5 Frequently Asked Questions from Intended Parents
Making the decision to start or add to your family is such an exciting time for parents! However, when your path to parenthood involves a surrogacy journey, there is so much to learn, and it can often feel overwhelming. At Texas Surrogacy we are able to help guide you through the process and help you find the answers you are searching for. Below you will find 5 frequently asked questions we receive from our intended parents.
How much does surrogacy cost?
While surrogacy generally cost between $120,000-$170,000 including your surrogate’s compensation and clinic costs (the biggest ticket items!), there are a number of variables that can affect that number. So, your cost will often be as unique as your journey. Things that may vary may be the cost of the clinic used, travel expenses for medical screening and transfer for your gestational carrier (time of year can greatly impact these cost), as well the number of med cycles and transfers required, among a host of other things. The answers to this question are far more than a simple paragraph can handle. If you want to explore more in depth, set up a free consult now!
What is a woman’s motivation to be a surrogate?
While the answer to this question may vary based on the surrogate, you will find that overwhelmingly it is the desire to help another family experience the joy of parenthood. Often, surrogates love being pregnant and this is an opportunity for them to carry again while helping another family. Sharing in the beauty of helping new parents welcome their baby into the world is an experience that is hard to put in to words. Yes, surrogates are compensated, but that is rarely the primary motivation. Many carriers use their compensation to fund the education of their children or themselves, or they are able to put away a nest egg for their own family’s future.
What kind of relationship will our surrogate want during the pregnancy and after birth?
Matching with a surrogate who hopes for the same type of relationship as you is a huge part of the matching process. We do our best to ensure you are presented with profiles of surrogates that have like expectations. The majority of gestational carriers and intended parents would like to experience appointments together when possible, especially the big ones…hearing baby’s heartbeat or ultrasounds. They also want a fair amount of communication. Some prefer more or less. Other intended parents aren’t able to be as involved during pregnancy purely due to location.
What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?
The difference between these two types of surrogacy is simple. It’s the biological connection. A traditional, or genetic, surrogate uses her own egg and is artificially inseminated to become pregnant. The much more common now-a-days gestational surrogacy involves the intended mother or donor egg being fertilized in a lab with sperm from the intended father or a donor to create an embryo which is then transferred to the surrogate’s womb. A gestational surrogate is not biologically related to the child she is carrying.
Why should I work with an agency?
Using an agency is a good idea for all parties involved. An agency can help protect the important relationship between the surrogate and intended parents. The agency will help coordinate screenings, keep track of appointments and deadlines, coordinate medical, as well as financial aspects, and provide guidance and support throughout the process.
These questions just scratch the surface, and we know you’ve got many more. We’d be happy to answer any others that you may have.