From the outside, surrogacy can seem like a touchy or confusing topic. At Surrogacy Simplified, we want to help provide immediate and accurate answers to your most urgent surrogacy questions, so you can make the best decisions on your path to creating a family. In this article, you will find a compilation of common questions, answers, in addition to further reading where we have it available! 

Common Surrogacy Questions and Answers

What is Surrogacy and How Does Surrogacy Work?

Surrogacy, also known as Gestational Surrogacy, is when the surrogate undergoes an embryo transfer and carries the baby for the Intended Parents. The embryo is created by combining the egg from one person (typically the Intended Mother or egg donor) with the sperm (typically the Intended Father or sperm donor) in a lab (fertility clinic).

The Intended Parent’s surrogate is implanted with the mother’s (or donor) egg, and if pregnancy occurs, the surrogate carries the child to term and gives birth. Once the surrogate gives birth, the Intended Parents begin the bonding process with the baby. The specific duties of the surrogate beyond this point are set by the pre-determined agreement made between the Intended Parents, the surrogate, and their respective lawyers.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?

There are many factors that go into a surrogacy journey that can play into your overall expenses, so it can be hard to share the average cost of surrogacy as a direct number. However there are some standard costs that most Intended Parents will come up against.

The surrogacy costs of Intended Parents will of course vary from couple to couple depending on their specific needs and situation, but you can find a roundup of specific numbers and the cost of surrogacy here as well as the answer to the common surrogacy question,  ‘Does insurance cover surrogacy?”

H3 Who is the Biological Mother of a Surrogate Child?

This is a common surrogacy myth that biologically speaking, is just not possible. Since the egg being used for the pregnancy is not her own, she is simply the carrier of the baby and nothing more. 

To become pregnant, the surrogate undergoes an embryo transfer with either the Intended Mother’s egg or donor egg and the Intended Father’s sperm (or donor sperm) through the IVF (in-vitro fertilization) process. The DNA of the surrogate is never shared with the baby at any point, so there is no need to worry that any part of the surrogate will be transferred to the child.

Read this post next for more common surrogacy myths and facts!

What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

When discussing altruistic surrogacy, we refer to the exact opposite of compensated surrogacy. The biggest difference? Surrogates are not compensated with a base pay.

However, while the surrogate is not directly receiving payment for her services, she is still reimbursed for all pregnancy related expenses, including medical appointments and transportation. She is also reimbursed for all lost wages.

This type of surrogacy journey is often set up as an independent surrogacy agreement, instead of with the help of an agency. Surrogates in an altruistic surrogacy also tend to be close friends or family members with the Intended Parents.

Find more about the ins and outs of altruistic surrogacy here.

Is it Better to Use a Surrogacy Agency or Take the Independent Route?

This is a very personal decision for every couple depending on their specific needs and circumstances, but here you’ll find a comparison of both surrogacy options.

If you’re pursuing the Independent surrogacy route, you will not only save a significant amount of money, but you’ll also have a little more control with your overall experience. 

If you decide that working with a surrogacy agency is the ideal path for your needs, just know that finding an agency that is a perfect fit for the experience you are hoping to have takes work. 

Your ideal agency match should not only reduce the stress of all parties involved, but also take into consideration things like the level of communication desired, personalities, and more.

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

Depending on your situation and the type of surrogacy, the entire surrogacy process can take anywhere from 15-24 months. If you need to find or be matched with a gestational carrier, the process will take longer than if you are providing your own. 

You can expect that the medical screening and legal process will take another few months once matched with a surrogate. Your lawyers will draw up contracts and make sure all parties are in agreement…which could require some back a forth. 

Then finally, the pregnancy will add another 9 months to the timeline. If there are any issues during fertilization, or any delay in pregnancy, it will also increase the length of the process, so the overall timeline of surrogacy will always vary from couple to couple.

Do I Need a Lawyer as an Intended Parent or Surrogate?

The legal process of surrogacy can vary in complexity depending on if you’re pursuing an Independent Surrogacy or an Agency Surrogacy. However, in either case, legal representation is required for both parties. 

The gestational carrier and Intended Parents will both need to have their own lawyers to protect their rights and avoid disputes. An attorney will oversee every legal component of the surrogacy process and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

How Can You Get Started with the Surrogacy Process?

Getting started with the surrogacy process doesn’t have to be complicated. Working with a surrogacy consultant and concierge at Surrogacy Simplified will allow you to get all your questions answered, help you navigate tricky relationships and contracts, and guide you through every step of the process.

The next step? Book your initial complimentary discovery call with us here to learn more about how working with Surrogacy Simplified can make your surrogacy process easier, and less stressful. We look forward to hearing about your journey!