Explore Your Options for Surrogacy and Adoption
It might be hard to believe, but surrogacy and adoption have been around for thousands of years. Traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate uses her egg and is the biological mother of the child. Gestational surrogacy is a more modern-age development that allows a woman to carry an embryo through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The egg can be that of the intended mother or an egg donor, so the surrogate has no biological connection to the child. This method has settled many of the legal issues that arose with traditional surrogacy.
While there is a cost difference when analyzing surrogacy vs. adoption, there are many reasons why couples choose surrogacy. Let’s talk about some of the most common reasons.
Surrogacy or Adoption? The Biological Connection
For many people, sharing DNA with their children is important. Parents take pride when they look at their child and see a combination of the father’s and mother’s traits. When choosing surrogacy instead of adoption, couples have the option to use both the intended father’s sperm and the intended mother’s egg.
Surrogacy or Adoption? Being a Part of the Pregnancy
Being involved in the pregnancy is a significant difference in the surrogacy vs. adoption decision. With adoption, generally, you are absent from the pregnancy. With surrogacy, you are a part of the process the entire way, from the conception of the baby to birth. Many surrogacy agencies encourage you to attend doctor visits with your surrogate to help start the bonding process. You get up-to-date ultrasounds and information, so you can see your baby grow from a small embryo to having tiny feet and hands to your bundle of joy that’s ready to enter the world.
Surrogacy and Adoption Health Screenings and Prenatal Care
Information about the mother’s health and prenatal care is vital. When evaluating surrogacy vs. adoption, it’s important to remember that surrogacy agencies thoroughly screen for alcohol and drug use and potential genetic disorders. Complete physicals are performed, and a doctor must medically clear the surrogate mother before contracting with the intended parents. The surrogacy contract ensures that proper prenatal care is followed.
Surrogacy vs. Adoption: Which is More Complicated?
Adoption can be a long, complicated process that can drag on for years. The adoption may fall through at any time for numerous reasons. In some countries, laws prohibit same-sex couples from adopting. In the United States, some states have laws that make same-sex adoption very challenging. In these instances, couples trying to decide between surrogacy or adoption may be better served selecting surrogacy, as the average time from selecting a surrogate to the baby’s birth is a year to two years.
Surrogacy and Adoption: The Legalities
There are significant differences when considering the legal aspects of surrogacy or adoption. In adoption, the mother is genetically connected to the child and can cancel the adoption before or after the baby is born. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate does not have a genetic connection. The 1990 case of Calvert vs. Johnson cemented the ruling that the true mother/parents of the baby are the ones who created the embryo (through their genetic matter or via egg/sperm donor) and intend to raise the child. This case set the standard for how all surrogacy contracts are written.
Exploring Surrogacy and Adoption? Connect with Family Creations
Deciding to create a family is a big decision, and we’re sure you have plenty of questions about surrogacy vs. adoption. Our family planning advisors are never far away, as we have offices throughout the United States. Learn more about our work with families through our testimonials page, and contact us to set up a convenient time to talk. We’re here to help you at every step of the journey.