What are the different types of surrogacy?
Depending on who you work with, there are two types of surrogacy: agency surrogacy or independent surrogacy.
Once you've decided that surrogacy is ideal for you, whether you are an intended parent or a surrogate, the next decision is to go with an agency or go independent. Both are successful with the ideal amount of screening and research. It's a decision that you'll have to make. There are many things to consider.
Independent vs agency surrogacy
While moving independent means more study for both the surrogate and intended parent, it provides more control to both parties during the procedure. It also means more open communication without the existence of a third party. While this can be tedious in the beginning, especially when trying to find that right couple or individual, in the future it is extremely beneficial to the relationship. One of the pros for parents is saving the money that they would have spent on an agency. This choice isn't for everyone but with the ideal amount of screening and research; it is a very sensible option. Follow your instincts; there are so- called surrogates out their that have scammed parents. Everything has to be done by the book if you decide to go independent .
Going with an agency means the legwork is done for you. The good ones will facilitate a match that's ideal for you, find the attorney, perform the needed screening, and encourage you through the process. It's essential to read about others' experiences and make sure that you have discovered a "good one." There are the occasional instances where the bureau burns surrogates or intended parents. Although it is rare, it does happen, so again make sure you do your research.
1- Financials
In the beginning phases, financial issues are usually one of the most unconformable discussions when moving independent. No one likes to discuss money, which is why some find agencies a much better choice. If you're going independent, it is essential that you go over every situation when discussing financial matters. Just as we hope that every pregnancy will go wonderfully, this isn't always the case. Find a list of common surrogate fees and discuss each of one of these. Make sure to discus how those charges will be dispersed. Will the majority of the money placed into escrow or a saving account and sent in intervals or will the intended parents pay out of pocket money? How comfortable are both parties with each choice? Does the surrogate trust the parents that are intended sufficient to pay out pocket monthly? Intended parents should never give surrogate mother until a contract is set up. Financials also can vary depending on the different forms of surrogacy you will pursue (altruistic vs compensated surrogacy)
2- Insurance
If you don't have insurance that does not have a surrogacy exception, then this is a dilemma that comes up un both matches and with many agencies. It's getting harder and harder to find insurance companies that will cover a surrogate pregnancy. Either way, it is important to know your options. If you don't have insurance that does not have a surrogacy exception, then
Make sure that there is not exclusive and make sure you know what the waiting period is (if they have one) before you get pregnant.
Working with an agency may or may not help with the insurance issue. There are a couple of agencies that offer insurance to their surrogate, this is usually in a high price range to the intended parents, though. Other agencies may be educated about what insurance you can get in the state that you live in. Sometimes even this isn't the case, and it will be left up to the surrogate to find insurance. I believe a good reputable agency should at the very least be educated about some choices for each of the states that they serve.
3- Screening & Legalities
There can be a good deal of research required through the screening and lawful part of independent travel. Screening is an important step when matching. A surrogate mother should meet some general qualifications. Backgrounds checks should be performed on both surrogate an intended parents if they have not know each other before surrogacy. A psych evaluation ought to be performed by both parties as well. Some IVF clinics will perform these steps before transfer; otherwise, you'll have to find someone that can finish these for you. Screening and contracts are often done at the same time, which is both time-consuming and hectic. Both, intended parents and surrogate, need an attorney. The intended parents' attorney will appear over the requests and draw up a contract. The surrogate should read over the contract very carefully, they have their attorney look over it, and they will usually contact the intended parents' attorney to discuss any changes. There might be a bit of going back and forth in this stage. This is extremely important and should not be overlooked, as cutting corners is what causes problems later down the street.
If you want to complete an independent surrogacy journey learn more about surrogacy, how surrogacy works in Canada and the US and what is a surrogate mother
