As an intended parent or gestational carrier pursuing surrogacy, you likely have personal motivations for choosing this life-changing path. For some hopeful parents, the costs associated with surrogacy are a deterrent towards achieving their lifelong dreams of parenthood. If you find yourself in this situation, you may have considered altruistic surrogacy.

Although there are still costs associated with altruistic surrogacy, it can be a less expensive option for intended parents who have a surrogate willing to carry for them without compensation. With that said, there can be some significant challenges along the way. This guide explores those challenges, outlines the pros and cons of altruistic surrogacy, and lists a few suggestions for agencies to consider.

Anytime you have questions about surrogacy, you can fill out this form to contact a trained surrogacy professional. They will provide any information you need and guide you to the best resources, no matter where you are in the surrogacy process. You can also keep reading this guide on what to consider when pursuing altruistic surrogacy.

What is an Altruistic Surrogacy Agency?                                                                               

Description: An altruistic surrogacy agency supports altruistic surrogacy, which is when a surrogate does not receive additional compensation for carrying a baby to term for intended parents, other than reimbursement of medical and pregnancy-related costs. This arrangement is agreed upon by both parties and drafted in the form of a surrogacy contract. Because this type of surrogacy involves a volunteer surrogate, it is usually a family member or friend who will carry the baby for intended parents. 

When intended parents already have a surrogate in mind, this is generally referred to as an “identified surrogacy.” A family member or friend can choose to act as a volunteer surrogate to help intended parents who cannot give birth to a child on their own. It is important to note that although many intended parents are initially interested in altruistic surrogacy for the lower costs, there can be some negative impacts involved.

Costs: Surrogates can choose altruistic surrogacy to help keep costs low, which is one of the biggest benefits of altruistic surrogacy for intended parents. However, intended parents need to keep in mind there will still be other expenses involved in this process. Typically, altruistic surrogacy costs will include: 

• Medical expenses
• Agency and legal fees 
• Donation fees if an egg donor or sperm donor is required  
• Matching services if the surrogacy is not an identified surrogate 
• Various fees associated with the pregnancy and agency you choose

Each surrogacy is unique, so the exact costs will vary on your specific situation. Although most altruistic surrogacies involve an identified volunteer surrogate, navigating the rest of the process can be difficult and requires the assistance of surrogacy professionals. 

Process: The altruistic surrogacy process will mirror that of a compensated surrogacy. Other than there not being additional compensation, the main difference is that in most cases, intended parents do not need matching services, as they already have a surrogate in mind. 

If you would like to learn more about altruistic surrogacy, fill out this form to get more information from a surrogacy professional. You can also keep reading to explore some of the pros and cons of altruistic surrogacy.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Altruistic Surrogacy 

Whether you are an intended parent or surrogate, it is easy to get caught up in costs and think that altruistic vs. compensated surrogacy is automatically the better option, given the money that can potentially be saved. Although this is a large benefit, you want to base your decision based on what is actually best for you, not just what is financially appealing. Below, you will find some of the most common pros and cons of altruistic surrogacy.  

Altruistic Surrogacy Pros 

• Altruistic surrogacy costs are often not as expensive as compensated surrogacy. 
• Because most altruistic surrogates are considered “identified,” there is a personal connection and level of trust from the very start of the surrogacy process. 
• Although surrogacy is progressing every day, more states allow altruistic surrogacy than compensated surrogacy. 

Altruistic Surrogacy Cons 

• Finding a volunteer surrogate is challenging. This is the reason why most intended parents pursuing altruistic surrogacy have an identified surrogate. 
• Emotional risks are higher in altruistic surrogacy. Compensated surrogacy is intended to show appreciation and value for the time, effort, and hard work a surrogate puts in during the surrogacy process. Because there is no additional compensation, it can lead to the surrogate feeling used, underappreciated, and more. These feelings can lead to resentment and put a strain on the relationship during and after the surrogacy is complete. 
• Altruism can put a strain on your relationships and surrogacy process. With no compensation, intended parents and surrogates are less likely to make specific requests for things they may want or need along the way. In many cases, intended parents feel a sense of debt to the surrogate, one they can never repay. 

Every surrogacy is unique. How each person is impacted and acts throughout the process will vary. The best advice is to have open communication before, during, and after, as being on the same page helps eliminate any misconceptions, frustrations, or concerns. 

Contact a Surrogacy Professional

No matter if you decide to pursue altruistic or compensated surrogacy, having the best information, resources, and professional guidance by your side helps keep you on the right path towards a successful journey. The agency you choose will impact the overall experience and outcome. Most, if not all agencies will not be able to match you with an altruistic surrogate, as this type of surrogacy is generally planned between a family member or friend. Before making any decisions, you will want to research your options thoroughly. Below, you will find three agencies you may consider if you already have a surrogate and want to pursue altruistic surrogacy.

• American Surrogacy 
• Southern Surrogacy 
• Concieveabilities

Altruistic surrogacy may not be the right choice for everyone, but it may be the right decision for you. If you are an intended parent or surrogate exploring your options for surrogacy, fill out this form to get more information from a professional about altruistic surrogacy and how you can start your journey today.