Choosing the best surrogacy agency is an important step in your surrogacy journey – for intended parents and also for potential surrogates. Amanda Garcia, Practice Administrator with CCRM New York shares important qualities to look for in a surrogacy agency and how ConceiveAbilities meets those qualifications for surrogates and parents alike.
Can you imagine the euphoria of giving life to someone else’s family? Many surrogates are driven by that sense of joy in helping another family. And, at the same time, these brave women also want to be aware of the various pros, cons and other benefits that could come as a result of their decision.
The Pros of Surrogacy
Surrogacy can be a fulfilling experience
Surrogacy is fulfilling. For the surrogate, the feeling is one of pride from having provided the parents with a baby. Surrogates at ConceiveAbilities are strong, selfless women who delight at giving hope and opportunity to growing families.
Surrogates are supported by a strong Surro-Sisterhood
Surrogacy is a singular experience and sharing your story may be difficult when others cannot relate. Luckily, surrogates have banded together to create solid communities and sisterhoods. Many former ConceiveAbilities surrogates remain close well after their journeys, meeting at events, picnics, and other social gatherings.
Surrogates can relive the feeling of pregnancy
All surrogates that undergo the process are already mothers and enjoy being mothers. When you become a surrogate, you have the opportunity to experience being pregnant again. Many surrogates love the experience of pregnancy; through surrogacy, these women can relive the experience without expanding her own family.
Surrogacy provides a fair compensation
In countries and states that support commercial surrogacy, gestational carriers are compensated for their time and risk. At ConceiveAbilities, we pay surrogates the highest amount of any agency; use our online calculator to get an estimate of your personalized base pay.
Legal protections cover surrogates too
Contracts. called Gestational Carrier Agreements, protect the rights and interest of surrogates as well as intended parents. These contracts ensure the gestational carriers are reimbursed for their time and contribution and absolve her of any responsibility for the baby following childbirth. And, working with an experienced and professional agency like ConceiveAbilities gives you an advocate to ensure the terms of the contract are enforced throughout your entire surrogacy journey.
The Cons of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is physically demanding
Similar to a traditional pregnancy, surrogacy can take its toll on one’s body. Surrogates must undergo screenings, attend interviews and appointments, and carry a baby for 9 months. During this time, gestational carriers are asked not to engage in any risky or strenuous physical activity that could endanger the pregnancy. Certainly, these demands are balanced against the reward of delivering a new family member.
Surrogacy is emotionally taxing
Carrying a baby and giving birth is one of the most beautiful acts a human can do, but it can also be emotionally difficult. At times you may feel intense joy and excitement and, at other times, you’ll need the support of your family and friends. You’ll never be alone, though, as you can always reach out to the ConceiveAbilities team if you need someone to talk with.
Surrogacy involves a significant time commitment
The surrogate mother process, from applying online to delivering the baby, spans 1 to 2 years. If you’re planning on becoming a surrogate, you’ll have to confirm that you are ready for the full journey.
Further Information
If you need more information after reading about the pros and cons of surrogacy, we are your answer. The more you research, the better. Read up on our blog post, Everything You Need to Know About Gestational Surrogacy, to find out more about the process, the laws, and the costs.
And, talk to us to dream a bit about the possibilities of helping someone else’s dream of a family come true.