{"id":905,"date":"2023-05-09T13:37:43","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T20:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/?p=905"},"modified":"2023-08-15T13:17:45","modified_gmt":"2023-08-15T20:17:45","slug":"surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/","title":{"rendered":"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples"},"content":{"rendered":"\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\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Same-sex_and_LGBTQ_couples_and_surrogacy\" title=\"Same-sex and LGBTQ+ couples and surrogacy\">Same-sex and LGBTQ+ couples and surrogacy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Legal_Considerations\" title=\"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Legal Considerations\">Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Legal Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Financial_Considerations\" title=\"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Financial Considerations\">Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Financial Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Emotional_Considerations\" title=\"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Emotional Considerations\">Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Emotional Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Choosing_an_Egg_or_Sperm_Donor\" title=\"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Choosing an Egg or Sperm Donor \">Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Choosing an Egg or Sperm Donor <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Social_Stigma\" title=\"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Social Stigma \">Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Social Stigma <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Establishing_Parentage\" title=\"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Establishing Parentage\">Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Establishing Parentage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Finding_the_Right_Surrogate\" title=\"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Finding the Right Surrogate\">Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Finding the Right Surrogate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples\/#Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Preparing_for_the_Challenges_of_Parenting\" title=\"Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Preparing for the Challenges of Parenting\">Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Preparing for the Challenges of Parenting<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Same-sex_and_LGBTQ_couples_and_surrogacy\"><\/span><strong>Same-sex and LGBTQ+ couples and surrogacy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Same-sex and LGBTQ couples face unique challenges when it comes to having kids and creating families. Advances in assisted reproduction have made surrogacy a viable option for many. There are some important things to consider, however, when deciding to use surrogacy to create or grow your <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-with-a-family-member\/\">family<\/a>. This includes legal, medical, as well as practical considerations. Advocacy as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/parents\/celebrities-who-have-used-surrogates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">high-profile LGBTQ+ parents<\/a> have done a lot to normalize surrogacy for all persons, including same-sex couples.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Legal_Considerations\"><\/span><strong>Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Legal Considerations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>An important starting place for LGBTQ+ couples is understanding the legal landscape surrounding surrogacy. In the United States, same-sex couples are generally treated the same under the law, including for the purposes of surrogacy, however, there may be restrictions that uniquely affect same-sex partners (who are not fully biologically related to their children) or unmarried partners.<\/p>\r\n<p>In the United States, there are no federal laws governing surrogacy. Surrogacy is left up to each state to regulate. Some states have no regulations (thereby permitting surrogacy in the absence of laws prohibiting it), while others have very specific <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-eligibility-criteria\/\">requirements<\/a>. In all states where surrogacy is permitted, surrogates must go through rigorous medical and lifestyle screenings. Not every woman that has had successful pregnancies in the past is qualified to be a surrogate. For a full list of requirements, review these <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/become-a-surrogate\/\">surrogate eligibility guidelines.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Some states are considered \u201csurrogacy-friendly\u201d because of the favorable laws in place decided to protect all parties, including the enforceability of <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-contracts-and-agreements\/\">surrogacy contracts<\/a>. Other states are surrogacy-neutral with little to no regulations or protections. Other states severely limit or prohibit surrogacy and are not ideal places to consider a journey. Intended Parents, including <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-international-parents\/\">international<\/a> couples, can choose which state they\u2019d like to explore surrogacy in by <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/how-to-find-a-surrogate-mother\/\">finding a surrogate<\/a> in that state. Surrogates are generally limited to the state they are a resident of, but there are some exceptions.\u00a0Experienced attorneys are great resources for discussions on state-by-state considerations, including jurisdiction. \u00a0It&#8217;s important to work with an experienced assisted reproduction attorney who is knowledgeable about surrogacy. Your attorney can help guide you through the legal process. Feel free to use SurrogacyPlace.com\u2019s own <a href=\"https:\/\/my.surrogacyplace.com\/attorney\/directory\">surrogacy attorney directory<\/a><\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Financial_Considerations\"><\/span><strong>Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: <\/strong><strong>Financial Considerations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Surrogacy is a costly endeavor for all Intended Parents, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. \u00a0Expenses start with embryo creation. Egg retrievals (whether done on yourself or from a donor) and <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-ivf\/\">IVF<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-myth-experimental-medications\/\">medications<\/a> are extremely expensive and not typically covered by <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-insurance-options\/\">insurance<\/a>. Using a donor embryo or undergoing <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/traditional-surrogacy-vs-gestational-surrogacy\/\">traditional surrogacy<\/a> can be less costly, as is forgoing a surrogacy agency and doing an <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-journeys\/\">independent surrogacy journey<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>In addition to <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-fertility-treatments\/\">fertility treatments<\/a> and medications, including injectable hormones for the surrogate, Intended Parents must pay surrogate <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/paid-surrogacy\/\">compensation<\/a>, legal fees (including legal fees incurred by their surrogate), health insurance\/medical bills, travel expenses, maternity clothes, lost wages, life insurance for the surrogate and her family, and child care costs for the surrogate\u2019s own children if applicable. For a full rundown, here are <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/how-much-does-surrogacy-cost\/\">some of the typical costs Intended Parents pay.<\/a> The only optional costs are funds given to a surrogacy agency; agency fees can run tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars! Those that do self-managed <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/affordable-surrogacy\/\">independent surrogacy<\/a> save a significant amount of money and oftentimes shorten their wait times in <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-process\/\">the process<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Emotional_Considerations\"><\/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>Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: <\/strong><strong>Emotional Considerations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Surrogacy is an emotional experience for Intended Parents. Everyone entering into a surrogacy arrangement should have a strong support system in place during the process. There are no guarantees in surrogacy, there are sometimes devastating set backs including chemical pregnancies, medical delays, fetal abnormalities, and broken matches. Those that turn to surrogacy for family building must have a strong support network, including a supportive partner if applicable, to help navigate any unpredictable pitfalls. Some turn to <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-support-groups\/\">support groups<\/a>. It\u2019s important to realize that surrogacy can be stressful even when everything goes well. Intended Parents need to be mentally prepared to weather any storms that may arise.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Choosing_an_Egg_or_Sperm_Donor\"><\/span><strong>Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: <\/strong><strong>Choosing an Egg or Sperm Donor <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>For same-sex male or lesbian couples choosing an egg, sperm, or embryo donor is a critical decision. There are many factors at play including medical history and physical traits. Many Intended Parents will choose egg or sperm donors based on physical traits that closely mirror their own. Donors are categorized by education-level, drug\/alcohol history, medical history, ethnicity, profession, talents, <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-religion\/\">religion<\/a>, and lifestyle. Egg or sperm donors can be anonymous or known donors, though in either case egg and sperm donors waive all <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-legal-parentage\/\">parental rights<\/a> when they sign a contract for gamete donation.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Social_Stigma\"><\/span><strong>Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: <\/strong><strong>Social Stigma <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Same-sex couples who utilize surrogacy may face negative reaction from family members or strangers. Similar to the scrutiny same-sex couples experience when they decide to adopt a child, attitudes towards same-sex <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-relationship-dynamics\/\">relationships<\/a> especially when it comes to children are still evolving. In certain areas, LGBTQ+ families may face little stigma, in more conservative areas they may field negative comments and their child(ren) may be subject to negative reactions.<\/p>\r\n<p>Fortunately, there are resources and advocacy groups that can help. <a href=\"https:\/\/menhavingbabies.org\/get-involved\/advocacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Men Having Babies<\/a> is one such organization. Having a community of other LGBTQ+ parents is also important.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Establishing_Parentage\"><\/span><strong>Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: <\/strong><strong>Establishing Parentage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>In certain states and counties, same-sex couples may have more limited options with respect to establishing their parentage for children born via surrogacy. This is especially true if a same-sex couple is not married or in instances where neither parent is biologically related to their child(ren). In states that limit pre-birth parentage orders, same-sex parents generally must undergo a second-parent or stepparent adoption process to confirm their parental rights.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Finding_the_Right_Surrogate\"><\/span><strong>Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: <\/strong><strong>Finding the Right Surrogate<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Matching with the right surrogate is a key aspect of surrogacy. In addition to <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-screening-process\/\">screening<\/a> for shared views on termination and <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-pregnancy\/\">pregnancy<\/a> protocols, same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals should ascertain the LGBTQ+ comfort level of any prospective surrogates. Surrogacy Place understands this concern and have included LGBTQ+ status as a searchable field to help LGBTQ+ parents find surrogates who are enthusiastic about working with them.<\/p>\r\n<p>Review <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/how-to-find-a-surrogate-mother\/\">some of the questions Intended Parents should be asking surrogates<\/a> during the matching process.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surrogacy_for_Same-Sex_Couples_Preparing_for_the_Challenges_of_Parenting\"><\/span><strong>Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: <\/strong><strong>Preparing for the Challenges of Parenting<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Couples from the LGBTQ+ community who opt to have children, including children born from surrogacy, must be ready to take up the responsibilities of raising a child. To best prepare yourself, consider taking parenting classes, build a network of fellow LGBTQ+ parents, and fully share in the responsibilities of day-to-day parenting with your partner if you have one.<\/p>\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>Same-sex and LGBTQ+ couples and surrogacy Same-sex and LGBTQ couples face unique challenges when it comes to having kids and creating families. Advances in assisted&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":907,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5],"tags":[19,107,105,106,31,46,49],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/905"}],"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=905"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/905\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=905"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=905"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=905"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}