Recent articles about gestational surrogacy have brought the topic and concerns about it to the forefront. Much of what has been discussed in the media are misconceptions. Here are a few facts that may help to clear up any misunderstandings.
Surrogates Care Only About Money
It varies from state to state, but most surrogates can only receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses such as travel and clothing and a small stipend as compensation. Medical benefits are covered, surrogates will be reimbursed for lost pay if they miss work because of medical testing or require bed rest, but no one gets rich being a surrogate. Most gestational surrogates choose this path because they truly want to help people who are unable to bear children on their own.
Surrogates Are Being Exploited
Surrogates are screened extensively to be sure they understand the commitment they are undertaking and can enter into a surrogacy contract of their own free will. Most agencies will not take surrogates who are on government assistance or who are living in poverty to ensure that the surrogate is not dependent on the small amount of income she will receive. By the same token, some surrogates are able to stay home with their own children throughout the pregnancy because of the income cushion her surrogacy will provide.
Surrogacy is Not Adequately Regulated
Surrogacy is so widely misunderstood that it seems impossible to get people to agree on what the laws should be. Some states forbid it, some states welcome it. Others want to allow only family or “altruistic” surrogacy. Some forbid crossing state lines. Others question who the actual parents of the child are. Ideally, surrogacy would be available and understood in every state, but in the absence of regulation, information is your best ally. Your surrogacy agency can help you to find surrogacy-friendly states.
Your Surrogacy Agency Can Help
Don’t try to go it alone. Partner with a reliable surrogacy agency like Surrogate Solutions. They are experts in surrogacy and can help Intended Parents and Surrogates understand all the factors that go in to choosing to use or be a gestational surrogate. They will also encourage you to work with legal professionals to understand your rights, responsibilities and state laws. You should also work with trusted medical providers to ensure that the surrogate and pregnancy are safe and healthy.
If you would like to understand the surrogacy process better, contact the experts at Surrogate Solutions. They are ready to support and guide you every step of the way.
