March is Surrogacy Awareness month. It’s a time to spread thanks to anyone who has donated and helped with the process, along with celebrating the miracle of surrogacy and the hope it brings intended parents.
How is surrogacy different from embryo adoption and donation?
In surrogacy, an agreement is made for embryos to be transferred into a woman’s uterus, and she carries the pregnancy for the benefit of the intended parents. The intended parents are specifically making embryos in vitro for placement into the surrogate using either their own genetics or purchased donor genetics.
Another option is the surrogate may be impregnated using artificial insemination using the intended father’s semen and her eggs. There are laws on surrogacy that differ in each state. Make sure you know according to your location.
In embryo adoption and donation, the adopting mother carries the child herself. The placing couple relinquishes their rights to any children born from the embryos prior to the transfer of those embryos into the adoptive mother’s womb. The child that the adopting mother carries and gives birth to is the child that she and the adopting father will parent.
So how much does it cost to build a family with surrogacy?
Surrogacy is one of the most expensive alternative family building options available to couples today. Ranging between $70,000 and $150,000, the average middle-income couple has a harder time affording this method. Here’s a break down of what goes into surrogacy:
- Legal fees. Surrogacy requires a significant amount of legal paperwork and you’ll have to pay legal fees for the processing of all the paperwork.
- Administrative fees. These are the fees charged by the clinic to handle your paperwork for the surrogacy.
- Surrogate compensation. This amount can vary a great deal, especially if you are using a friend or relative who doesn’t require compensation. Other surrogates do this especially for the compensation and if they have a proven record of successful births you’ll likely pay more.
- Fees for screenings and procedures. You’ll want to make sure the surrogate you choose is the right one to carry your baby, so screening is a very important part of the deal.
- Stipends for expenses. You’ll be expected to cover all expenses associated with the pregnancy and birth, including items that make your surrogate more comfortable during the pregnancy.
- Support group meetings for surrogates. Surrogacy can put a lot of strain on a woman – physically, mentally and emotionally. Support groups help surrogates work through those feelings.
- Birthing. You will be responsible for the costs of the birth including medical care.
The costs for surrogacy quickly adds up and may become too expensive to be a viable option for many couples looking for alternative family-building methods. Embryo adoption can cost 1/10th of the cost of surrogacy, making it a much more affordable option for couples along with the experience of carrying your own adopted child!
If you are looking for other more affordable options to grow your family, check out EmbryoAdoption.org.
Recent Comments