Surrogacy can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, both for intended parents and gestational carriers. However, it also requires significant commitment from both parties, and it is important to consider all of the pros and cons of surrogacy before beginning the process.
Below you will find some of the most common surrogacy pros and cons for everyone involved in the process.
Surrogacy Pros and Cons for Intended Parents
For hopeful parents, the benefits of surrogacy seem obvious: it is a way to make their dreams of parenthood come true.
However, the hundreds of families who have completed the surrogacy process will assure you that the pros of surrogacy extend far beyond that. Here are just a few of the advantages of surrogacy for intended parents:
- Surrogacy completes families. For those who have struggled with infertility, LGBT couples, and those with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe, surrogacy is often the answer to years of unsuccessful attempts to create a family.
- Surrogacy allows for genetic connections. Gestational surrogacy often enables one or both parents to maintain a biological relationship with their child.
- Surrogacy creates relationships. Many intended parents become close with their surrogate and her family during the process, developing meaningful bonds that can last a lifetime.
- Surrogacy involves few surprises. A legally binding contract outlining everyone’s expectations will be negotiated and signed prior to the embryo transfer, so everyone will know exactly what to expect during the surrogacy process. A court order is obtained prior to birth of the child, confirming the intended parents’ legal rights.
- Surrogacy ensures you are involved. Intended parents are often able to be involved in their surrogate’s pregnancy, attending key appointments and being present for important milestones, including the embryo transfer and birth.
- Surrogacy is likely to be successful. Surrogates have a proven track record of carrying healthy pregnancies, which often makes surrogacy more likely to be successful than fertility treatments for intended parents.
While there are many surrogacy pros for intended parents, there are also some disadvantages of surrogacy for hopeful parents to consider:
- Surrogacy can be complicated. Gestational surrogacy involves complex medical procedures, and surrogacy laws. Legal processes can be overwhelming at times. It is important to work closely with a trusted professional like Southern Surrogacy to ensure the process is completed safely and legally.
- Surrogacy costs can be significant. Because of the number of people and services required to complete a successful surrogacy, surrogacy can be expensive.
- Surrogacy requires you to let go of some control. While intended parents typically enjoy a greater sense of control and involvement than families pursuing adoption, you will need to relinquish some control and trust your surrogate to carry the pregnancy for you.
As you can see, there are some cons of surrogacy, and this path to parenthood is not right for everyone. However, most families created through surrogacy will agree that once you hold your baby for the first time, the advantages far outweigh any of the problems with surrogacy.
Surrogacy Pros and Cons for Gestational Surrogates
Women considering the amazing gift of surrogacy are often asked, “Why surrogacy? What’s in it for you?”
Gestational carriers have many different reasons for surrogacy, and each may find different rewards in the experience. Here are just a few surrogacy advantages for these incredible women and their families:
- Surrogacy is a rewarding gift. Most women who choose surrogacy do so to give back to another family. It takes a special, compassionate person to become a surrogate. A surrogate can walk away from the experience with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction that they were able to help another family in the most selfless way possible.
- Surrogacy allows you to experience pregnancy. Surrogates often enjoy being pregnant. The surrogacy process allows them to experience all of the joys and wonders of pregnancy again, even if their own families are already complete.
- Surrogates enjoy a sense of community. Surrogacy is a unique experience, and many surrogates are able to develop close bonds with other women who have completed the process.
- Surrogates are legally protected. Gestational carriers enter into a legally binding contract with the intended parents, giving them the opportunity to clearly outline their expectations and responsibilities during the surrogacy process. This ensures that the surrogate will be fairly compensated and that she will not be responsible for the baby after birth.
- Surrogates are fairly compensated. In exchange for your yearlong commitment to the intended parents, as well as the many physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, you will receive compensation that may be used to help you achieve future goals, such as buying a house or paying for your children’s college education.
While this process benefits gestational surrogates in many significant ways, there are some challenges and risks of surrogacy to consider before beginning the process, including:
- Surrogacy is physically demanding. In addition to the typical physical challenges of pregnancy, you will need to undergo additional screenings, appointments, fertility treatments, and more.
- Surrogacy can be emotionally challenging. Pregnancy is often stressful, but it can be even more challenging when you are carrying someone else’s baby. Southern Surrogacy offers counseling services if you need emotional support during this process.
- Surrogacy requires a significant time commitment. Between screening appointments, meetings with the intended parents, and the legal and medical process, surrogacy can be time-consuming — and it often takes a year or longer to complete the entire process.
Whether you are considering surrogacy as hopeful parents or a potential gestational carrier, there are many factors to consider before determining that this is the right path for you. To learn more about surrogacy risks and benefits, contact Southern Surrogacy. We can provide additional information about our program and help you determine whether it may be a good fit for you.
