Discover your path to parenthood with International Surrogacy options
Perceptions of parenthood, as well as routes to becoming a parent, vary across the globe. In the United States, for example, a surrogacy arrangement is a widely-recognized option for infertile couples, whereas in other countries like Australia, many aspiring parents aren’t even sure whether surrogacy is legal. Unfortunately, options for infertility, especially within single and queer communities, can be limited internationally.
Our team at NewGen Families – Surrogacy Agency believes race, gender, status, or sexuality should not exclude anyone from pursuing parenthood. Consequently, we take immense pride in serving an array of diverse families and communities with surrogacy options, both locally and globally.
In this article, we introduce international surrogacy as an opportunity for Intended Parents in Australia, the United States and beyond to actualize their dreams of having children. So, join us as we explore common questions Intended Parents may share, including:
‘Where to find a surrogate?’
‘How to choose an overseas surrogacy agency?’
‘Can you do surrogacy in Australia?’
It’s time to explore International Surrogacy and all it has to offer!
What is International Surrogacy?
The practice of international surrogacy is similar to that of its domestic counterpart. The critical distinction, however, lies in the location of the surrogates who reside overseas. As a result, the intended parent will journey to the gestational carrier’s hometown during childbirth.
But what prompts this extensive journey? Despite offering family-building strategies for infertile couples, global acceptance of surrogacy options remains contentious. In addition to diverse religious and cultural systems that reject both domestic and overseas surrogacy as a principle, concerns about private organizations prioritizing financial interests over the gestational carrier welfare also contribute to international restrictions (Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2021).
Some countries restrict all forms of surrogacy (e.g., Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Bulgaria, and Germany), while others only ban commercial surrogacy involving a monetary transaction. Surrogacy laws in Australia, the U.K., Denmark, Ireland, Belgium and many others permit ‘altruistic surrogacy’, as the process is conducted without the involvement of an agency.
The intricate and often contradictory nature of these laws and regulations makes surrogacy a challenging landscape to navigate within one’s own country, compelling many intended parents to explore overseas surrogacy options.
Where to find a Surrogate?
If you choose to embark on the path of an international surrogacy arrangement, you must first and foremost ensure the legal framework supports it within your country. For example, the surrogacy laws in Australia will dictate a much different experience for residents than those in the United States.
But where do you go from there?
The initial consideration that often arises is how to find a surrogate. We do not advise jumping into the process hastily, especially if you are pursuing overseas surrogacy. The person who carries the pregnancy will play a pivotal role in your life, as well as the health and safety of your child. Therefore, consider the surrogacy process as a whole. There is much more to surrogacy than the mere selection of a gestational carrier.
We recommend that once you are finished asking, ‘Is surrogacy legal in Australia, the UK, the US, or wherever you call home,’ and are set on becoming international intended parents, you shift the focus from ‘Where to find a surrogate?’ to ‘How to choose a surrogacy agency?’ overseas.
How to choose an agency for overseas Surrogacy
Independent surrogacy is undeniably cheaper, but one should not underestimate the invaluable role that surrogacy agencies play for international intended parents.
Surrogacy agencies act as ‘guardians’ for the process, offering international intended parents’ extensive guidance throughout their overseas surrogacy journey. When pursuing an international surrogacy arrangement, agencies facilitate the matching, medical, legal, and financial facets of the procedure so all relevant parties can remain involved from afar.
But the question remains: How do you choose the right surrogacy agency?
Every family is different, and as such, the surrogacy agency you ultimately choose should serve your unique needs and priorities. For this reason, we recommend those living abroad choose agencies experienced in delivering a successful international surrogacy arrangement.
NewGen Families firmly believes that surrogacy is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Our beautiful family includes Italians, Australians, Americans, Belgians, Germans, Israelis, Swedes, and Greeks. We provide access to a database of experienced surrogates from the United States and Colombia, eager to assist intended parents with international surrogacy options.
Furthermore, our agency places a high value on fostering community among our intended parents, irrespective of their geographical location. We hold our Family Catch-ups dear, whether they are one-on-one, in group settings, or conducted via Zoom. Our local and international teams are at your service 24/7, offering unwavering support to those residing overseas.
International Surrogacy timeline
Surrogacy agencies work closely with fertility clinics and medical professionals to coordinate all necessary appointments throughout the surrogacy arrangement. The process includes the conciliation of initial screenings, medical evaluations, and the synchronization of cycles between the intended parents and the surrogate.
At NewGen Families, our overseas surrogacy options can range from 18 to 25 months.
Given the distinct nature of each surrogacy journey, it’s essential to consider the specific circumstances surrounding your situation as you consult our Surrogacy Timeline.
Financing an International Surrogacy Arrangement
As mentioned earlier, international surrogacy often sparks controversy, primarily due to the compensation arrangements for surrogates. There are notable concerns, even in regions where compensation for surrogates is permitted. It naturally leaves many to wonder how surrogacy laws in their own countries will affect them, and we strongly encourage all international intended parents to explore which overseas surrogacy options are legally available.
Moreover, additional costs can arise when financing international surrogacy, separate from agency and surrogacy compensation fees. Let’s delve into some below
Accommodation & Travel Costs
Overseas surrogacy requires intended parents to journey to the surrogate’s home country. Even though the number of trips may fluctuate from person to person and agency to agency, you should anticipate additional accommodation & travel costs when financing international surrogacy.
Remember, being present in the surrogate’s country for at least the screening process, the embryo transfer, and the birth of your child means travel expenses can swiftly accumulate.
Birth-Related Costs
If the baby is born without specialized care, the average cost for standard hospitalization is around USD 2000 – USD 4000. Naturally, the cost varies depending on the hospital and required treatment. Payment typically occurs at a later stage and not immediately upon discharge.
For those pursuing overseas surrogacy, certain agencies may explore options for cash payments with the hospital. This can involve offering immediate cash payments in exchange for reduced rates, potentially helping to manage birth-related expenses more effectively.
Citizenship For the Intended Child
Obtaining citizenship for the intended child in international surrogacy can involve various expenses. These costs include legal fees, documentation, and administrative charges associated with the citizenship application process.
Additionally, there may be fees for translations, notarizations, and apostille to ensure all required documents meet the legal standards of the child’s home country.
Securing the financial aspects of an international surrogacy arrangement is a critical step in the surrogacy journey. By understanding and planning for these financial considerations, international intended parents can make informed decisions and better prepare for the financial demands associated with International Surrogacy.
Discover More on Overseas Surrogacy Options with NewGen Families
The world of international surrogacy undoubtedly comes with its own set of complexities and costs. However, the support of experienced agencies can help you address the legal, financial, and logistical aspects of Surrogacy overseas.
If you are considering international surrogacy, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our trusted team members today!
