Understanding Surrogacy for Parents
Surrogacy is a powerful pathway for individuals and couples who cannot conceive a child on their own. At Conceptual Options, we guide intended parents through every step of the surrogacy process, from initial consultation to bringing your baby home. Whether you are dealing with infertility, health concerns, or same-sex family planning, we provide expert support and comprehensive resources to make your journey to parenthood as smooth as possible.
IVF
Is required to create the embryo that will be implanted in your chosen Gestational Surrogate.
Donors
Depending on your unique situation, an Egg Donor or Sperm Donor may be required
Our Agency
Guides you throughout the entire Surrogacy Process and even after to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries and delivers a child for another individual or couple. Surrogacy can take various forms, including traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate uses her own egg, or gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) from the intended parents or donors. This page will break down these options, the costs involved, and the legal and emotional support needed to navigate this life-changing process.
1. Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is also the biological mother of the child. She uses her own eggs and carries the baby for the intended parents. This type of surrogacy is less common today due to the emotional and legal complexities it presents.
2. Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is the more common form and involves the surrogate carrying an embryo created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or anonymous donors. The child is genetically unrelated to the surrogate. This method is preferred due to its reduced emotional and legal risks for both the surrogate and the intended parents.
Key Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy:
- Clearer genetic connection between the child and the intended parents
- More legal protection for all parties involved
- Higher success rates compared to traditional surrogacy
6 Steps to Becoming a Parent:
Step #1
Step #2
Step #3
Step #4
Step #5
Step #6
Surrogate Screening
and Matching
We like to consider Surrogate Screening one of our top priorities at Conceptual Options. Not only do Surrogates have to pass through our tough Surrogate Requirements, but they will also talk with our in-house Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who will evaluate the potential Surrogate Mother and help determine whether Surrogacy is the right fit for them. One of our Client Relations Managers will also discuss what level of contact the potential Surrogate applicant is comfortable with, whether she is comfortable with carrying multiple babies or just one, and whether her goals align with yours as the Intended Parents.
When it comes to matching you with your potential Surrogate Mother we take into account all of these things, including levels of privacy wanted from all parties, and use our Surrogate Database and one of our expert Client Relations Managers to match you with someone who shares the same goals and preferences as you do. Remember, at this point in this process, no upfront costs have been paid. No costs are paid until you have been matched with your Surrogate, Egg Donor, Sperm Donor, Clinic, and Lawyer, and then a retainer for services is signed. No waiting lists and no up-front fees.
What to expect:
Costs of
Surrogacy
The cost of surrogacy varies based on multiple factors, including the type of surrogacy, legal fees, medical procedures, and compensation for the surrogate. On average, surrogacy costs in the U.S. range between $100,000 and $150,000 or more. The breakdown typically includes:
- Surrogate Compensation: $50,000 to $70,000+
- Agency Fees: $20,000 to $30,000
- Medical Expenses: $20,000 to $40,000
- Legal Fees: $5,000 to $10,000
Financing Your Surrogacy Journey
Many intended parents look into financing options, including loans, grants, or insurance coverage, to help manage the cost of surrogacy. Be sure to discuss financial planning with your surrogacy agency or consultant to explore the best options for you.
Parental Rights
In most cases, the Intended Parents are recognized as the legal parents once the baby is born, but this can vary by state.
Surrogate's Rights
The Surrogate’s rights and obligations are detailed in the surrogacy agreement to prevent any legal disputes post-birth. Surrogate's do not have any legal rights to the child as they are not genetically related to the child at all (in Gestational Surrogacy).
International Surrogacy
If you are considering surrogacy in another country, be sure to understand the local legal frameworks to avoid complications. Our Conceptual Options Team can get you started and find solutions for you based on where you live.
Legal Considerations for Surrogacy:
Surrogacy is a legally complex process, and laws vary by state and country. It is crucial to work with an experienced surrogacy lawyer to draft contracts, establish parental rights, and ensure the process follows local legal guidelines. Some important legal considerations include:
What our Parents say
Our local fertility specialist initially directed us to Conceptual Options after they were not able to meet out needs. They had been involved with another patient who used this firm and considered them to be reputable and reliable. We located their web site on the internet, contacted them and the relationship developed from there.
We selected a donor, were provided all the information which we requested and after drawing up agreements, began the donor egg process. Conceptual Options did provide very responsive contact between us and the donor. This was not easy as our schedule changed twice during the term of our agreement due to changing medical conditions on our part. Conceptual Options recommended a local (San Diego) fertility specialist to us because using our home specialist proved too awkward and expensive. Conceptual Options was very flexible and did work with us at every step of the way.
After many tentatives in Brazil, we decided to try our treatment in USA, because the technology is better than here. Then, our suffering started. After to visit a lot of clinics, we couldn't decide anything. The last place to visit, before our return to Brazil, was CO. There, we met Loren. Since this moment, we have sure what to do. It is very difficult for us living so far, looking for the legal things, and in the same time to be prepared for the treatment. For this reason we chose CO. During all the time, Loren gave us professional and personal support.Was very easy to conclude our treatment, because Loren opened the doors for us.We think, you are like us, with the same problems, and we don't know if this message will help you, but today we can't think about Loren like a manager, she became a wonderful friend. And for that, we are sending this message. It is hard, because our language is portuguese, but we must try to help another couple to be happy like us. If you have some doubt about CO, please forget. It is the best way to people who live distant. We wish you the best look, and that soon you have your family too.
How to get started with Surrogacy:
If you’re considering surrogacy, it’s important to gather information, consider your options, and connect with trusted professionals. Here are steps to begin your surrogacy journey:
Find a Surrogacy Agency
Choose a reputable surrogacy agency that has experience and a strong track record of successful matches and support. Luckily, by reading this your are already on the right path as we, at Conceptual Options Surrogacy have been helping build families since 1999 and have the expertise to help you have a stress free Surrogacy Journey.
Schedule a Consultation
Speak with the surrogacy experts here, at Conceptual Options, who can answer your questions and provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Understand Your Options
Discuss the different types of surrogacy costs and legal considerations to make informed decisions.
Prepare Emotionally and Legally
Consider counseling for both intended parents and surrogates to ensure everyone is emotionally prepared for the journey.
FAQ
Why Choose Conceptual Options for Your Surrogacy Journey?
At Conceptual Options, we specialize in helping intended parents navigate the complexities of surrogacy with ease. Our team is dedicated to providing expert support, detailed planning, and legal guidance throughout the process. With a compassionate approach and years of experience, we are here to help you create your family.
Surrogacy offers an incredible opportunity for intended parents to have a child when it might otherwise not be possible. With the right support, guidance, and planning, surrogacy can be a fulfilling and life-changing experience. Start your journey with Conceptual Options today to learn more about your options and get expert help every step of the way.
FAQ
How long does the surrogacy process take?
The entire process can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, including IVF cycles, medical screenings, and pregnancy.
What happens if the surrogate changes her mind?
Legal contracts are in place to protect the intended parents and ensure that everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clear.
Can I choose the sex of my baby through surrogacy?
Through IVF, it is possible to select the sex of the embryo using pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), though this option may come with additional costs.
What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?
Gestational Surrogacy involves using an embryo created from the Intended Parents’ or Donor’s egg and sperm, while traditional Surrogacy uses the Surrogate’s egg.
How can I financially prepare for surrogacy?
Click to open and access the Parent Application form here!
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