Understanding the Options and How it Can Help You
In the USA, surrogacy is often misunderstood. In this blog, we’ll explain what it is and how it can help individuals and couples create the families they desire.
The Two Types of Surrogacy
There are two types of surrogacy: gestational and traditional. These two options differ based on the genetic relationship between the surrogate and the child. Here’s how each one works.
What is Traditional Surrogacy?
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s eggs are fertilized with the father’s sperm to create the embryo. Using this approach, the surrogate will be the baby’s biological mother.
What is Gestational Surrogacy?
The gestational surrogacy process uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) to fuse an egg and sperm that is placed in a surrogate’s womb. The surrogate carries and gives birth to the child. The surrogate can be a volunteer family member or friend (also known as altruistic surrogacy) or someone who is compensated through an accredited agency, like Family Creations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the demand for gestational surrogacy in the USA has increased over the last decade. Between 1999 and 2013, there were over 18,000 infants born via surrogacy. Each year, approximately 750 babies are born using surrogacy in the United States. This is the process we use at Family Creations.
Reasons to Consider Surrogacy in the USA
Surrogacy offers a viable family planning alternative for many women. Here are a few reasons to consider surrogacy:
- The woman may have health risks associated with being pregnant
- If the woman has a medical condition where a pregnancy would be risky or fatal for the mother or the child
- When the woman has a history of cancer, which can recur
- For women without a uterus or unable to carry a pregnancy to term
- For a single man who wishes to have a genetically-related child
- When a same-gender male couple wishes to have a genetically-related child
Understanding State Laws
Surrogacy in the USA is legal but regulated at the state level. As a result, the laws pertaining to surrogacy can vary from one state to the next. For instance, states such as California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maine, and New Hampshire have laws considered friendly to surrogacy. Fortunately, more states are adopting such family-positive legislation, so understanding the rights and responsibilities according to the states in which both you and the surrogate live is very important. Working with a reliable agency and consulting an attorney who is experienced with surrogacy will help you navigate the process.
Guiding Intended Parents Through Surrogacy
If you’re considering surrogacy, get in touch with Family Creations. We have over 15 years of experience matching surrogates with families desiring children to ensure an excellent match. Register with us today to review our donor profiles.