1. Research
Start with a good research in countries that allow for surrogacy. In addition to Canada, many countries such as Ukraine, Russia, and Czech Republic are open for surrogacy for foreign intended parents. Most of the countries have several agencies that offer surrogacy consultancy and services. You can find more details on how to find a good agency and what to be careful here.
2. Type of surrogacy
Depending on your situation, identify whether traditional or gestational surrogacy is right for you. Several factors play a part in making this decision, as well as on the whole process and stages that follow afterwards. You can find more details here, to help in decision making.
3. Financial impact
Assess the costs for a journey in different countries. It is advisable to asses a surrogacy location (country) on the basis of –
- Strength of legislative power, which means how much protection the country’s law offers towards surrogacy
- Costs of surrogacy, and the fees for surrogates, compared to the altruistic nature of surrogacy in some countries
- Success rates, which refers to the success guarantee programs that some countries offer.
Developing countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, and Kenya are cheap, but are usually unregulated, with surrogacy operating in “grey” area of the law. On the other hand, USA has clear law guidelines for surrogacy, however can be very expensive. In the USA, it can cost anywhere from $ 95,000 to $ 150,000 (depending on the state). Canada and some European countries such as UK and Netherlands offer altruistic surrogacy. We have an itemized table available for several countries. Please leave your details below requesting this itemized table.
4. Define the journey
Decide on whether you want to go via an agency or carry an independent journey. Independent journey or a private surrogacy is done without an agency, only with a lawyer and fertility clinic. Usually, a private surrogacy is relatively cheaper vs. surrogacy via an agency. There can be however many pitfalls going independently, with first time intended parents might not be fully aware of. In such cases, agencies are a good option to explore.
5. Creating embryos
Embryos are created from the eggs and sperm of the intended parents, through an IVF procedure. Mature eggs are retrieved from ovaries, and are fertilized by a sperm in a clinical environment. The fertilized embryo is either frozen for a future transfer or is directly transferred into the uterus. In some cases, embryos are created through either donor eggs or sperm. More information on donation can be found here.
6. Finding a surrogate
Finding a surrogate is not easy, depending on the country you are looking to carry out a surrogacy. The easiest way to find a surrogate in countries such as USA, Canada, Mexico, Columbia etc. is through an agency. The agencies have the responsibility of finding and managing the surrogate on behalf of the intended parents. Agency fees are expensive in most countries, however, they take over the responsibility of the whole process of surrogacy. The intended parents are provided full support and guidance along the way.
Finding a surrogate independently is possible via online sites and groups. Some sites for finding surrogates are “Find Surrogate Mother” and “Surrogate Finder”
7. Create a contract
A contract is created between the Intended parents and the surrogate. This is carried out by lawyers of each party. This is to ensure that the rights and wishes of both parties are taken into account. Although in some countries, a contract cannot be legally enforced, it creates the contract intent in the eyes of law.
8. Pregnancy confirmed!
A frozen or a fresh embryo is transferred to surrogate. Ten to 15 days after the transfer, a blood test is performed to confirm pregnancy. The test is for bHCG (Beta HCG) tests the blood for Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin levels. A negative bHCG means No Pregnancy. A very high bHCG could mean twins. A few days after the first test, another test is carried to ensure that the pregnancy is proceeding well.
9. Welcome your baby!
The full term of a baby is usually 38 weeks. But sometimes babies come before the planned time. Create two delivery plans, one for early delivery (in the case you are unable to reach on-time) and one for a timely delivery. The plan includes inputs from the intended parents, surrogates, and the hospital. The plans also includes information about who will be in the room during delivery, who will cut the umbilical cord, who will hold the baby first, and other such detailed concerns and wishes of both surrogate and intended parents. For a list of prospective items on this plan, please contact us via the form below.
10. Taking your baby back to your country
Taking your baby home is a special process and experience. Depending on the country, the laws and procedures are different and require dedicated legal support from both countries (your country and the country of surrogacy). You can read all about it in detail here.
For international parents, it is often the case that they have long international flights. With a newborn, it is a very delicate process. There are many things to consider and take into account. More information on travelling with a newborn can be found below:
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