Surrogacy stands for a process in which the surrogate mother or a woman bears the intended parents’ child, which agreement is legally supported. The first question that comes to our mind is if surrogacy is legal or not in the United States? Although surrogacy is legal in almost every state, its laws and procedures are not the same. Each state has its autonomy to frame rules and the procedure to carry out surrogacy.
Surrogacy in the USA-
But, here are some general steps that are, more or less, involved in every surrogacy in USA–
- To make a final decision-
Opting for surrogacy is quite a bold move for any couple. The whole process is nothing less than an emotional roller coaster ride and involves challenges at every step. Be it the risk involved, the cost factor, or the time to be devoted to the whole process, surrogacy requires full commitment from both the parties involved. But once a final decision is made, the whole process seems to get a lot easier for everyone.
- Deciding the way of surrogacy-
The next step comes in deciding the type of surrogacy process to be used. There are two types of surrogacies, namely, the traditional and gestational methods. The “intended” father artificially inseminates the surrogate mother through some lab treatments in the traditional process. The surrogate mother then carries the child until it is delivered, whereas, in the gestational form of surrogacy, the “intended” mother is the child’s biological mother. The genetic materials from both the parents are fertilized through IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) process and then is artificially placed inside the surrogate mother’s womb.
- Finding a perfect surrogate-
Finding a perfect surrogate is the most difficult part of the whole process. Complete transparency, trust, commitment, and support should be there among both the parties for each other. The intended parents can also go for surrogates from different countries depending upon the laws in their state or due to their financial reasons.
- Fulfilling the legal requirements-
After making all the required decisions and finding a surrogate match, the time comes to satisfying all the legal formalities. This can be the most difficult and complex phase for some as the laws vary from state to state. This step will include the drafting out of a legal constraint between both the parties, and both the parties are required to have their attorney to represents their legal interests. Then the process of surrogacy will start.
- Carrying out the fertilization and embryo transfer process-
In this step, the couple and the surrogate must decide on a surrogacy clinic and start the medical procedures. But, before commencing the fertilization process, a few tests are done to examine the health conditions of the surrogate mother. After this, the fertilization between the eggs from the surrogate mother and sperm from the biological father is done. The fertilized embryo is then transferred into the surrogate’s womb.
Surrogacy cost in the USA-
The total expected surrogacy cost in the USA depends upon various factors. This includes legal and medical expenses, surrogacy agency charges, the number of IVF cycles done, compensation to the surrogate, and even traveling expenses in some cases. The whole process can put a significant amount of financial burden on the couple. In general, the whole process of surrogacy can cost anywhere between $120,000 to $180,000 and can even go beyond $2,50,000 in some cases. A couple can also opt for carrying the process in a different country to get cheaper alternatives.
Surrogate house in the USA-
If a couple is searching for a perfect surrogate house in the USA, they can easily find tons of options out there and choose an agency that suits their requirements. There are many surrogacy agencies with services provided in various states of the USA. Depending upon the states’ legal frameworks, these agencies can meet the requirements and serve the best. Therefore, now is the time when the parental journey is for anyone and everyone out there.