Surrogacy is a miracle for people who want children and for some reason are unable to become parents on their own. Usually couples have tried other interventions before they consider surrogacy. These interventions are costly and are heartbreaking for many couples who are unable to conceive using these interventions. Many agencies are available to guide couples through the process of surrogacy. Georgia’s premier surrogacy agency offers a caring, supportive experience with professionals working with you every step of the way. There are several things to be aware of when deciding if surrogacy is the right thing.
These are the 10 best things to know about surrogacy.
Medical Necessity
You must have a medical condition that prevents you from becoming pregnant. Just not wanting to take time to be pregnant because of a job or not wanting your body to change are not reasons for IVF, in vitro fertilization. The surrogate mother also needs to participate in a medical examination to make sure she is healthy enough to carry a baby.
Psychological Counseling for the Prospective Parents
You will need to seek counseling to make sure you are ready for surrogacy. It is not easy to have someone else carry your baby and you may feel the need to be more in charge of the surrogate mother than you should be. This situation can cause conflict between you and the surrogate mother. You should consider carefully if this is right for you also consider living a life without children.
Psychological Counseling and Evaluation for the Surrogate and Her Family
Counseling for the surrogate mother is essential to make sure the surrogate is ready emotionally and physically to carry someone else’s baby. Has she done this before? How did it go and what are her reasons for doing it again? She needs to understand the involvement of the couple and that they may have disagreements about pregnancy.
Laws in Your State Concerning Surrogacy
Make sure you consult independent legalities of the state the surrogate lives in. Laws are different state by state. Each of you need to have your own representation and sign legal contracts before undergoing any medical course of action.
Surrogacy Questionnaire
Couples and the surrogate will each fill out a questionnaire to share with each other. Questions may include general heath, prior marriages or children, legal judgments, and pregnancy history.
Ongoing Counseling
Both the surrogate mother and the couple need to participate in counseling throughout the pregnancy. Also, counseling should continue for two months or more after the birth. This will help with a smooth process.
The Cost of Surrogacy
There are financial considerations to work through. The couple will have to pay for the pregnancy. This includes a high risk pregnancy, miscarriage, and premature birth. Many of these considerations will be discussed with your counselor.
One of the Couple should be Biologically Connected to the Child
This process becomes more difficult when neither of the couple are connected to the child biologically. The relationship between the couple and the surrogate is very complex both psychologically and legally. If this is the case for you your surrogate will need to be a resident of California because it is the only jurisdiction that recognizes this type of relationship.
Expectations
The couple and the surrogate will need to sit down together to discuss what each is exception of the other. Discussion what you both are comfortable during the pregnancy and more important throughout the child’s life will be extremely important.
Agencies
Be sure to research several surrogacy agencies. Find one that is reputable and that you are comfortable with.