Surrogacy.  It’s in the news more now than ever; however, you may be wondering about the ins and outs of this non-traditional method of conceiving a child. 

To help you get a better understanding of what surrogacy is… and isn’t… we’ve compiled a few facts about the process.  As always, to receive more information, contact a reputable fertility clinic for a consultation.

• Surrogacy is legal in the U.S., but couples are not legally allowed to pay the surrogate above and beyond medical expenses.  (In other words, a woman cannot become a “professional” surrogate in the sense that it’s an occupation.) 
• In India, surrogacy has recently been accepted as a method of “income” for poorer women.  Unfortunately, regulations are limited; thus, U.S. couples who hire an Indian surrogate may not be assured of the safety of the child or the responsibility of the surrogate.
• Surrogacy can take shape in one of two ways:  1) the surrogate can be artificially inseminated with the father’s sperm or a donor’s sperm; or 2) the surrogate can have a fertilized embryo (from the biological parents or from donors) transferred into her womb.
• The safest way of finding a responsible, healthy surrogate is through a fertility clinic.
• Costs for surrogacy can range widely and should be taken into consideration by potential parents.  Traditional insurance does not cover surrogacy.
• Most women who are accepted as surrogates by fertility clinics have had at least one child of their own.

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