The joys of starting a family can be challenging for some. However, there are several options that can help your dreams of having a family become reality. There are various options that you can choose from to start a family like adoption, traditional surrogacy, and gestational surrogacy.
Although adoption is one of the most common routes for couples who would like to start a family, surrogacy is also a common option. The process of surrogacy depends on the type of surrogacy. As mentioned there are two primary types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational.
Traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate carries the embryo and is the donor of the egg, making her the biological mother. In this case, the surrogate will be impregnated with sperm from the intended father, who will be the biological father. The surrogate is impregnated with his sperm through intrauterine insemination or IUI.
Gestational surrogacy differs in that instead of using the surrogate’s’ eggs and intended father’s’ sperm to create the embryo, the biological mother’s’ eggs will be used. The biological mother’s’ eggs will be inserted into the surrogate through the process of in vitro (IVF). With this process, the surrogate is only the carrier of the embryo and not the biological mother.
Just as adoption, surrogacy can become costly. Especially if choosing gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy is more costly because of the process to successfully implant the biological mother’s’ eggs and fathers’ sperm into the surrogate. If not successful on the first try, the process would have to be attempted again in a matter of months.
According to Conceive Abilities, the average cost of surrogacy is between $98,000 to $160,000. However, it’s also pertinent to realize that the cost varies and it mostly depends on an individual’s situation.
Their estimation includes the gestational surrogate cost, psychological support, legal fees, maternity care, egg donor program, IVF and embryo creation, program and financial management, and travel.
Typically, couples who choose to use a surrogate the woman either has medical problems with their uterus or conditions that make their pregnancy impossible or incredibly risky. Same sex male couples may also choose to use a surrogate, with one of the men donating their sperm to create the embryo.
When considering surrogacy, it’s important that you weigh all the options. Whether you will go through a traditional or gestational surrogacy. Would adoption be easier than surrogacy? What can you afford? Just as in adopting, you want to ensure that if you do go through with surrogacy you will be prepared for all the emotional and physical demands.
However, with whichever choice you may decide on know that the end result will be worth it. When you have your child that you have been wanting for so long all the challenges you went through to have them in your arms will be one of the most rewarding moments of your life.