Key Points

• Surrogacy and adoption are two family-building options with different cost structures, genetic connections, legal processes, and more.
• Surrogacy provides a genetic link and a controlled pregnancy experience, while adoption offers the opportunity to provide a loving home to a child in need.
• To make the best choice, contact a surrogacy professional to understand the main differences between surrogacy vs. adoption.

When you’re facing infertility challenges, there are many viable options out there that can fulfill your dreams of becoming parents. Surrogacy vs. adoption are both rewarding experiences that allow you to complete your family. While they share many similarities, there are also many differences to take into account when comparing surrogacy vs. adoption.

Below are some of the major differences of surrogacy vs. adoption.

If you have any questions while reading, you can always contact a professional now to connect with a reputable surrogacy agency.

Cost/Compensation

With surrogacy, you can expect to pay for various expenses, including the surrogate’s compensation, medical costs, legal fees and agency fees. The total cost may vary depending on your location and the surrogate’s needs, as this compensation helps pay them for their time, energy and sacrifices made throughout their pregnancy. If you work with an agency with a fixed fee structure, you’ll know exactly what you will pay for your surrogacy journey up front. A fixed fee means no hidden fees and allows you to budget appropriately.

Surrogacy vs. adoption prices can vary widely depending on whether it’s a domestic or international adoption, through an agency or independently. Adopting internationally can sometimes incur additional expenses, including travel and legal fees. When comparing the cost of adoption vs. surrogacy, know that you can always contact a professional to get an estimate on the costs.

Genetic Relation

In gestational surrogacy, the benefits of surrogacy vs. adoption are that at least one of the intended parents is genetically related to the child. The surrogate becomes pregnant through an embryo transfer using your genetic materials. This biological connection can be important if you desire a genetic link to your child.

When comparing surrogacy vs. adoption, adoption does not involve a genetic connection between the child and the adoptive parents. This can be a limitation for some families, while others may see it as an opportunity to create a strong emotional bond regardless of biological ties.

Matching With a Birth Mom Vs. Finding a Surrogate

When comparing surrogacy vs. adoption, the process of finding a suitable surrogate involves careful matching based on the surrogate’s health history, psychological evaluation and compatibility. This process is crucial for ensuring a smooth surrogacy journey. The best surrogacy agencies will thoroughly screen surrogates to ensure they’re ready to successfully carry your baby to term.

The best surrogacy agencies have wait times as short as an average of 30-90 days, ensuring you can start your family as soon as possible.

Adoption also includes an extensive matching process, involving home studies, background checks and interviews to ensure that the child is placed in a safe, nurturing environment. The criteria for matching can vary depending on the adoption agency and birth mothers preferences.

Legal Process to Establish Parental Rights

Establishing parental rights through surrogacy involves legal aspects that vary from state to state. In most states, parentage is established through a pre-birth order. This is a document that establishes parentage ahead of the baby’s birth. Some states require a post-birth order, which is similar to an adoption in the sense that parentage can’t be established until after the baby is born. Clear and comprehensive legal contracts help avoid potential disputes and ensure a smooth transition of parental rights from the surrogate to the parents.

The differences between surrogacy vs. adoption is that adoption involves a legal process that terminates the rights of the birth parents and grants full parental rights to the adoptive parents. Adoptions always occur after the baby has been born. This process varies depending on the type of adoption you pursue and state laws.

Some states have  revocation period for adoption, during which time the birth mother is allowed to reverse her decision to place her baby for adoption if she decides to parent.

Certainty

Surrogacy, through reputable agencies, offers a higher chance of certainty regarding the child’s biological parentage and the expectations of the surrogacy arrangement.

Adoption on the other hand can sometimes involve uncertainties, particularly if the birth parents’ rights haven’t been properly terminated or if there are unexpected legal challenges that arise during the process. This is one of the main benefits of surrogacy vs. adoption.

Which Path is the Best For You?

Ultimately, the choice between surrogacy vs. adoption depends on your circumstances and preferences, taking into consideration each of its own set of challenges. We’re always here to help you decide which option is right for your situation.