Finding a surrogate mother: where to start
Choosing a surrogate mother is one of the most important decisions that accepted by future parents in the surrogacy program. The surrogate mother will take care of your baby until birth, which is why your search for her should be approached with special sensitivity and attentiveness. Below you will learn more about how to find an agency and non-agency surrogate, as well as the pros and cons of using an agency versus independent surrogacy.
How to Find a Surrogate
Get to know the basics
The first thing you need to do when you start looking for a surrogate mother is to find out what she is like the surrogacy process, who can use the services of a surrogate mother and what budget is required for this program. It is important to remember that in Russia only gestational surrogacy is allowed, when an embryo is created from the germ cells of potential parents and transferred to the uterus of a surrogate mother. This means that the child is genetically related only to the future parents.
Pay attention to the requirements for the surrogate mother
The surrogate mother takes care of your baby for 9 months, This is a very important and responsible role. Therefore, when selecting a surrogate mother, it is necessary to take into account many factors:
- The age of the surrogate mother is 20-35 years;
- Ideal mental and physical health , which is confirmed by medical documents and examinations completed;
- History of pregnancy and childbirth - the candidate must have at least one healthy child;
- Normal body mass index ;
- Healthy lifestyle, no bad habits;
- No criminal record or criminal record;
- Stable financial situation in the surrogate mother's family;
- At least secondary education.
Decide on the search method
There are two main ways that future parents use to find a surrogate mother. The first is an independent search through various sources. The second is contacting surrogacy agency, which guides the family through all stages of the process and provides the necessary resources, support and assistance along the way difficult path.
Searching for a surrogate mother on your own
There are several reasons why couples may choose independent surrogacy. For example, they want to save money or have more control over the surrogate mother. This often occurs among those who already know the future surrogate mother - this could be a relative or a good family friend. However, the woman will still have to undergo a medical examination and also meet all the requirements for surrogate mothers.
Search channels
If the future parents do not know a potential surrogate mother personally, they usually use the following channels to search:
- Social networks;
- Sites, forums and groups on social networks to search for surrogate mothers;
- Contact a lawyer specializing in surrogacy;
- Referral from a surrogacy lawyer.some text
- In some cases, the total cost surrogacy may be lower since you do not pay a commission to the agency;
- You will have more opportunities for personal communication with the surrogate mother without intermediaries.
- You will not have access to an extensive list of candidates, and you will not be able to conduct the same comprehensive vetting as a surrogacy agency . In addition, you are limited in your choices, so it may be difficult for you to find the perfect surrogate mother for your family, and it will take much longer;
- You may find out that the woman will not be able to become surrogate mother for medical, legal or other reasons after you have established contact with her and gained hope that everything will work out for you;
- There is a risk of fraud;
- If the surrogate mother is a family member or friend, most likely she will want to maintain contact with your child in the future. Some people are calm about such communication, but for some it may cause complete rejection;
- It will be more difficult for you to maintain anonymity;
- U You will not have an impartial third party to resolve disagreements or communication problems.
- The agency is not new to this area. The more programs the agency has completed, the better it understands all the intricacies of surrogacy and any problems that may arise;
- Good reputation (reviews from clients and surrogate mothers);
- Indicators of success of surrogacy (number of babies born);
- The agency staff is open and friendly, answers any questions in detail and clearly explains the essence of the program.
- Agreement - everything must be clearly and clearly stated in it: the rights and responsibilities of future parents and surrogate mothers, the amount of payments, a detailed description of each stage of the program. Such transparency is extremely important - it means that the agency understands the surrogacy process, is responsible for the result and guarantees maximum safety for all participants.
- Preferences for a surrogate mother, ranging from age and place of residence to interests, education and personal qualities;
- Expectations from a surrogate mother during pregnancy;
- Maximum budget for the program.
- You can be sure that the candidates proposed by the agency will meet all medical conditions and legal requirements;
- The agency will deal with all legal issues, including drawing up a contract for surrogacy, formalizing the surrogate mother's waiver of the rights to the child and assistance in obtaining a birth certificate, where the biological parents are listed as the parents baby.
- Thanks to professional mediation and psychological consultations, you and the surrogate mother will receive the necessary comprehensive support throughout the entire process;
- The agency will organize the entire medical component of the process - from examinations of the surrogate mother before the birth itself in the best clinics with experienced staff;
- The agency helps to establish a healthy, favorable relationship between you and the surrogate mother, so that all participants in the process feel comfortable and confident;
- Thanks to the agency’s already existing database of candidates, searching for a surrogate mother takes much less time, which allows you to immediately join the program.
- The cost of agency services may not fit into your budget;
- Not all agencies are qualified and provide quality services, so it is important to take the time to choose it.
This method of searching requires enormous responsibility: the couple needs to understand all the legal intricacies, independently organize medical screenings, find a suitable reproductive clinic for the IVF procedure, control the entire process of the surrogate mother’s pregnancy, and also coordinate the birth and delivery with the clinic. make sure that the surrogate mother signs a waiver of rights to the baby.
Another thing worth considering is the budget. Some intended parents fear they cannot afford an agency surrogacy program. Moreover, in the case of an independent SM procedure, they will still have to deal with medical and legal fees, as well as providing for the household needs of the surrogate mother and the final compensation. As a result, the difference in costs may be less than it seems.
Advantages of searching for a surrogate mother on your own
Disadvantages of searching for a surrogate mother on your own
The choice is always yours. However, it is worth considering that cooperation with a surrogacy agency is more effective and safe. The agency takes risks and independently resolves organizational, medical, and legal problems throughout the entire program.
Searching for a surrogate mother with the help of an agency
For many expectant parents, working with an agency is a quick and safe way to find a suitable surrogate mother. You will interact with experienced, trained staff who can guide and support you throughout this emotional and exciting process. Qualified agencies conduct a strict pre-selection of surrogate mother candidates to ensure that they are physically, emotionally and financially ready for the responsibility of carrying someone else's child.
- < h3 id="">Research agencies
It is important to carefully research surrogacy agencies, since choosing a reliable team of professionals is critical to the success of the entire program. Think about your needs and wants and be sure to consider different options. We advise you to pay attention to the following criteria:
You can also take into account factors such as location of the agency, complexity of services and their cost. Trust your intuition and inner feelings - they can also be a hint when choosing.
Make a plan
Surrogacy is a very personal process, so a good the agency takes the time to get to know you, your expectations and priorities before starting the selection of a surrogate mother. Together with an agency employee, you will determine and discuss:
Using this information, the agency team will evaluate the candidates they have in their database and begin the search for a surrogate mother.
Expect search results
Specific requirements for surrogate mothers vary from agency to agency. The main criteria are listed in the legislation, and the agency can also set its own restrictions. If the candidate passes the preliminary screening, the agency arranges for her to undergo medical and psychological screenings to ensure that the woman is mentally and physically ready for the surrogacy program. All of this is taken care of before you even see your potential surrogate's profile.
Choose a surrogate mother
The agency will offer you a number of candidates who meet your personal preferences, as well as the objective requirements specified in the legislation.
Advantages of finding a surrogate mother with an agency
Disadvantages of searching for a surrogate mother with the help of an agency
We will help you find a surrogate mother
Work with a reputable and experienced The agency greatly simplifies the search for a surrogate mother, and also increases the likelihood that the surrogate mother will successfully become pregnant and give birth to a healthy child. And you, in turn, will have more opportunities to enjoy this time and prepare for the upcoming addition to your family. We at ISA Fertility will be happy to find a surrogate mother for you and support you at every stage of the program. Fill out the formto learn more and start your journey to parenthood.
