Key Points:

• Discover the four main misconceptions surrounding independent surrogacy.
• Learn what benefits a surrogacy agency offers parents.
• Connect with a surrogacy agency to learn more about the process.

Many families who are choosing to go through surrogacy have been trying to have a child for a while. Taking your family building back into your own hands might be important to you. When choosing which route you want to go between independent surrogacy vs an agency, it’s important to know as much as possible.

Learn what the common misconceptions are surrounding private surrogacy and what surrogacy agencies can do for you.

#1 I’ll Save Money Through Independent Surrogacy.

A major reason people want to pursue surrogacy independently is because of the cost. Many surrogacy agencies quote the cost of surrogacy with them to be around $150,000. This quote can understandably scare a lot of parents from working with an agency.

However, it’s important to understand what exactly is included in these fees and the overall care you will get through the process.

#2 I Can Choose My Surrogate.

While yes, you can choose your surrogate with independent surrogacy, they will likely still need to pass some screenings that make them a viable surrogate. Even if you want a family member or friend to be your surrogate, they will need to meet national criteria.

On top of that, they will need to be vetted through a background check and medical screening. You may have a good idea of those aspects about your family member, but if you’re going through other routes to find a surrogate you can be putting yourself and your future child at risk.

#3 I Can Control the Legal Process.

Many people think that if they are going through the private surrogacy route, they won’t have to do as much legal work.

However, this is not the case. Not only will you need to put together a surrogacy agreement that includes surrogate compensation, but you will also need legal assistance in creating a parentage order. Most surrogacy agencies will have a network of surrogacy attorneys who can assist you and have been through the practice many times through.

#4 Independent Surrogacy is a Quicker Process.

Many parents may not understand what all goes into the surrogacy process, leaving them vulnerable to different negative situations.

While some people may believe that the added use of an agency can just complicate the process, the opposite tends to be true. When you aren’t prepared for different parts of the surrogacy process, it can put a hold on your timeline, causing even more time, stress and money to be spent.

How Does a Private Surrogacy Arrangement Work?

If you’re set on private surrogacy and have already found a surrogate on your own, a surrogacy agency’s services can still be utilized to help you complete your surrogacy journey. Experienced surrogacy professionals can provide support in navigating the legal, financial and logistical aspects of surrogacy.

An agency can assist in drafting and reviewing surrogacy contracts to ensure that all parties’ rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and legally protected. Additionally, surrogacy professionals can facilitate the necessary medical and psychological evaluations to ensure the surrogate is a suitable candidate.

Surrogacy agencies can help you and your chosen surrogate feel confident and secure throughout the surrogacy process, providing guidance, coordination and peace of mind as you work together to bring your dreams of parenthood to fruition.

Benefits of a Surrogacy Agency

Working with a surrogacy agency can give you the peace of mind you need when going through the surrogacy process.

Matching and Screening Services

When you work with an agency they are doing all the work when it comes to screening your surrogate. Before you even match with one, they will have gone through an extensive screening process to make sure they are a reliable and qualified surrogate.

Surrogacy Planning, Case Management and Coordination

When you start working with a surrogacy professional they are with you every step of the way. They will help you through your surrogacy plan and identify what you want out of the process.

Counseling and Support

The surrogacy process can be emotional for many parents. While you are prepared to watch someone else carry your child, you can still feel sad and other emotions. Through a surrogacy agency, you have the opportunity for counseling and support to help you through the process.

If you want to know more about the surrogacy process and costs for surrogacy, contact a surrogacy professional today.