regular prenatal medical check-ups and examinations. These appointments allow healthcare professionals to monitor the surrogate’s health, track the growth and development of the baby, and address any potential concerns or complications that may arise during the pregnancy.
• Emotional Support: Surrogates are provided with emotional support throughout their pregnancy. This may include counseling services, support groups, or access to mental health professionals who specialize in reproductive health.
• Nutritional Guidance: Surrogate mothers are provided with nutritional guidance to support a healthy pregnancy. They may receive recommendations on a balanced diet, prenatal vitamins, and appropriate weight gain during pregnancy.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Surrogate mothers are often given guidelines and recommendations regarding lifestyle choices that promote a healthy pregnancy. This may include advice on physical activity, avoiding harmful substances such as smoking or alcohol, and practicing self-care measures.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Throughout the pregnancy, surrogate mothers undergo regular monitoring, including ultrasound scans and other diagnostic tests, to track the progress of the pregnancy and the well-being of the baby. This helps detect any potential issues or complications early on and allows for appropriate medical interventions, if necessary.
• Legal and Financial Support: Surrogates receive guidance and support in navigating the legal and financial aspects of the surrogacy journey. This includes assistance with legal documentation, such as surrogacy agreements, and addressing financial matters, such as the reimbursement of medical expenses and agreed-upon compensation.

29. Do kids born via surrogacy arrangements know about their surrogate mother?

Whether children born through surrogacy arrangements know about their surrogate mother or not depends on the specific circumstances and the decisions made by the intended parents.

In some cases, intended parents may choose to share information about the surrogate mother with their child from an early age, ensuring transparency about their unique conception story. This can help the child understand and appreciate the role the surrogate played in their life.

On the other hand, some parents may opt to disclose this information later in the child’s life or not at all, depending on various factors such as cultural, familial, or personal considerations. Ultimately, the decision to inform the child about their surrogate mother rests with the intended parents, who carefully consider what is in the best interest of their child and the dynamics of their family.

30. Can I choose my egg donor and stay in touch with her?

Yes, you can choose your egg donor.  Most of the egg donor agencies and IVF clinics do provide database access to egg donors so that intended parents can choose their desired egg donors.

However, most of the countries offer anonymous egg donation, except the USA.  So, you cannot know the personal details and contact details of the egg donor.  You can discuss with your surrogacy professional about based on the country and agency you choose.

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

Our team has over 13 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.

Our founder and chief surrogacy consultant, Neelam Chhagani, passionately help couples struggling with fertility challenges. Since starting our surrogacy consulting agency in 2013, we’ve helped welcome over 500 babies for intended parents nationwide.

Our team includes experts from diverse backgrounds with leading reproductive attorneys, professionally trained top fertility doctors, former surrogacy case managers, experienced and kind surrogate mother and egg donor coordinators, mental health professionals specializing in infertility counseling, and a logistic support team to assist you in your chosen surrogacy country.