A Comprehensive Guide To surrogacy: What You Need To Know
SURROGACY
Becoming a surrogate mother is no small undertaking. Let’s be honest, having someone agree to a surrogacy arrangement is truly an incredibly compassionate act of kindness to parents who might otherwise have be unable to ever conceive of a biological child. It is a life-changing and rewarding journey with an end result like no other. Surrogacy has said to have increased by 400 percent in the past decade within Canada. Studies have also shown that from the years 2004 to 2015, the number of babies that have been born via surrogacy has increased from 738 to 2,807 in the United States.
Many couples who would love nothing more than to join the world of parenthood, have simply been dealt a bad hand. The intended mother and intended father in the couple who finds out that their chances of reproduction through natural fertilization is unlikely is left with limited options to consider. If the fertility issues stem from the male, there is the option of donor sperm insemination, also known as artificial insemination.
If the infertility issues stem from the female, there are a few possibility to explore as well. There is usually a fertility clinic in every community to access more information and medical care with regards to the assisted reproductive technology available. These clinics will have a qualified health professional who can point you in the direction of your best interests and provide you with any information on concerns with a known medical condition you may be facing and the health risks that may come along with it. Many women will undergo fertility treatment, which involves hormone injections of reproductive medicine. Some will attempt in vitro fertilization which is the process of the egg and sperm being formed into an embryo outside of the body and then either paced into a women’s uterus or frozen for future use. Sometime the eggs are harvested from the mother, other times they are provided by an egg donor. Egg donation is very common in this procedure. Assisted childbirth comes with a lot of medical expenses, which is another thing that couples need to think about when choosing a plan.
Some women who have had to undergo a hysterectomy for whatever reason before having the opportunity to have children simply are limited to two options when considering a family. There is the possibility of adoption and a surrogacy agreement. The same speaks to gay men for these two possibilities. In the situation of a same-sex couples relationship being females, the possibilities become somewhat increased, with one of the parents of the gay couple being able to carry the baby.
While in Canada, it is illegal to be compensated for the act of carrying a baby or otherwise known as commercial surrogacy. However, Surrogates can be reimbursed for any expenses that have been incurred during the process. These expenses can include a multitude of things. Internet and cell phone bills, maternity clothing, vitamins and supplements , mileage for driving to medical appointments, housekeeping, lawn care, snow removal, counseling, gym memberships, massages, chiropractic care, yoga, foot care, hygiene products, lost wages, groceries, and many more surrogacy related expenses. These are just some examples of the permissible reimbursements that may be covered to a Surrogate. It is said that in Canada, surrogacy can range in costs anywhere between $50,000 and $90,000.
In the USA, different states follow their own set of guidelines for different compensated and uncompensated surrogacy agreements. It is recommended to be very clear on the rules and regulations of your state, and/or seek legal advice to avoid any kind of legal issues or risks. In some surrogate friendly states, first time Surrogates can make anywhere between $66,450 and $72,000. Although, it is said that the average amount of compensation, including expenses, can range anywhere from $190,000 to $230,000 depending on the experience and the individual’s surrogacy contract. For example, in California, where Surrogates are in higher demand, they may be paid higher.
There are definite qualifications required to becoming a Surrogate. In Canada, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen.
- Be between the ages of 21-45.
- Have have one previous successful pregnancy and birth.
- Have a stable home.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have no history of significant depression or mental illness.
- Have no history of serious pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum complications.
- Be able to travel for required clinical appointments.
- Be willing to undergo bloodwork, ultrasound screening, and medical tests ordered by physicians.
- Be willing to take IVF medications.
- Not abuse drugs or alcohol, or smoke cigarettes.
- Have a strong desire to help others.
To qualify to be a Surrogate in certain states of the USA, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be 22-40 years of age.
- Be in excellent health and a non-smoker.
- Be within a healthy weight and height ratio.
- Have given birth to at least one child that you are raising.
- Have had all previous births occurring at 36 weeks+ gestation or later (unless multiples) without complications.
- Not be on state or federal financial aid.
- Be willing to undergo injections.
- Be willing to undergo background checks for entire family.
- Be willing to undergo psychological consultation.
- Have a strong desire to help others.
There are different types of surrogacy. A Gestational surrogate is when the carrier would have no biological relation to the baby. The idea is to have the intended parents be the biological parents. In this scenario, the embryos consisting of the intended parents’ egg and sperm would be created prior to being transferred into the Surrogate’s womb. Other times, it is possible that the intended parents will have a third party donor create an embryo to be transferred.
The other type of surrogate pregnancy is a Traditional surrogate. This is when the Surrogates themselves will provide the use of their own eggs and they in turn are biologically related to the child. In other worlds, they are biologically the baby’s birth mother. A lot of agencies choose not to participate in this type of arrangement within their programs because of a potential conflict of interest. In this type of surrogacy, the Surrogate is the baby’s biological mother. Often times this can mean that she is given parental rights. These rights would then have to be terminated after the child is born. In some areas, the intended parents would even have to complete a separate adoption.
With Gestational surrogacy, the parents do not have to go through any addition legalities. Generally, the intended parents are the biological parents, or a parentage agreement is established before conception. With the Traditional surrogacy, there introduces more emotional and legal risks to the equation. With the Surrogate having a biological link to the baby, often can create an emotional bond as well. This can sometimes result in a long and expensive legal battle for rights to the baby.
Much like the adoption process, Surrogates and intended parents undergo a full matching and medical screening process. The right matches then have the option to meet and get to know one another to ensure that they truly are the right fit. Other times, relatives or close friends have the option of being screened to volunteer as a Surrogate.
Surrogates are compensated as they pursue the journey through their pregnancies. If they happen to experience an unforeseen miscarriage or complication during the process, they are compensated up to that point.
In surrogacy, legal contracts are signed ahead of the embryo transfer to establish the intended parents as the baby’s legal parents at birth. This avoids any legalities later on. The Surrogate can not change her mind and decide to parent the child. However, as discussed these terms can become complicated with a Traditional type surrogacy.
There are many different agencies in Canada and the USA to contact for information about becoming a parent via surrogacy or becoming a Surrogate.
Who should I choose as my surrogate mother and what are their qualifications?
When selecting a surrogate mother, it is important to choose someone who is physically, emotionally, and financially stable. You should also make sure that the surrogate meets all legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
When considering potential candidates, look for someone who is emotionally mature and has a good support system in place. They should also have a history of successful pregnancies and be comfortable with the medical procedures involved in surrogacy. It can also be helpful to consider their lifestyle habits and any health-related issues they may have.
Your chosen surrogate should also have had a comprehensive medical screening to ensure that she is healthy enough for the pregnancy. It’s also important to make sure that she fully understands her rights and responsibilities as a surrogate, as well as the long-term implications of the process. Finally, make sure that you are both on the same page when it comes to issues such as compensation, legal matters, and contact between you and your child after birth.
Is surrogacy free in Canada?
No, surrogacy is not free in Canada. Surrogacy arrangements in Canada are regulated by provincial and territorial laws, and the cost of these arrangements can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Generally speaking, couples or individuals engaging in a surrogacy arrangement will need to cover costs such as medical expenses, legal fees, counselling services, travel expenses for visits with the intended parents or surrogate mother, and compensation to the surrogate mother for her time and effort. The cost of a surrogacy arrangement can range from $20,000 to $60,000 or more depending on the specific details of each situation.
What kind of people usually want to be a surrogate mother, and how many people do they usually match with each other?
Surrogate mothers are typically women who want to help families that are unable to have children on their own. They usually match with intended parents, who are the individuals or couple who need a surrogate. Surrogate mothers typically have already had their own children, and they are often motivated by a desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. The number of intended parents matched with a surrogate mother will vary depending on the arrangement and the preferences of both parties. In most cases, a single intended parent or couple will be matched with one surrogate mother.
In Canada, here are some sites:
In the USA, here are some sites:
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