How Can I Find a Substitute Without an Agency?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,446 total ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) cycles using gestational carriers in the USA in 2018. The cost of surrogacy in the USA can vary greatly, but it can from $110,000 to $150,000 or more for full-service surrogacy arrangements. Surrogacy agency fees in the US vary from $30,000 to $50,000 based on the type and location of the agency and how much assistance they provide. In this article, we will discuss whether it is possible to find a surrogate without an agency.
To reduce the cost of surrogacy and to fulfill their dream of parenthood, many intended parents find surrogate mothers without an agency. Having a surrogate mother, the IVF procedure, and legal guidance should be part of any surrogacy process, so doing independent surrogacy (not involving a surrogacy agency) becomes a necessity for many intended parents. who can afford their surrogacy process.
It’s important to remember that surrogacy laws and regulations can change over time, so it’s important to consult a qualified attorney or fertility specialist for the most up-to-date information on surrogacy.
Why is Surrogacy So Big in the USA?
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), compensated surrogacy is legal in most states, but some states prohibit it or have restrictions. The cost of surrogacy in the USA can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surrogacy, the location of the surrogacy, and the specific services provided. In general, surrogacy in the USA can be expensive for several reasons:
- Medical expenses: Surrogacy usually involves extensive medical procedures, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), prenatal care, and childbirth. These medical procedures can be expensive, and the cost can vary depending on the specific medical needs of the surrogate mother and intended parents.
- Compensation for surrogate mother: Surrogacy involves finding a woman willing to bear a child for another person or couple. The surrogate mother usually receives compensation for her time, effort, and sacrifice. This compensation can include base pay, medical expenses, and additional fees for things like lost wages, travel expenses, and more.
- Legal fees: Surrogacy involves a complex legal process, and intended parents and surrogate mothers usually need legal representation to ensure that their rights are protected. Legal fees may vary depending on the specific needs of each party and the complexity of the surrogacy agreement.
- Agency fees: Many intended parents choose to work with a surrogacy agency, which can help them find a suitable surrogate mother, provide legal and medical assistance, and handle the administrative aspects of the surrogacy process. Surrogacy agencies typically charge fees for their services, which can add to the overall cost of surrogacy.
The only way to make surrogacy affordable in the US is for intended parents to find their own surrogates and manage their own surrogacy journey. This is known as independent surrogacy or private surrogacy or Indy surrogacy where the prospective parents search for and navigate the surrogacy process on their own without the help of a surrogacy agency.
There are several ways in which intended parents can find a surrogate without using a surrogacy agency:
#1. Personal connections:
Intended parents may find a surrogate through personal connections, such as friends, family, or acquaintances. Within the family/family, there may be a good woman whose health and her desire to help you bring your family. However, it is good to understand the risks and challenges associated with the surrogacy process and consult with a reproductive attorney to protect the rights of both parties.
#2. Online resources:
There are several online resources, such as forums and support groups, where intended parents can connect with surrogates and discuss the surrogacy process. Nowadays social medicine dominates our lives and it is not difficult to find a like-minded community where help is available.
#3. Surrogacy agencies:
Some surrogacy agencies may offer a “match-only” service, where they assist with the initial matching process but do not provide ongoing support or services. This means that a surrogacy agency or surrogacy professional and consultant can help you find the surrogate mother but you have to navigate your journey after that.
However, it goes without saying that intended parents need to consider the pros and cons of matching themselves with a surrogate and understand the potential risks and opportunities.
Self-matching requires more time, effort, and resources on the part of the intended parents, as they will need to handle all logistical, medical, and legal aspects of the surrogacy process. It is also important to work with experienced professionals, such as fertility doctors and lawyers, to ensure that the surrogacy process is carried out in a responsible and ethical manner.
What are the qualifications to be a Substitute?
The qualifications to become a surrogate vary depending on the laws and regulations of the country or state where the surrogacy takes place, as well as the wishes and standards of the intended parents. In general, however, there are some common qualifications that surrogates generally need to meet:
#1. Age: Most surrogates are between the ages of 21 and 45, with the 21 to 45 range being the most common. Some intended parents may prefer a surrogate closer to their own age, while others may be more open to a surrogate of any age as long as she is healthy and capable of carrying a pregnancy to term.
#2. Health: Surrogates must be in good physical and mental health, with no medical conditions that could put them or the baby at risk. Surrogates generally must have had at least one successful pregnancy and delivery, and no complications or health issues in previous pregnancies.
#3. Support system: Surrogates need to have a supportive network of friends and family who are willing to help them during pregnancy and childbirth. Surrogates should also have a support system in place to help them with their own children, if appropriate.
#4. Legal considerations: Surrogates need to understand and be prepared to comply with surrogacy laws and regulations in their country or state. Surrogates must also be prepared to sign a legal agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement.
What are the necessary benefits for a Surrogate?
The benefits that surrogates are entitled to may vary depending on the laws and regulations of the country or state where the surrogacy takes place, as well as the specific terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement. In general, however, surrogates are generally entitled to receive the following benefits:
- Base salary: Surrogates are typically paid a base salary to compensate them for their time, effort, and expenses during the surrogacy process. The basic salary usually covers the surrogate’s time and effort during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as any related medical and legal expenses.
- Expense reimbursement: Surrogates may be entitled to receive reimbursement for surrogacy-related expenses, such as maternity clothes, lost wages, and travel.
- Medical and insurance coverage: Surrogates must have appropriate medical and insurance coverage during the surrogacy process, including coverage for any medical conditions or complications that may arise.
- Legal protection: Surrogates should have legal protection in the form of a surrogacy agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in the surrogacy arrangement.
How to find an Affordable Surrogate mother in USA?
There are several ways in which intended parents can find an affordable surrogate:
#1. Researching surrogacy agencies:
Surrogacy agencies usually charge a fee for their services, but the amount of the fee can vary greatly from one agency to another. Some agencies may offer financial assistance or flexible payment options to help intended parents pay for the surrogacy process.
#2. Consider self-matching:
Some intended parents choose to match themselves with a surrogate, rather than going through a surrogacy agency. This saves money on surrogacy agency fees, but it also requires more time, effort, and resources on the part of the intended parents, as they will need to handle all the logistical, medical, and legal aspects of the surrogacy process. surrogacy. .
#3. Use an independent alternative:
Some surrogates are willing to work independently, without the help of a surrogacy agency. This saves money on surrogacy agency fees, but it also requires more time, effort, and resources on the part of the intended parents, as they will need to handle all the logistical, medical, and legal aspects of the surrogacy process. . .
#4. International surrogacy options:
Look out for some international surrogacy countries where the cost of surrogacy is lower than in the USA. Surrogacy in Mexico, Colombia, and Georgia are some options to consider.
Learn more-
Top 4 cheapest surrogacy countries in the world.
Legal surrogacy countries that IPs should know
It is important to carefully research and compare options and understand the potential risks and challenges of self-matching or using an independent surrogate.
If you want to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services worldwide, check out more on our website at IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.
