(nytimes.com) Surrogacy is an important family planning option, but be prepared for a lengthy, expensive and emotional process.
The Gist – What is surrogacy about
- In “gestational surrogacy,” your surrogate and egg donor will be different.
- You are not required to work with a surrogacy agency, but complications often arise throughout the process. Most experts advise against going it alone.
- Your surrogacy “team” will probably include a reproductive endocrinologist, a lawyer, a psychologist and an insurance specialist — interview several of each before hiring them.
- Advancements in DNA testing have rendered the concept of “anonymous” egg and sperm donation obsolete, so decide what degree of openness you are comfortable with.
- A good surrogacy agency will ensure carriers undergo health, criminal, financial and psychological screenings before you “match” with her, but take time to make sure it’s a good fit.
- Surrogacy is expensive. In the United States, the average journey costs $150,000, but the final cost can be much more or less depending on your circumstances.
Read the whole story: nytimes.com – What to Know Before Your Surrogacy Journey
Read more: Surrogacy step by step