The age to become parents is increasing with the shifting in priorities. People want to focus on their careers first before getting married and settling down. The age for marriage has moved from the early twenties to the late twenties and even thirties today. Sadly, with the changes, infertility is also increasing. As the body transforms with age, infertility, and miscarriages also increase. Fortunately, surrogacy gives such couples hope to form a family and bring their baby home to live a happy life.
Here is a basic guide to finding a surrogate if you are searching for a gestational carrier or want to learn more about the procedure-
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy or gestational surrogacy is a form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in which a woman carries the pregnancy to its term and delivers a baby to the intended parents. According to a study by CDC, the total number of IVF transfers with gestational carriers increased from 1 % to 5.4% in the last decade. The success rate is also in favor of the technique, and more couples or people wanting to become parents are opting for it.
The Process of Surrogacy
The surrogacy process includes preparation for pregnancy, pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. The agency will provide you with the necessary documentation, legal details, and detailed instructions before the delivery. They will assist you through the whole process and ensure that everything is ready to go at the right time.
Why Does Someone Need a Surrogate?
Mostly, the decision to choose surrogacy is due to medical reasons because of which a woman is not able to conceive. Some pregnancy-related reasons could be infertility, medical anomalies, age factor, multiple prior miscarriages, and others. At the same time, other medical reasons could also be heart surgery and cancer. You may also need a surrogate mother if you wish to be a single parent or part of the same-sex community opting for surrogacy over adoption. People often choose surrogacy as adoption is a more strict and lengthy procedure. Moreover, the intended parent is never genetically related to the adopted child, which is not the case in surrogacy, as the sperm donor is mostly the intended father.
How to Find a Surrogate?
You can find surrogates by two means, either through a surrogacy agency or independently.
Through a surrogacy agency:
Those who opt to hire a surrogacy agency do not have to worry about the procedure and other aspects of the process. The agency will ensure they provide the most suitable candidate for you. The surrogacy agency will check for the essential qualifications of surrogacy set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). They will also conduct all required assessments like medical and psychological examinations to ensure that the surrogate they provide is healthy and ready to be pregnant.
Private or Independent Surrogacy:
On the other hand, some people also choose to search for a surrogate privately or independently, which is much more time-consuming as they will have to complete all requirements themselves. It is also a risky option as the chosen surrogate might not be reliable and can deny giving up the baby once it is born. You will also have to complete the legal requirements, which can be a lengthy process without any connections.
What are the Types of Gestational Carriers?
Surrogates or gestational carriers are of two types-
Commercial Surrogacy:
Commercial surrogacy is the process in which a gestational carrier gains financial benefits through the surrogacy procedure. The selected surrogate is not related to the intended parents in this case. Your preferences during the initial meetings with your chosen surrogacy agency will determine how much a surrogate mother makes who will be selected by you. The compensation for a gestational carrier depends on several factors like their experience with pregnancy, their experience as a surrogate, and the budget set by the intended parents.
Altruistic Surrogacy:
It is altruistic surrogacy when a surrogate mother is closely related to the intended parent. In this choice, the gestational carrier is either not paid through compensation or is only provided the basic bills, like traveling and medical costs. Many people have friends or family members who happily offer to be a gestational carrier for them without asking for anything in return. It is a thoughtful gift to present to someone.
How Do Surrogates Find Intended Parents?
Women choosing to be gestational carriers can find suitable intended parents in the same way that the intended parents search for them, that is, through surrogacy agencies or independent surrogacy. When opting for independent or private surrogacy, surrogates can find their potential clients through various social media communities or relations. However, surrogates are safer when choosing a surrogacy agency that works out the entire legal, medical, and other requirements.
About Rite Options-
If you wish to become a surrogate mother and help couples become parents in New York, you can visit and register with Rite Options. We are a full-service agency, from finding a perfect match to coordinating all medical, legal, psychological, and travel arrangements. Visit our website or call 1(516)512-8888 for more information.
