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What is Surrogacy? Surrogates, Parents, and Egg Donors
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a type of Assisted Reproductive Technique, in which intended parents work with a gestational carrier/ surrogate, who agrees to carry their baby till birth. Surrogacy is used by intended parents when they are unable to have a child on their own.
Surrogacy definition and how does surrogacy work?
Basically, surrogacy is an arrangement, in which someone gives birth to a baby for someone else. Gestational Surrogacy is helpful for those who cannot have children themselves. Hence, this process has strong expertise both medically as well as legally, and continuous support throughout the surrogacy journey. People who opt for surrogacy are called Intended Parents (IPs).
A technique called IVF is used to create embryos inside a lab at a fertility clinic. To make these embryos, sometimes the intended parents use their own eggs and sperm, and sometimes, donor eggs or donor sperm may be required. The surrogate mother is then called to the fertility clinic, where 1-2 embryos are implanted inside her uterus.
Does the surrogate mother use her own eggs for surrogacy? No! Gestational carriers don’t use their own eggs, this is to make sure that she has no genetic link with the child she has to carry.
Surrogacy has been used as a means for family-building for quite some time, however, it has evolved throughout the years.
Why choose surrogacy to grow your family?
Surrogacy is a program, which allows couples as well as individuals from various backgrounds, ages, and sexual orientations to welcome a baby into their families.
Intended parents who opt for surrogacy are:
- Heterosexual couples, struggling with infertility
- Intended mothers who cannot carry a child
- Intended parents who are suffering from a genetic disorder or health condition and don’t want to pass them on to their child.
- Gay and trans intended parents who want to be genetically linked with their baby.
All surrogacy journeys are different from each other, and Vinsfertility feels pride that we have helped so many people in fulfilling their dream of parenthood in the United States and all over the world.
How much does surrogacy cost?
The cost of a surrogate mother is the most significant cost in the total surrogacy costs. For someone living in the U.S., the surrogacy costs range around $120K-$180K for a journey. The real journey cost is dependent on the requirements of the intended parents (need of donor along with surrogate or not), their insurance, and also the specific details of their surrogacy journey. Therefore, there is no “one cost fits all”, as every journey is unique in its own way.
Out of the total cost incurred, approximately 40% will be paid to the surrogate, which includes her base compensation, her legal consultation, social work, screening, additional benefits, and payments.
For intended parents who use a surrogacy agency for their journey, an agency fee will also be included in their surrogacy costs.
How much do surrogates make?
Even though the monetary benefits gained from becoming a surrogate mother are noteworthy, they are no match to the indescribable sense of accomplishment and fulfillment surrogates get from helping intended parents welcome a child into this world.
The surrogate mother pay is dependent on some factors like where she lives, her insurance status, and if she is becoming a surrogate for the first time or not. Averagely, surrogate mother receives around $50,000 to $60,000, which includes a base fee between $30k-$40k, additional compensation, and other benefits.
Vinsfertility offers surrogates/ gestational carriers and their families the most comprehensive, beneficial, and protective pay packages.
What is the Surrogacy process?
It is relatively easier to understand what is surrogacy, however, understanding its process is a bit more involved. You might find the surrogacy process to be complex, and if you decide to work with an experienced agency like Vinsfertility helps in navigating the milestones and also provide support throughout the journey.
The surrogacy process involves:
- Apply as an intended parent or a surrogate
- Surrogate has to meet all the requirements and intended parents have to complete an initial consultation.
- Matching of intended parents with a surrogate
- Pregnancy, and relationship building between the surrogate and intended parents.
- Day of delivery and more
Vinsfertility gives high priority to relationships, hence we encourage both the parties- the surrogate and intended parents to have a strong and healthy relationship.
What is the meaning of surrogacy for surrogate mothers?
The decision to become a surrogate is definitely life-changing. Surrogate mothers/gestational carriers are generous and passionate about family and are generous enough to willingly help others. There are many surrogates, who form life-long bonds with their intended parents and continue to be a part of their lives, even after the baby is born.
It is empowering how a woman is unable to give the gift of parenthood to someone. Before applying to become a surrogate mother, these women are 100% dedicated to being emotionally, mentally, and physically ready for the intended parents.
What does surrogacy mean for intended parents?
Welcoming a child via surrogacy is a highly rewarding and emotional path towards parenthood. To complete their wish, the intended parents put their faith into not only the surrogate mother but the surrogacy agency as well. This journey may have its ups and downs but the feeling of having your baby into your arms cannot be put into awards.
It is the choice of the intended parents whether they want to go on the surrogacy journey independently or work with an agency like Vinsfertility. Working with a surrogacy agency provides a level of comfort, partnership, and expertise that intended parents cannot have on their own. If they have hired an agency, they will be able to pay more attention to other details like the baby’s arrival.
Common questions about surrogacy.
If you are considering opting for surrogacy, trying to understand surrogacy, or are on a journey to parenthood via surrogacy, it is obvious to have some questions. Vinsfertility has vast experience in helping thousands of intended parents complete their journey to parenthood. We have managed many surrogates and intended parents and are here to answer all your questions.
What is the difference between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy?
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate who carries the baby for intended parents does not share any DNA with the child, i.e. are eggs are not used to make the embryo, transferred to her uterus. Hence, gestational surrogacy is the one most practiced today. Opposite to it, in traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used for making the embryo, thus connecting her genetically with the baby she is caring for the intended parents. Vinsfertility does not arrange traditional surrogacy.
Do I need to work with a surrogacy agency?
It is not necessary for intended parents and surrogates to work with an agency to complete their surrogacy, doing it on their own is known as an independent agency. We understand that surrogacy can be a bit complex, hence we recommend both the parties i.e. intended parents and the surrogate to work with an agency. It ensures that both the parties will receive the support and care they need while they are on this journey. The agency will manage the details so that the intended parents can focus on other details, like welcoming their baby.
Why should I choose Vinsfertility?
They are a plethora of reasons, why intended parents should choose Vinsfertility! With the experience of nearly a decade, we have helped in bringing thousands of babies into this world. Given below are the top reasons why you should choose Vinsfertility:
- 99.9% success rate
- We are a ‘one-stop’ agency, i.e. we handle everything from egg donation to taking your baby home.
- We have the most comprehensive screening process for surrogates.
How does a surrogate woman (gestational carrier) get pregnant?
A surrogate or gestational carrier gets pregnant when an embryo is transferred inside her uterus by an IVF doctor. To make this possible, she is given medication prior to prepare her body for pregnancy.
Can I speak with the surrogate or intended parents from your program?
Yes! It will be our delight to connect you with surrogates and intended parents.
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