If you follow Golden Surrogacy on Instagram, you might have come across our Surrogacy 101 clips, those quick, one-minute videos that break down the essential concepts of surrogacy to help Intended Parents and Surrogates feel less overwhelmed on this incredible journey.

In our Surrogacy Talk series, we delve into more complex topics like “Choosing an Egg Donor,” “Who Can’t Be a Surrogate,” and “How Long It Takes to Be Matched.” But today, let’s keep it simple and explore five essential surrogacy fundamentals that lay the groundwork for a smooth and well-informed surrogacy experience. The five topics we’ll cover are:

1. Gestational vs. traditional surrogacy
2. How does surrogacy work?
3. Who is the baby’s legal parent?
4. How do Intended Parents find a Surrogate?
5. How much does surrogacy cost?

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding, let’s dive into these basics together!

Topic #1: Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy

First up, let’s clarify the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy. This difference shapes the entire journey! In gestational surrogacy, the Surrogate has no biological connection to the baby. Think of her as the baby’s temporary home, not its biological parent. An embryo is created in a lab using an egg and sperm from the Intended Parents (or donors), and then it’s placed in the Surrogate’s uterus. It’s like renting out an apartment for a very special tenant.

On the flip side, traditional surrogacy involves the Surrogate’s own egg, which makes her the biological mother of the child. This approach can lead to legal and emotional complexities, which is why many states either restrict or don’t allow traditional surrogacy.

At Golden, we focus exclusively on gestational surrogacy because it offers the best legal clarity and security for everyone involved, ensuring that the Intended Parents’ rights are well protected.

Topic #2: How Does Surrogacy Work?

Let’s set the record straight: no one is having intercourse in the surrogacy process. Let’s leave that idea to Hollywood. Instead, everything happens in a lab under the care of a reproductive endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating issues related to reproduction and fertility.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how surrogacy works. Think of it as the birds, the bees, and a bit of science!

1. Creating the embryo: Doctors use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to combine an egg and sperm, creating an embryo.
2. Transferring the embryo: That embryo is then transferred to the Surrogate’s uterus, where, fingers crossed, it will implant and grow into a healthy baby.
3. Legal agreement: Throughout the pregnancy, there’s a legal contract that clearly outlines everyone’s rights and responsibilities, ensuring that the Intended Parents and the Surrogate are on the same page from day one.

So, if you find yourself in a conversation about surrogacy and hear friends talking without mentioning “IVF,” “clinics,” or “agencies,” you have the perfect opportunity to set the record straight.

Topic #3: Who is the Baby’s Legal Parent?

One question that often comes up is: who actually has parental rights to the baby? In gestational surrogacy, since the Surrogate isn’t biologically related to the child, she has no legal claim. Instead, the Intended Parents are recognized as the legal parents.

Here at Golden, we start working on the parentage paperwork early in the second trimester. This way, by the time delivery day arrives, all the necessary documents are filed with the court, ensuring a smooth process that officially recognizes the Intended Parents as the baby’s legal guardians right from the start!

Topic #4: How Do Intended Parents Find a Surrogate?

For Intended Parents, finding the right Surrogate is often a top priority. This is where an experienced agency like Golden can really make a difference. We handle everything from recruiting and screening potential Surrogates to matching them with Intended Parents and guiding everyone through each step of the journey.

If you’re considering going the independent route, it’s crucial to do your research and understand the logistics involved. Partnering with a reputable agency can provide the reassurance and expertise you need to make your journey smoother and more secure.

Topic #5: How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?

Now, let’s tackle the million-dollar question, and spoiler alert: it doesn’t actually cost a million dollars. For Intended Parents with embryos ready to go, you’re typically looking at around $150,000. If you need an egg donor or have specialized insurance requirements, it could get to about $200,000. So, while this is not exactly pocket change, you won’t need to sell your house or start a GoFundMe just yet.

Every surrogacy journey is unique, so costs can vary quite a bit, but these figures should give you a realistic idea of what to expect. If you want a clearer picture of what your surrogacy journey might cost, check out our Surrogacy Talk, “How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?” where I break down all the expenses and explain the different cost categories to help you understand what to anticipate.

Recap: The Fundamentals of a Surrogacy Journey

We’ve covered a lot of ground! Here’s a quick summary of the five key points we discussed:

1. Gestational vs. traditional surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy creates a safe arrangement where the Surrogate has no biological connection to the baby.

2. How does surrogacy work?: The process uses IVF, combining science and care to create a baby in the lab instead of through traditional conception.
3. Who is the baby’s legal parent?: The Intended Parents are legally recognized as the baby’s parents.
4. How do Intended Parents find a Surrogate?: Agencies like Golden simplify the search and matching process, making the journey smoother for everyone involved.
5. How much does surrogacy cost?: Costs can vary depending on several factors, but you can typically expect them to fall between $150,000 and $200,000.Knowledge is Key

Knowledge is Key

Surrogacy is an amazing journey, but it can also be quite complex. Having the right information can truly make a difference. Remember, Everyone Deserves a Family, and getting a handle on these basics is a solid first step toward building yours. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to reach out! Golden is here to support you every step of the way.