4 Different Gestational Surrogacy Programs for the Intended Parents

Prospective Parent Opting for Gestational Surrogacy Program? Explore the Insightful Guide.

Surrogacy offers a unique path to parenthood for prospective parents facing several challenges.  These may include infertility, medical conditions that prevent pregnancy, or a desire not to carry a pregnancy. Same–sex couples and others also choose surrogacy to build their families. Regardless of their background, intended parents are united by one dream: to bring home a newborn and complete their family.

Fortunately, surrogacy isn’t a one–size–fits–all solution. There are various surrogacy programs available, each adjusting to specific needs and preferences. This guide will explore the four most common types of surrogacy programs offered by agencies, helping you navigate this exciting yet complex journey towards parenthood.

Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational 

There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother has no biological connection to the child. An embryo, created through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ eggs and sperm (or donor eggs/sperm), is implanted in the surrogate’s uterus. Conversely, in traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother’s own egg is used to create an embryo with the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm) through intrauterine insemination (IUI), or, in some cases, through IVF. This means the traditional surrogate is biologically related to the child. Today, gestational surrogacy is the more common option due to fewer legal complexities.

The Legal Landscape of Surrogacy

Surrogacy laws vary significantly by location. Because of this, it is essential to research the legal landscape of surrogacy in your desired location before embarking on this journey. This includes consulting with a lawyer specializing in reproductive law, reviewing government websites and legal databases, and understanding the process for establishing legal parentage of your child. These steps are essential for ensuring a smooth and secure surrogacy experience.

Now that you understand the legal considerations, let’s explore the program options that are available. As noted above, gestational surrogacy arrangements are the most common, thus, most facilitated.

This guide will explore the four most common gestational surrogacy programs offered by agencies, helping you navigate this exciting yet complex journey towards parenthood.

Gestational Surrogacy Only 

This program is ideal for intended parents who can provide their own genetic material (oocytes and sperm) to create embryos but are unable to carry a pregnancy to term due to infertility, a chronic illness, or a prior medical diagnosis. This could include heterosexual couples facing infertility, same–sex male couples with embryos, or individuals who require assistance carrying a pregnancy.

Potential Downsides/Challenges: While this program benefits many, it can be costly due to the required IVF procedures. Additionally, finding the right gestational surrogate can be a time–consuming and emotionally charged process. The legal complexities also increase, especially if the surrogacy is taking place across different states or countries, necessitating transparent negotiations, consulting with surrogacy lawyers, and comprehensive legal agreements.

Benefits: This program offers a comprehensive approach for intended parents who can provide their own genetic material but are unable to carry a pregnancy to term. Surrogacy agencies typically collaborate with IVF clinics, facilitate matching with qualified gestational carriers, and manage legal aspects, offering intended parents valuable support and guidance throughout their journey.

Surrogacy with Egg Donor 

This program is ideal for intended parents who require both an egg donor and a gestational carrier. This could be single men, couples with compromised egg quality (when the intended mother cannot use her eggs in IVF or doesn’t have eggs in her ovarian reserve), LGBTQ couples, or those wanting a child genetically related to one parent.

Potential Downsides/Challenges: Gestational surrogacy with egg donation adds complexity compared to using the intended mother’s eggs. Finding a compatible donor can extend the timeline and there may be emotional considerations, as intended parents come to terms with using donor genetic material. Additionally, the egg donation process itself adds medical and legal complexities, and the overall cost increases significantly due to the additional procedures and potential travel involved in using an international egg donor.

Benefits: Gestational surrogacy with egg donation opens the door to parenthood for intended parents facing challenges with their own eggs. This program allows them to have a child genetically related through the sperm and experience the joy of family building. Success rates can potentially increase due to the use of younger, healthier donor eggs. Reputable agencies provide access to a diverse pool of screened and matched donors, allowing intended parents to find a compatible match based on their preferences (known or anonymous). 

Moreover, prospective parents have the flexibility to choose between a fresh or frozen egg donation. Following egg retrieval from the donor or the thawing of previously frozen eggs, embryos will be created in the IVF laboratory. From here, one or two of the best embryos will be transferred into the womb of a gestational surrogate mother, while any remaining embryos can be vitrified for future use.

For cases prioritizing international egg donation, when logistical challenges or travel restrictions come into play, arrangements can be made for the egg donor to undergo the donation process in her home country, inclusive of all legal requirements. The retrieved fresh oocytes will then be vitrified and safely transported to the country where the surrogacy arrangement is set to occur. Upon arrival, the donor’s eggs will be devitrified, evaluated, and fertilized in the IVF lab using either the prospective father’s or a donor’s sperm, and subsequently prepared for transfer to your chosen gestational carrier.

Bringing Own Surrogate Mother

This program is made for the intended parents who have a friend, relative, or someone from a surrogacy network willing to be their gestational carrier. It can be a more personal and potentially cost–effective option compared to using an agency–matched surrogate.

Potential Downsides/Challenges: While using a known surrogate mother can save costs and enhance the personal connection, it can also blur boundaries and lead to complex emotional dynamics. Clear communication and legal agreements are essential to navigate potential misunderstandings and conflicts.

Benefits: Having a known surrogate, particularly a close friend or family member, can provide a built–in support system throughout the pregnancy. Shared experiences and a pre–existing bond can create a more comfortable and emotionally secure environment for everyone involved. Using a known surrogate can lead to cost savings, especially if she refuses to get the compensation and wants to help on an altruistic basis. However, it is worth noting that the prospective parents should establish clear financial agreements to avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone feels valued. For example, providing a monthly allowance, covering maternity clothing expenses, and offering premium pregnancy care are ways to ensure the surrogate feels appreciated and supported throughout the journey.

Sibling Guarantee (Two Gestational Carriers)

Prospective parents desiring to bring twins into their family may opt for a sibling guarantee program. This could be beneficial for those who wish to complete their family in a shorter timeframe and do not want to initiate a new arrangement each time. 

Potential Downsides/Challenges: This program presents unique logistical and emotional hurdles. Coordinating two separate surrogacy journeys simultaneously can be demanding. It requires careful planning, communication, and potentially managing the needs of two different gestational carriers.

The financial cost is significantly higher compared to a single surrogacy. Medical expenses, legal fees, and potential compensation for the surrogates are all multiplied.

While medical professionals aim to schedule embryo transfers for both surrogates close together, there is always a chance the babies won’t be born at the same time. Intended parents need to be prepared for the possibility of asynchronous births and its logistical implications.

Additionally, even though the mothers are separate, the health risks associated with twin pregnancies, such as pre–term birth and low birth weight, need to be carefully evaluated by medical professionals. Both intended parents and the gestational carriers should undergo thorough consultations to assess potential risks.

Benefits: The program offers the potential for twins to be born close together, fostering a special bond from the beginning. This can be particularly appealing for intended parents who desire siblings close in age.

How Does Surrogacy Work? 

Although surrogacy may seem complex, the process can be broken down into several key steps. It is essential to note that this is a general overview, and the exact timeline may vary depending on your specific circumstances. 

1.  Choosing a Type:

There are two main types of surrogacy:

Gestational surrogacy: This is the most common type. The surrogate has no biological connection to the baby. An embryo, created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ eggs/sperm or donors’, is implanted in her uterus.

Traditional surrogacy: The intended father’s sperm fertilizes the surrogate’s egg. She carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby, but has a biological link to the child.

2.  Legal Framework:

Before proceeding with any surrogacy arrangement, the legal representation of the intended parents negotiates terms and conditions of the process with a legal representation of the surrogate. Both parties prepare the drafts of the surrogacy contract. This contract clarifies parental rights and responsibilities for all parties involved (intended parents, surrogate, and donors if applicable). Once the final version is approved, the both parties have to sign it. 

3.  Medical Process (Gestational surrogacy):

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): If the intended parents are using their own eggs/sperm, the embryologists create embryos via IVF procedure. Egg or sperm donors may also be involved in this stage.

Embryo Transfer: The created embryos are implanted into the surrogate’s uterus through a medical procedure known as embryo transfer.

Pregnancy and Delivery: The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and delivers the baby for the intended parents to raise.

4.  Emotional and Financial Considerations:

Surrogacy can be an emotional rollercoaster. Consider consulting a therapist specializing in fertility issues to navigate the journey for all involved.

Budgeting is also essential. Costs associated with surrogacy can vary depending on location, legalities, and medical procedures. Consulting a financial advisor can help intended parents understand the potential costs.

Surrogacy Cost by Country

The cost of gestational surrogacy varies by state and by country. This variation can be significant, so it is vital to factor in location when budgeting for your surrogacy journey. In general, countries with well–established surrogacy regulations, like the United States, tend to have higher overall costs. These regulations offer intended parents greater security and clarity in the process. However, for those seeking more affordable options, several other countries offer established surrogacy programs at a lower price point. It is essential to carefully research these alternative destinations to ensure they align with your legal and ethical requirements. Consulting with experienced surrogacy professionals can help you navigate the options and find the program that best fits your needs and budget.

Georgia

Cyprus

Argentina 

Colombia

These are estimates and may not reflect the final cost. It is suggested to consult directly with surrogacy clinics or agencies in your chosen country for the most up–to–date pricing information.

Additional factors that can affect cost:

•  Number of IVF cycles required
•  Use of additional assisted reproductive technologies
•  Number of embryos transferred
•  Pregnancy complications
•  Legal and agency fees

A Note for Prospective Parents: Remember, surrogacy is a complex journey. In addition to financial considerations, thorough research and legal guidance are essential for a successful experience.

Wrapping Things Up 

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a profound decision filled with hope and anticipation of bringing the baby into the world. And each journey starts with a program tailored exclusively to fit the case and needs. With careful planning, thorough research, and a clear understanding of the financial considerations, including location–based cost variations, intended parents can navigate the surrogacy process with confidence and create a beautiful family.