{"id":392,"date":"2022-09-08T11:23:28","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T18:23:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.surrogacyplace.com\/?p=392"},"modified":"2023-09-26T13:19:49","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T20:19:49","slug":"considering-surrogacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/considering-surrogacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Considering Surrogacy: A Guide for Surrogates &#038; Parents"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<div>\r\n<p>Anyone <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/telling-friends-and-family-about-surrogacy\/\">considering surrogacy<\/a> as a possibility needs to do a substantial amount of prior research, including frank discussions with their spouses\/members of their <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-with-a-family-member\/\">family<\/a>, qualified medical professionals (Reproductive Endocrinologists) and alternative reproductive specialists. Many people utilize trusted legal counsel after matching, however, you may wish to engage an attorney prior to matching to ensure any potential surrogate meets all necessary <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-eligibility-criteria\/\">requirements<\/a> per applicable local laws. Laws governing surrogacy vary greatly by country and locality (e.g. each US state has their own set of surrogacy laws and requirements). You will need to be aware of local laws before you start your journey. Some countries and US states are known to be \u201csurrogacy friendly\u201d; others heavily restrict or outright prohibit surrogacy arrangements.<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/considering-surrogacy\/#Heres_some_basics_to_keep_in_mind_as_you_begin_your_journey\" title=\"Here\u2019s some basics to keep in mind as you begin your journey.\">Here\u2019s some basics to keep in mind as you begin your journey.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/considering-surrogacy\/#1_Identifying_Potential_Surrogates\" title=\"1. Identifying Potential Surrogates\">1. Identifying Potential Surrogates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/considering-surrogacy\/#2_Medical_Clearances\" title=\"2. Medical Clearances\">2. Medical Clearances<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/considering-surrogacy\/#3_Legal_Requirements\" title=\"3. Legal Requirements\">3. Legal Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/considering-surrogacy\/#4_Compensation_Considerations\" title=\"4. Compensation Considerations\">4. Compensation Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/considering-surrogacy\/#5_Health_Insurance\" title=\"5. Health Insurance\">5. Health Insurance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heres_some_basics_to_keep_in_mind_as_you_begin_your_journey\"><\/span>Here\u2019s some basics to keep in mind as you begin your journey.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Identifying_Potential_Surrogates\"><\/span><strong>1. Identifying Potential Surrogates<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>\u00a0Surrogacy Place is designed to make <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/how-to-find-a-surrogate-mother\/\">finding a surrogate<\/a> easier and significantly less expensive than utilizing a surrogate agency (which can <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/how-much-does-surrogacy-cost\/\">cost<\/a> anywhere between $15,000-$45,000 for their matchmaking services). Surrogacy Place is also able to offer a wide variety of matching criteria so that you and any potential surrogate start out on the same page across a wide variety of different matching points e.g. when each side is able to start, number of <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/alabama-ruling-on-embryos\/\">embryos<\/a> to transfer, willingness to travel for appointments\/birth, interest\/willingness to provide <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/breastmilk-in-surrogacy\/\">breastmilk<\/a>, to the more controversial topics such as LGBT families, termination, and vaccination status.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is your responsibility to do due diligence in what matching criteria is important to you. It is also your responsibility to conduct personal and background checks. It\u2019s strongly recommended that you ask for references; if you\u2019re considering an experienced surrogate, you may want to speak to their former Intended Parents (IPs). There are many websites such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.criminalwatchdog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Watchdog<\/a> that offer quick and inexpensive criminal background checks.<\/p>\r\n<p>Many people specifically look for surrogates in <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-friendly-states\/\">surrogacy-friendly<\/a> places like <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-california\/\">California<\/a>. Surrogacy Place allows you to filter by geography to find local surrogates or surrogates in places that have laws designed to protect both parties. Surrogates in surrogate-friendly states and\/or experienced surrogates often charge more in terms of <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/paid-surrogacy\/\">compensation<\/a> because of higher demand. That, along with advice from your attorney, should be weighed against your general requirements. While some surrogates accept foreign intended parents, many will only work with domestic parents. Surrogacy Place allows you to search across these key parameters and others.<\/p>\r\n<p>Surrogacy Place also eliminates the months\/years long waiting list agencies often have allowing you to start your journey without waiting to be matched through a third party.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Medical_Clearances\"><\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1408 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without the expensive surrogacy fees. Signup with Surrogacy Place today.\" width=\"719\" height=\"374\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg 719w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1-300x156.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 719px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 719\/374;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1408\" src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without the expensive surrogacy fees. Signup with Surrogacy Place today.\" width=\"719\" height=\"374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg 719w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1-300x156.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a>2. Medical Clearances<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Any potential surrogate must be medically cleared by a Reproductive Endocrinologist. Your doctor will discuss the surrogate\u2019s general medical and pregnancy-specific history. <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-ivf\/\">IVF and surrogacy<\/a> can potentially lead to a higher-risk <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-pregnancy\/\">pregnancy<\/a>, so your doctor will want to be certain any surrogates you are considering are in top medical shape. Successful surrogates are generally women who have an easy time carrying, with whom <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-risks-and-complications\/\">complications<\/a> from pregnancy and birth have been mild or nonexistent. Surrogates must be done with having their own children and must have at least one child of their own. Medical clearance generally occurs after both parties agree to a good <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-religion\/\">faith<\/a> match and begin drafting the surrogacy arrangement legal contract. Separately, many states require and most assisted reproduction attorneys insist on (especially for first-time surrogates) a clinical psychologist to thoroughly evaluate potential surrogates for their emotional and mental readiness for the unique demands of a surrogacy arrangement. All of these medical professionals are here to make sure a surrogate is willing, able, and capable of starting and completing a successful surrogacy journey.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Legal_Requirements\"><\/span><strong>3. Legal Requirements<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>As mentioned above, you may wish to utilize the services of a qualified assisted reproduction attorney at the start of your journey. He\/she will make sure you are following local laws, as well as, ensure both sides come to a complete understanding of each side\u2019s respective responsibilities in the arrangement. Intended Parents are expected to cover the cost of the surrogate\u2019s legal counsel, and she must be free to pick whomever she feels will best represent her interests.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Compensation_Considerations\"><\/span><strong>4. Compensation Considerations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Surrogacy is not a place for cutting corners. It\u2019s a deeply personal process and it\u2019s also very expensive. <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/category\/ethics-of-surrogacy\/\">Surrogacy done properly and ethnically<\/a> can never be done cheaply. It\u2019s not unreasonable to expect to pay $80,000-100,000 for an independent jourhttps:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/category\/ethics-of-surrogacy\/ney, significantly more if you utilize an agency instead of an <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/\">independent journey<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>While some people prefer a concierge level of service in the match-making process, if you have a trusted doctor and lawyer and are fine doing your own thorough due diligence, you have the option of forging the high costs associated with agencies. Surrogacy Place eliminates high agency fees altogether while providing access to a greater pool of potential surrogates to help you undergo a fully independent journey. Other costs such as health <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-insurance-options\/\">insurance<\/a>, IVF costs, legal and escrow fees, and surrogate medical and personal expenses, as well as, fair compensation for the woman carrying your child(ren) are the hard costs of surrogacy. Surrogacy Place removes agency costs potentially allowing surrogates more of the Surrogacy and Related fees share of budgeting, while reducing the overall costs for Intended Parents.<\/p>\r\n<p>Nearly all surrogates see surrogacy as a calling, a beautiful gift to bestow on a hopeful family. Although the primary motivation for women being surrogates is usually <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/altruistic-surrogacy-vs-commercial-surrogacy\/\">altruistic<\/a>, it does not mean these women do not deserve to be fairly compensated. Baring local restrictions on compensation, only a surrogate can tell you what that amount should be. One important thing to note: women using surrogacy as their primary means to support themselves or their families is generally prohibited. As with <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/egg-donation-and-surrogacy\/\">egg donation<\/a>, however, many women use surrogacy to help achieve financial goals as well as to do provide an incredible, priceless gift to others.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Health_Insurance\"><\/span><strong>5. Health Insurance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>A potential surrogate may have health insurance that covers surrogacy and all or most pregnancy-related medical costs. A surrogate\u2019s existing health insurance plan should be carefully vetted. You may wish to use a service like <a href=\"https:\/\/artrisksolutions.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ART Risk<\/a> in evaluating. If surrogacy is excluded from a potential surrogate\u2019s policy, it is the responsibility of the intended parent to purchase health insurance on behalf of the surrogate. Many intended parents are able to purchase plans directly through agencies. Health care for any children born under surrogacy arrangements is the sole responsibility of the intended parent(s).<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1409 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without an agency - signup for Surrogacy Place's online surrogacy matching program now\" width=\"754\" height=\"203\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg 754w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2-300x81.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 754px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 754\/203;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1409\" src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without an agency - signup for Surrogacy Place's online surrogacy matching program now\" width=\"754\" height=\"203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg 754w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2-300x81.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Anyone considering surrogacy as a possibility needs to do a substantial amount of prior research, including frank discussions with their spouses\/members of their family, qualified&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":393,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3,6],"tags":[15,18,19,20,21,25,31,32,38,42,48,49,51],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=392"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=392"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=392"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=392"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}