If you are an individual or part of a couple looking to build your family, surrogacy has probably been mentioned a time or two. It is just one of life’s major decisions you will make that will come with its own set of rewards and challenges along the way.
If you’re considering surrogacy, you must take the time to evaluate the pros and cons before deciding whether it’s the right choice for you.
The Benefits of Surrogacy
Let’s start by taking a deeper look into the benefits of surrogacy and what you can expect.
A Great Path to Parenthood
One of the most significant benefits of surrogacy is that it provides a path to parenthood for people who may not be able to have children on their own. This includes couples struggling with infertility, same-sex couples, single individuals, and women with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe. Surrogacy allows them to experience the joy of becoming parents when other fertility treatments may not have been successful.
Offers a Biological Connection
In gestational surrogacy, the child can have a biological connection to one or both intended parents. This is often a key reason intended parents choose surrogacy over adoption. For many, having a biological link to their child is deeply important, and surrogacy offers the chance for that genetic bond. It is something you can’t achieve through adoption.
Legal Protections and Clear Agreements
Also, unlike adoption, surrogacy typically involves legally binding contracts that clearly outline what everyone can expect. These agreements protect the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child. The presence of this kind of legal framework helps avoid any misunderstandings or disputes throughout the pregnancy and after the birth of your child.
More Control Over the Pregnancy
Surrogacy allows intended parents to have more control over the pregnancy compared to adoption. This means the intended parents are involved in major medical decisions, can monitor the health of the surrogate, and ensure the pregnancy aligns with their preferences. Many intended parents also end up forming close relationships with their surrogates, which can be reassuring throughout the process.
The Pros of Surrogacy
Now that we have covered some of the benefits of surrogacy, let’s get more into the pros.
- Personalized Parenthood Journey: Intended parents have a direct role in the journey because they have the chance to select the surrogate and can be involved in the pregnancy milestones along the way. This provides a personalized experience in building their family.
- Success Rates: Surrogacy tends to have higher success rates than many other fertility treatments, especially when high-quality eggs, sperm, or embryos are used.
- Close Monitoring: Surrogates undergo very thorough medical screening and are closely monitored throughout the pregnancy. This increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
- Emotional Bonds: Many intended parents and surrogates develop strong emotional bonds that last well beyond the birth. These relationships can be a meaningful aspect of the surrogacy journey and can be an important part of the process for many.
The Cons of Surrogacy
As with any major life decision, you also have to wade through the cons of surrogacy.
High Costs
One of the biggest drawbacks of surrogacy is the cost involved. The process is often expensive, with total costs ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on factors such as legal fees, medical expenses, and compensation for the surrogate. This can be financially prohibitive for many intended parents. However, this also does depend on where you choose to take your surrogacy journey. Other countries, like Colombia, for example, come with much lower costs.
Legal Complexities
While surrogacy offers legal protections, it can also involve complex legal proceedings. Laws surrounding surrogacy vary by state and country, and in some places, surrogacy contracts may not be legally enforceable. Intended parents and surrogates must navigate these legal intricacies carefully to avoid any issues later on, like after the child’s birth.
Emotional Challenges
Surrogacy can be emotionally taxing for both intended parents and surrogates. Some intended parents may even be anxious about the health of the surrogate and the baby. There may also be some feelings of disconnect from the pregnancy.
Medical Risks
Like any pregnancy, surrogacy carries medical risks. Although surrogates undergo extensive screening, complications can still arise during pregnancy or childbirth.
Is Surrogacy the Right Option for You?
After weighing the pros and cons of surrogacy, the question remains: is it the right choice for you? The answer to this largely depends on your circumstances and what you value. Surrogacy can prove to be beautiful and rewarding. However, the financial, emotional, and legal complexities also need to be considered.