Often people want to be surrogates for people that they know. Specifically, you may wonder about:

• Being a surrogate for a family member
• Being a surrogate for your sister
• Being a surrogate for a friend
• Being a surrogate for a brother

Searching for answers to questions like “How to become a surrogate for a friend?” or “How to become a surrogate for a family member?” often comes from a deep place of care. You may wonder if identified surrogacy is right for you. Before you make your final decision, you should contact us. We’ll walk you through everything you need to decide if independent surrogacy is right for you.

In the meantime, we’ve created a guide to surrogacy with a family member or friend to help you get started. Read on to learn more.

Independent Surrogacy for Family Members and Friends in Arkansas

If someone close to you is struggling with infertility, you may be considering the noble act of being a surrogate for someone you know. While it may seem tempting to pursue surrogacy independently, it’s important to recognize that surrogacy involves both the physical process of pregnancy and the legal aspects of transferring a child. These experiences are not only deeply emotional, but they also require adherence to legal procedures. It’s worth noting that successful embryo transfers to the surrogate may take multiple attempts. By involving an agency, you introduce an impartial mediator who ensures that emotions do not hinder the initial process. Moreover, an agency ensures that the surrogate and the intended family are not burdened with excessive demands.

Being a Surrogate for Someone You Know in Arkansas

If you are considering being a surrogate for a friend or family member, it’s important to understand that much of the process remains the same. Surrogates still undergo a comprehensive screening process to ensure a high likelihood of successfully carrying a transferred embryo to term. This screening process is crucial in safeguarding the emotional and physical well-being of both the surrogate and the intended family. In general, all surrogates are evaluated based on these criteria:

• Has she had a successful, full-term pregnancy with no complications?
• Is she between the ages of 21 and 38 years old?
• Is she raising a child in her own home?
• Is her BMI between 19 and 32?
• Can she travel as needed for necessary appointments?
• Has she been off antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication for at least 12 months?

Asking a surrogate to carry a child when it may cause adverse health consequences would be unfair. Similarly, it is unfair to the intended family as it is unlikely their wish for a family will be granted. This is why there are strict requirements for surrogacy.

If you currently don’t qualify for surrogacy – don’t worry. You may be able to qualify later or with one-off permission.

Differences in Being a Surrogate for Family in Arkansas

When you have a personal connection with the intended family, there are several key differences in the surrogacy process:

Surrogate for Family and Friends in Arkansas

• An existing relationship already exists.
• Surrogates can bypass the matching process.
• Wait times are shorter.

Surrogates who are already family members with their intended family, whether friends or relatives, bypass the need for a matching process. A match has already been established. This familiarity expedites the process and allows for an earlier start to the surrogate journey after successful screening.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that there may be heightened emotional challenges. With no guarantee of a successful pregnancy or embryo transfer, the attempts can exert an emotional toll on both the surrogate and the intended family. If you have an existing personal relationship with the intended family, this dynamic may introduce unnecessary turmoil into your relationship.

Many people with families facing infertility often wonder if they can be a surrogate for family members facing infertility. The answer is often yes, as it is indeed possible to have a family member as a surrogate. However, it is crucial to ensure that surrogacy is the right choice for the potential surrogate, as they must still meet the necessary requirements. These recommendations and requirements also apply when considering surrogacy for friends. It is also worth noting that when the intended family and surrogate have already identified each other, the cost of surrogacy is typically lower for the intended family, as they do not have to pay for matching services.

Independent Surrogacy – Do You Need a Surrogacy Agency When You Know Your Surrogate in Arkansas?

When considering surrogacy, it is crucial to involve a reputable surrogacy agency, even if the surrogate is a friend or family member. This ensures a seamless and legally protected process. An agency provides expert guidance on legal matters, medical procedures, and financial agreements that may otherwise be overlooked or misunderstood.

Moreover, surrogacy agencies play a vital role in managing the emotional journey associated with surrogacy. They offer counseling and emotional support throughout the process, assisting both the surrogate and the intended parents in navigating the intricate emotions that may arise. If you’re interested and want more information about surrogacy for friends and family, contact us.