So, you’re considering surrogacy as a path to starting a family, and you’ve heard about the option of independent surrogacy. While independent surrogacy can be a cost-effective and a more personal way to bring a child into your life, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the risks of this approach. Here’s what you need to know.
Benefits of Independent Surrogacy
The biggest benefit of independent surrogacy is that you have more control over the process. When you work directly with a surrogate, you can build a relationship with her, communicate openly about your expectations, and have more control over the expenses associated with the pregnancy and birth.
Another advantage of independent surrogacy is that it can be a cost-effective option. By avoiding the fees charged by surrogacy agencies, you may be able to save money on your surrogacy journey.
Independent surrogacy can create a stronger personal connection between the intended parents and surrogate, as they are able to communicate directly and build a relationship throughout the surrogacy journey
Risks of Independent Surrogacy
However, independent surrogacy also comes with its own set of risks. One of the biggest risks is that you’ll need to oversee and manage the entire process, including the legal and medical aspects of surrogacy, on your own. This can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to surrogacy and don’t have a lot of experience doing this.
Another risk is that you may not have access to the same level of support and resources as you would with a surrogacy agency. For example, you’ll need to find a surrogacy lawyer and fertility clinics on your own and make sure that your surrogate’s medical expenses are covered by insurance or out of pocket.
It’s also important to consider the potential for complications in the relationship with your surrogate. When working independently, it’s important to have clear and open communication from the beginning to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts down the road.
Independent surrogacy can offer intended parents a more personal and cost-effective option for starting a family. However, it’s important to understand the benefits and risks of this approach, and to carefully consider the responsibilities and challenges that come with handling the legal and medical aspects of surrogacy on your own. It’s always a good idea to seek the guidance of a surrogacy lawyer to ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the surrogacy process.
About Attorney Nicole K. White
As a mother by gestational surrogacy and as a surrogacy lawyer, my goal is to help you experience the joy and fulfillment of starting or growing a family of your own through third party reproduction. Because I am a mother by gestational surrogacy, I know firsthand what you will need – answers to your questions, support and guidance – and, I know what you will go through when starting your family. My experience as a surrogacy lawyer helps me guide you through the financial, emotional and legal aspects of surrogacy and third party reproduction. I can say with confidence that few (if any) attorneys deliver the unique insight I can bring to your surrogacy journey.