If you’ve ever thought about helping a couple bring a child into the world, there is no greater place to do that than New York. As a matter of fact, New York recently legalized gestational surrogacy. We know. It’s hard to believe, but true. New York was one of only a handful of states that didn’t allow compensated surrogacy, which meant many New York couples had to travel hundreds (and often thousands) of miles to begin their journey to parenthood.
Thankfully, that’s all in the past. As of February 15, 2021, you can help intended parents in New York enjoy the journey right in their home state. And, if you are based in or around New York too, that means a greater opportunity to bond with the couple. A true win-win. Of course, there are many great reasons to become a surrogate in New York. Here are our top three:
1: Best Surrogacy Protection in the Land
If you can’t be the first, be the best! Always the over-achiever, New York wanted to get it right when it came to legalizing gestational surrogacy, and WOW did they ever!
New York’s Gestational Surrogacy Law sets a high bar for surrogacy, providing surrogates with the strongest legal and health protections in the nation. For example, the law includes a “Surrogates’ Bill of Rights,” ensuring surrogates have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, access to comprehensive health insurance and independent legal counsel of their choosing – all paid for by the intended parents!
Read more about the surrogates and families who benefit from this great new law in this New York Post article featuring our surrogate Rebecca Kitchin, intended mom Kelly Cesare, and Nazca Fontes, founder and CEO of ConceiveAbilities.
2: Top-Notch Medical Care
New York is home to some of the most renowned medical and fertility centers in the country – heck the world! You are sure to get the absolute best care and support in New York. While the list is long, according to “The Best Fertility Clinics and Resources in New York City” by New York Family Magazine, three noteworthy centers include:
NYU Langone Reproductive Specialists of New York
Offering patients free infertility support groups and opportunities to meet with a psychologist for one-on-one sessions, NYU Langone RS NY sets out to develop an unrivaled support system for its patients. Also, check out this great podcast with Dr. James Grifo, director of NYU Langone Fertility Center. In the podcast he shares his view on what the legalization of surrogacy in New York means for intended parents and surrogates.
Reproductive Medical Associates of New York
Recognized by New York Magazine for having five of the “Best Doctors,” RMA of New York offers patients a wide range of treatment options, from low-tech approaches to high-tech interventions, depending on an individual patient’s needs and challenges determined by fertility testing.
Weill Cornell’s Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine
With several locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Weill Cornell has helped bring over 21,000 babies into the world through IVF treatments. Although it is a large operation, Weill Cornell places an emphasis on personalized medicine.
New York Sets a New Standard with Family-Building Benefits for City Employees
Recently, New York became the first major city in the United States to provide employee health benefits to nearly 30,000 non-union city employees and retirees to make it easier for New Yorkers to build their families. In addition to their existing coverage for fertility treatments, the new suite of employee health benefits package now include up to $10,000 in reimbursement for costs associated with adoption, surrogacy, egg donation and sperm donations.
If you’re an intended parent pursuing surrogacy in New York or exploring other family-building options, these enhanced benefits are designed to reduce financial stress and help more families achieve their dreams of parenthood.
3: Become Part of an Extended Family
Wondering what sort of relationship you could have with an intended parent? Read about Cynara and Sara’s experience of bringing a baby into the world together, and why the legalization of surrogacy in New York hits home for them.
Of course, finding the right match makes all the difference. ConceiveAbilities, a leading surrogacy agency with offices in cities across the country, including long roots in NYC, is a great place to begin your surrogacy journey.
Want to become a surrogate in New York City, NY? Learn how to become a surrogate. And, apply now to see if you qualify.