Five Things to Consider When Looking for a Surrogate Match
When looking for a surrogate match, it's essential to approach the process with care, clarity, and legal protection. Here are five key things to consider:
1. Surrogacy Laws
Surrogacy laws vary widely by country and even by state or province. Make sure you use an agency that understands and educates its employees and intended parents on the always-changing laws. Consult a reproductive attorney or an agency to ensure your arrangement is legal where you live and where the surrogate lives. You also want to confirm legal parentage rights and contract enforceability in the surrogate’s state.
2. Surrogate’s Health and Medical History
A surrogate’s physical and mental health plays a huge role in a safe pregnancy. Work with your fertility clinic or surrogacy agency to conduct thorough screenings for physical health, past pregnancies, and any risk factors. A psychological evaluation is also crucial and should be required by your fertility clinic.
3. Compatibility and Values
You’ll be sharing a deeply personal journey, so alignment on important issues helps avoid conflict. Discuss things such as communication preferences, lifestyle habits (e.g., diet, substance use), views on selective reduction or termination, vaccines and expectations during pregnancy.
4. Agency vs. Independent Journey
Agencies can help with vetting, coordination, legalities, and matching, but come at a higher cost. Make sure you talk with the agency to see if they have payment plans to help with the cost of using the agency (hint, Bright Futures Families takes the agency fee in monthly installments to make surrogacy more accessible for all families!). Decide whether to use a surrogacy agency or find an independent surrogate (such as a friend or family member). Agencies can reduce risk and sometimes offer a lower agency fee if you bring your own surrogate. Ask about independent match services!
5. Financial Costs and Compensation
Surrogacy can be expensive and complex, including medical, legal, insurance, and compensation costs. Ensure all financial terms are clearly outlined in a legal contract—including compensation, medical costs, travel, lost wages, and contingency plans. Consider your budget and ensure that it also leaves room for unexpected items to pop up if they do.
Bright Futures Families understand that surrogacy is a huge commitment – both financial and emotional - and has options available to help. To get more information, reach out to us or visit us at https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com
