Navigating the surrogacy process—where a surrogate carries and delivers your child—can be a rewarding yet complex journey. The process entails various steps, including finding a suitable surrogate, conducting physical and mental health screenings, drafting legal documents to establish parental rights, managing financial arrangements, and overseeing medical procedures such as embryo transfers. This can seem overwhelming at times.
Many intended parents opt to work with an agency, which provides a comprehensive network of professionals to guide them through each phase. Conversely, some families prefer to pursue surrogacy independently, leaning on friends, family, and their healthcare providers for guidance. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it crucial to understand what lies ahead no matter which path you choose. Let’s explore the differences between agency surrogacy and independent surrogacy.
What Is Agency Surrogacy?
Also known as matching agencies, surrogacy agencies serve as a centralized resource for intended parents who wish to use a gestational carrier. Agencies offer a variety of services, including:
- Connecting intended parents with gestational carriers
- Conducting medical screenings and comprehensive background checks for surrogates
- Drafting legal agreements to establish parental rights
- Referring mental health professionals, medical experts, and fertility clinics
- Supporting the relationship between all parties from before conception through the post-birth period
“As a full-service agency, we recruit, screen, and educate surrogates,” says Laura Jenkins, director of parent services at the Family Growth Agency. “We ensure they understand what to expect, including travel commitments, time away from their families, and potential challenges along the way.”
Jenkins emphasizes the importance of open communication and thorough discussions between intended parents and surrogates. She often arranges initial meetings via video calls, providing an opportunity for both parties to ask essential questions. “With independent surrogacies, these in-depth conversations may not always happen,” she notes. Important topics might include preferences regarding pregnancy termination, vaccination policies, dietary habits, and travel during the third trimester.
Pros of Agency Surrogacy
One of the primary advantages of agency surrogacy is the matching service that connects intended parents with qualified gestational carriers. “It’s not merely about finding someone willing to carry a child; an agency will typically work with individuals who have undergone prior mental health evaluations and financial background checks,” explains Mark Thompson, a legal expert at Family Law Associates in New York.
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For further reading, you might find success stories, such as those shared in our post on after four months of trying, inspiring as they highlight the possibilities of home insemination. For a deeper understanding of the scientific background, check out the information available on in vitro fertilization.
Independent Surrogacy
On the other hand, independent surrogacy allows intended parents more autonomy. They can choose their surrogate and navigate the process without the assistance of an agency. While this can lead to a more personalized experience, it often means that intended parents must take on more responsibility for ensuring that all legal, medical, and emotional aspects are managed effectively.
For those considering at-home insemination, it’s essential to create a supportive environment, which you can learn about in our guide on how to create a healthy home environment for your family.
To Summarize:
Choosing between independent surrogacy and agency surrogacy involves weighing the benefits and challenges of each option. Agency surrogacy provides a support system and access to resources, while independent surrogacy allows for greater personal control over the process. Regardless of the route you take, being informed and prepared will lead to a more fulfilling surrogacy experience.