Some couples struggle to conceive a child. For other couples, it is physically impossible for them to have children at all. Rather than struggle with the costs and painful procedures that reproductive treatments can bring, more couples than ever before are opting toward surrogacy. A surrogate mother carries a child to full term, delivers the child, and the couple who hires the surrogate pays for all associated medical costs, as well as a salary in many instances, on a contracted basis. Though it is often a viable solution, there can be attachment problems a surrogate may have as well.
Here Are the Pros of Surrogacy
The primary benefit of surrogacy is that it is often more successful than other reproductive treatment methods. Sometimes the surrogate mother supplies the egg to be fertilized, though some couples have their own genetic material implanted into the surrogate mother. About 40 weeks later, the surrogate mother delivers a healthy baby, which the couple can then take home with them without dealing with the physical issues that pregnancy can provide.
Another benefit of surrogacy is the chance to form lifelong connections that benefit the family. Many surrogates stay involved in the lives of the children they helped to carry, creating a community aspect of family that provides a loving environment where a child can grow up.
Here Are the Cons of Surrogacy
For many couples, the primary detriment to surrogacy is the overall cost. Many health insurance plans do not cover surrogacy, which means all medical expenses will be out of pocket. Add in the salary that many surrogates receive and the overall cost of bringing a child to full term can often exceed $40,000.
In some locations, the surrogate mother retains parental rights that must be terminated for legal purposes. Though this can be agreed to before the delivery of the child, most areas allow for a surrogate mother to change her mind after delivering the child. This can create difficulties for the couple who hired the surrogate as the mother is often awarded the initial custody of a child.
There are also other legal complications to consider in a surrogacy. Surrogacy is actually against the law in some communities, meaning there is a risk of jail time and financial penalties that are brought on with a decision to pursue surrogacy. There is also no direct control over how a surrogate mother may behave during a pregnancy, meaning that a child could be exposed to smoking, alcohol, drugs, and other health risk factors.
Is a Surrogacy Right For You?
Many couples turn to surrogacy when they feel like they have no other options. Others turn to surrogacy because they are simply tired of the painful reproductive procedures they must endure in an attempt to have a child. With the right surrogate, a healthy child can be brought into a loving family, but for a price. If you’re willing to pay that price, then pursuing a surrogacy may just be the right choice for you.
