sharedjourney home

Locating a Surrogate

Locating a surrogate is not always an easy task. Depending upon where you live, different laws exist as to how you can find a gestational carrier. It is important that you find out about the surrogacy laws that apply where you live before you begin searching for a surrogate.

Independent Surrogacy

If you decide to find a surrogate through independent means, it can be difficult to know where to start. Often, couples look to family members or friends to be serve as their gestational carrier. Certain countries allow surrogate mothers or infertile couples to advertise. Websites, newsletters, and surrogacy organizations often offer good places for couples and surrogates to advertise and meet.

Agency Surrogacy

Surrogacy can also be pursued through an agency that specializes in the process. Surrogacy agencies recruit women who wish to become gestational carriers. These surrogacy centers may be able to find a surrogate who is right for you. Surrogacy agencies do tend to cost more, however, they can often give you detailed information on necessary legal documents and processes.

Surrogacy Fees

Though surrogacy can be a wonderful option for many couples, it does come with a hefty price tag. When you have a child through surrogacy, you are responsible for all pregnancy-related expenses that your surrogate incurs. This includes:

• fertility drugs and treatments
• maternity and baby clothes
• prenatal health care visits
• labor and delivery costs

If you decide to go through a surrogacy agency, you will also have to pay an agency fee, which can range from $2,500 to $5,000. Some countries also allow surrogates to ask for compensation, which can be upwards of $10,000. The intended parents are also responsible for any legal fees arising from surrogacy agreements or adoption applications.

Deciding on Surrogacy

Making the choice for surrogacy can be difficult and, though you are eager to have a child, it is important to take the decision very seriously. Before choosing surrogacy, discuss all aspects of the decision with your partner.

Remember to think about your financial stability, your physical and mental health, and the various emotional aspects surrounding surrogacy. If you take the decision process slowly and surely, you are much more likely to end up with a happy result.