Surrogacy: How it Works

You have decided that now may be your time to conceive. You have also decided that you would like to use a surrogate. What is surrogacy?

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is the process of becoming pregnant through the use of a surrogate. The embryo created from your sperm and egg will be transferred to your surrogate’s uterus around gestational week 5 – 7. The surrogate will carry the baby to term and then you will be the legal parents at birth.

How do you find a surrogate?

The first step in finding a surrogate is to contact a surrogacy agency. The agency will help you find a surrogate who meets your specific needs. The agency will also help with the legal process of becoming a parent.

What are the costs of surrogacy?

What is the surrogacy process?

The surrogacy process can take up to a year. It begins with consultations with an surrogate selection agency. This agency will help you choose a surrogate who is compatible with your needs and desires. You will then complete a home study, which is required by most states. Some homes are better candidates for placement than others based on any medical concerns or restrictions on potential lifestyle changes such as drinking or smoking. You will also have to provide proof of income and a current resume. After this part has been completed, there are three main stages in placing an embryo:

1) Pre-Gestational Matching

2) Medical Screening of the Surrogate

3) Finalizing Gestational Agreement. Each stage has specific requirements that must be met in order to move forward.

What are the eligibility requirements?

There are a few eligibility requirements that you and your surrogate must meet in order to move forward with the surrogacy process. You must be over the age of 18, have a good physical and mental health, not be pregnant or nursing at the time of embryo transfer, and have a stable home environment. You and your surrogate must also be able to communicate well, have regular cycles, and not take any medications that could interfere with the pregnancy. Your family members cannot participate unless they meet these same criteria (including children).

What are the costs?

The cost of surrogacy can vary depending on the state you reside in, the agency you use, and the amount of services you require. Generally, the cost ranges from $60,000 to $100,000. If complications occur during pregnancy however, they may put additional costs on both you and your would-be parents.

What are the risks?

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering surrogacy. While laws vary between states regarding gender preferences for gestational babies; financial support does play into it because egg donors usually make more than surrogates. Also, surrogates are typically not reimbursed for expenses such as doctor visits or fertility treatments. If you are using an agency, they will typically cover the cost of these expenses. However, if you are working with a surrogate directly, you will need to come to an agreement about who pays for what. Other questions I ask myself include “Do I really want this baby?” “Can we afford another baby now that I already have five kids.” If you are considering surrogacy, take some time to weigh out all the pros and cons first. You don’t want to rush into anything and regret it later.

Can you bank umbilical cord stem cells with a surrogate?

Stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood are used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. They can be used to treat diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia. Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing these stem cells for future use. Some people choose this option so their child has easy access someday should other medical treatment options fail them after birth day surgery. Embryo donation carried out by a surrogate also carries the potential to bank stem cells. Would-be parents must inquire about this process with their chosen agency or surrogate.

Anja Health would be happy to assist you through the stem cell banking process through your surrogacy journey. Check out our Science page to learn more about cord blood banking.