Surrogacy is a process in which a woman who is not the intended parent agrees to carry a baby to term for someone else. Once the baby is delivered, the child goes home with the intended parents. Whether someone chooses to use a surrogate for medical or social reasons, surrogacy has become a fairly common option for parenthood.
Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy
Most agencies in the U.S. primarily offer “gestational surrogacy,” in which all genetic material is provided by either the intended parents or reproductive donors. This differs from “traditional surrogacy,” in which the egg used is that of the surrogate. 3 Sisters Surrogacy is strictly a gestational surrogacy agency.
In gestational surrogacy, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is used. The provided egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory setting to create one or more embryos for later transplant into the uterus of the surrogate. In contrast, a traditional surrogacy would involve fertilizing the surrogate’s egg in the body with sperm from either a donor or the intended father.
Common Reasons Couples Choose Surrogacy
The following are just a few of the many reasons why prospective parents might choose to pursue surrogacy over other options:
- Surrogacy allows couples to provide their own biological material and produce a child that is genetically related to them (a common reason for same-sex couples).
- Those who have not had success in getting pregnant often prefer their chances with a healthy surrogate over their chances with continued fertility treatments
- Because surrogates must meet strict criteria and pass several screenings, couples feel that they can trust surrogacy to be a safe and transparent option.
The Legal Aspect
Surrogacy is not legal in all states or for all intended parents. If you pursue a surrogacy in a state where it is not legal, the contracts will not be legally binding and you will have no recourse if something goes wrong. 3 Sisters Surrogacy works only in places where gestational surrogacy is legal and open to all kinds of families (married/unmarried, LGBT, etc.).
Professional surrogacy agencies like ours have legal resources to ensure that the appropriate parental rights are in place and all legal documents are fair and enforceable before the process begins. We also require surrogates and intended parents to retain their own independent legal counsel. The surrogates legal representation fees are part of the agency contract and the surrogate will not pay her attorney.
Surrogate Requirements
To ensure optimal health and success, all of our surrogates must meet the following strict criteria:
- Be between the ages of 21 and 39
- Live in a surrogacy-friendly state
- Have previously delivered a live child at term and be raising that child
- Have proportional height and weight
- Not receive public assistance
- Submit with partner/spouse to medical exams, background checks, and psychological evaluations
- Have insurance coverage for at least 8 weeks after delivery or be able to obtain in on the open market
Let 3 Sisters Surrogacy Help You Start the Family You’ve Always Wanted
With our strong fertility expertise and diverse selection of highly-qualified surrogates, 3 Sisters Surrogacy gives clients the resources they need to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. To learn more about becoming intended parents with our agency, call us today at (877) 976-9483.
