Gestational surrogacy is a growing medical field today in America as it brings an option to those who have lost all hopes for a family. It is a straightforward procedure that is thoroughly explained by the surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics when intended parents opt for it. However, like any medical term that is new to common people, surrogacy and other terms like in-vitro fertilization, surrogate legalities, and others are often a target of misconceptions.
Here are some facts you should know about to bust the misconceptions related to gestational surrogacy-
Fact #1- Surrogates Have Been Mothers Before:
Most fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies prefer carriers who have been mothers before and successfully carried a child to term. The preference is to ensure that the woman is healthy and can carry a pregnancy, and it will also help identify any pregnancy risks that the woman may have gone through during her term. Knowing that the surrogate of choice has been a mother before also brings peace to the intended parents as it means a more successful surrogacy cycle.
Fact #2- Surrogate Mothers Go Through a Mock Pregnancy:
While it is not mandatory, some surrogates go through a mock pregnancy to experience various changes in their body they will go through during the cycle. Before beginning the surrogacy process, the doctors will give the carrier medicines, estrogen, and progesterone to see if the uterus lining grows as expected. An embryo is then implanted in the surrogate’s uterus. If there are any complications, the choice of the surrogate may have to change.
Fact #3- Gestational Carriers Can Become Surrogates More Than Once:
Many people think that the gestational carrier can only become a surrogate once, which is not true. Most fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies prefer women who have been a surrogate before and have experienced the entire process. A surrogate mother who has carried a pregnancy before is also compensated higher than new surrogates due to the experience they hold. However, making a career out of surrogacy is not an option.
Fact #4- Surrogacy is Not Legal in the Most States:
It would be surprising for anyone to learn that surrogacy is not legal in most states, even though it is an excellent option for completing your family. Moreover, the surrogacy laws can also change from state to state. This means that someone who wants to choose surrogacy will have to find an egg donor in a state where surrogacy is legal. You will also find better surrogacy attorneys in states where it is a common medical practice. They will have more expertise in the subject and knowledge about the entire process than lawyers who do not specialize in the same field. You can get all the details regarding the process, legality, and surrogate mothers from a surrogacy agency and your fertility clinic.
Fact #5- It is Only Done for Medical Reasons:
While Hollywood tabloids have most of us believe that actresses choose surrogacy to spare their figures, it is not true. Surrogacy involves a lengthy procedure and approval requirements not given for other than a medical condition where the intended mother cannot carry a pregnancy. These reasons can be the absence of the uterus, a significant uterine anomaly, biological inability to carry a child, and absolute medical contraindication to pregnancy.
Fact #6- You Can Find an Egg Donor in a Friend:
Many people who choose independent surrogacy can have difficulty finding an egg donor and a surrogate mother since they will have to search for themselves. However, even those who choose a surrogacy agency can find a friend or family member who will be happy to donate an egg or carry a child. However, if you are not comfortable getting your family or friends involved in the procedure, you can hire a surrogacy agency that will find an appropriate egg donor and gestational carrier according to the regulations in your state.
Fact #7- Carriers Do Not Attach to The Child:
Many intended parents are scared that they will not be able to connect to the child or that the gestational carrier will not give up the baby due to their bond. However, gestational carriers are professionals and understand that they only carry the pregnancy for the intended parents. Moreover, the entire procedure is bound by a contract with details about contact details.
Fact #8- Surrogacy Is Very Expensive:
There are several costs involved in both surrogacy and an egg donor cycle. There are legal fees for the contract, and the surrogate is paid a flat rate for her time.
Fact #9- Surrogacy Fertility Clinics Have a Gross Margin:
Before any other fertility treatment is done, most fertility clinics require that they are paid first. However, they have no way of knowing how much the surrogate will earn for carrying the pregnancy. In other words, a lot of money goes out of their pockets before the baby is even born.
About Rite Options-
If you wish to become a surrogate mother and help couples become parents in New York, you can visit and register with Rite Options. We are a full-service agency, from finding a perfect match to coordinating all medical, legal, psychological, and travel arrangements. Visit our website or call 1(516)512-8888 for more information.
