What is International Surrogacy?
International gestational surrogacy is a surrogacy arrangement involving a surrogate mother who lives in an overseas country. The surrogate may also be called the gestational carrier, as she is the one carrying the pregnancy.
A major reason why intending parents seek to have surrogacy abroad is to ensure that their journey to parenthood is as safe and smooth as possible. Depending on the country of the intending parents opt for international surrogacy is also because the process can be expensive and legally complicated in their country, or in some cases, simply outlawed.
Surrogacy is also a way for same-sex couples and single intending parents to realize their dreams of parenthood. So it only makes sense that these parents would want to undertake the international surrogacy process in a country that has favourable laws and regulations. However, the cheapest country for surrogacy doesn’t necessarily mean the best – you also have to consider factors such as laws, level of medical care and availability of surrogates.
Generally speaking, the surrogacy process in countries that have become surrogacy destinations is straightforward due to factors such as:
Favourable Legislation
Established Surrogacy Agencies
Availability of Fertility Clinics
Network of Surrogate Mothers
These are some reasons why intending parents want to pursue surrogacy abroad. However, the saying “cheaper is not always better” stands true when it comes to the surrogacy process.
If you’re thinking about international surrogacy, there are some important factors you should consider before making this commitment. Just as you would with the domestic surrogacy process, it’s important that you completely understand the process and legalities involved, the risks and liabilities too.
Whether you’re an intended parent or prospective surrogate, we recommend you speak at length to an international surrogacy agency like us to see if international surrogacy is the right choice for you! Simply fill out the form on our website and our experts can give you the most accurate information for the particular process that’s best suited for your personal situation, any requirements you have to meet and any other useful information you need. We always say an informed decision is the best one.
International Surrogacy in the United States
The United States is considered by many to be the gold standard destination for surrogacy in the world. This status has been earned due to the high level of care, the experts available in the country, the positive legislature and a long history of successful surrogacies. Not only will travel and communication be easier, but the surrogacy laws regulating in the U.S. are well-enforced and thoroughly understood by surrogacy agencies and surrogacy lawyers.
International Surrogacy Outside of the United States
Whether you live in India, the United States or another country, you may still want to explore international surrogacy as a parenthood option. It’s certainly a possibility, but there are some important aspects of overseas surrogacy you should be aware of before moving forward.
Surrogacy Laws by Country
The surrogacy laws for each country are naturally different, due to cultural beliefs, societal norms and many other factors. It’s important that you only consider countries where surrogacy is legal for your international surrogacy to not only protect yourself and the surrogate but also the baby that will result from this process.
It is crucial to ensure that the international surrogacy agency that you choose should be experienced in the laws of the country you’re working in, and you should also seek out a lawyer in that country who frequently completes surrogacies.
Apart from those two factors, having the help of an experienced translator will also prove to be invaluable.
It’s important to know that international surrogacy laws vary widely and have become more restrictive over the years in some countries; what may be legal in one country may not be legal in another. That’s why it’s so important that you work with a surrogacy agency for your surrogacy treatment, as you need to make sure you’re completing every step legally.
Compensation for the Surrogate
A reason why international surrogacy is controversial is because of the compensation being paid for the surrogate’s services. The relative cost of the services depends on the cost of living in the country of surrogacy treatment. For example, the payment to a surrogate mother in the United States will most certainly be higher than that in Georgia, as the cost of living in the United States is much higher. Resulting in much less value for the surrogate’s payment in one country compared to the cheapest country for surrogacy.
When compared to domestic surrogacy, the cost of surrogacy overseas is almost certainly bound to be higher.
Travel Costs for International Surrogacy
Depending upon the country of surrogacy, the intending parents may have to travel to the surrogate’s country one or more times. The specific number of trips that will be required varies based on the country’s laws, your personal preferences and medical conditions.
At the very least, you may have to be present for the screening of the surrogate mother, the embryo transfer process, and the birth of your child. And without question, the cost of these travels will quickly add up depending upon your distance from the destination country.
Another factor to consider is that international surrogate mothers are also bound to be less available for contact during the pregnancy with intending parents, which may lead to some tensions and doubts. While in the current day and age, communication is not an issue, there may arise the issue of language barriers or time differences.
You’ll also have to factor in the costs associated with bringing your child home — how your parental rights will be legally protected, whether a foreign birth certificate can be domesticated, the visas or passports required for your baby, etc. If this process sounds daunting, don’t fret, our team will be by your side every step of the way to guide you and dispel any doubts you may have.
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