5. Surrogacy is expensive.
As you have already found out, there are two types of surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy is possible to be accomplished with the help of Artificial Insemination. In this case the sperm of the Intended Father is inserted either into the uterus or into the vagina or a surrogate mother in order to have her egg fertilized. Most gay couples are seeking a match with their traditional surrogate mother, since there is uterus and egg needed, and there is no problem with finding sperm. You should also be aware that in case if either your or your partner’s sperm is used for the fertilization own eggs of a surrogate mother, then the child, conceived, and your surrogate mother will become genetically related to each other.
Gay men, in case if they use an egg from the known egg donor, like a family member of a friend of at least one of them, and lesbians, who are able to produce viable eggs, but who are not able or do not want to carry a baby, in order to term themselves, will be looking for a gestational surrogate mother. Gestational surrogacy is accomplished through In Vitro Fertilization after which the procedure of Embryo Donation is performed. In this case eggs, taken either from the intended mother, or from an egg donor, get fertilized with the sperm, usually taken from a sperm donor, who can also be either known or anonymous. Then several days are needed for incubation, during which the fertilized eggs develop into embryos. When developed completely, they are transferred into the uterus of the surrogate mother for gestation.
Usually having a baby through traditional surrogacy can cost up to $50,000, while for gestational surrogacy you will have to pay somewhere from $70,000 and up to $100,000. it should also be mentioned, that any costs, which are associated with the issue of surrogacy, are complex. You should ask your agency or counselor to provide you all the detailed information about it. The information should be given in written. Remember, that all costs, fees as well as compensation agreed upon are to be outlined in your surrogacy contract, however, you should also understand, that some unexpected costs, such as amniocentesis or the termination of pregnancy in case of some abnormality of the development of a fetus, or in case if the surrogate mother feels some health complication, which will not let her carry her pregnancy to term, or in case of multiple pregnancy, as well as compensation for lost wages of the surrogate mother and / or her husband can always arise.
When you are writing a classified surrogacy ad, you should mention the whole range of fees and iron out the specifics later on. In case if you are going to make an independent surrogacy arrangement without making any agency involved, you should place one of the attorneys or another third party in charge of an escrow account containing the surrogate mother’s fees and estimated costs to be dispensed as they are due to arise. In case if you apply to an agency, they will ask you to pay all fees up front and make disbursements for you.
6. Do not rush in.
If you are looking for a surrogacy agency, you should get all the detailed information regarding any agency, you are choosing from. First of all you should find out if the agency works with gay and lesbian couples of intended parents. Than get to know how long they have been in business, how many clients have they already worked with? How many babies were delivered during their time or work? What is the pregnancy success rate of this very agency? How large is the staff of an agency, how qualified are they? Does every potential surrogate mother undergo all the psychological and medical screening before she gets accepted by the agency? Has this agency ever been sued by any client or a surrogate mother? What kind of insurance does this agency provide?
7. Be cautious!
Though, it is an unpleasant thing to point out, still it is extremely hard to know who can be trusted these days. That is why you are to check all referenced, look for red flags. Remember, in case if something seems you to be too good to be true, it is really so. Do not forget to pay attention at any feeling of discomfort, at any uneasiness, which can arise during your interaction with the potential surrogate mother, always be open about them. Do not feel confused to ask any question, which bothers you for this reason or another; expect to receive forthright answers. In case if there are problems, arising form the very beginning, move on; learn from your experience. Remember, as soon as the surrogate mother gets pregnant, your agreement is your bulwark.
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