Surrogacy in the USA
For individuals facing challenges with surrogacy due to restrictive laws in their home countries, international surrogacy, particularly in the United States, gives hope to intended parents worldwide.
The U.S. stands out as a favorable destination, offering a safe and legally protected environment with specific state laws addressing concerns related to parentage, medical practices and safety.
The U.S. has a proven track record of successfully completing numerous international surrogacies, with ongoing journeys continuing today.
Key Advantages
DIVERSE OPTIONS
Large numbers of surrogates and egg donors, renowned for efficiency and quality.
LEGAL CLARITY
Well regulated legal frameworks provide clarity and security throughout the surrogacy process, which are fundamental for navigating the ever changing regulations nationwide.
SURROGATE AVAILABILITY
Depending on different factors, surrogates can be recruited within three months and others have wait lists of well over a year. However, once recruited and matched, there are legal and medical appointments to navigate before the surrogate will be ready for a first embryo transfer.
LARGE SELECTION OF EGG DONORS
Wide range of options to filter through when choosing the right egg donor. Large databases of donors can facilitate this for people looking for specific characteristics (ethnicity, high college grades, cultural background, etc).
COMPENSATION
On average, compensation for gestational carriers ranges from $20.000 to $65.000, and for egg donors the average is $7.000 -15.000 per donation cycle. There is an additional compensation for all other related steps (hormone medications, maternity clothing allowance, travel fees, etc.) which can add up to be an extra $10.000 - $15.000. Total compensation can reach around $95.000.
PRE-BIRTH ORDER
In some states, legal parental rights can be established before the child is born by filling out a pre-birth order. A pre-birth order is a legal document signed by the IPs and surrogate that establishes the IPs as the legal parents) of the child before the surrogate gives birth.
The United States is a leading destination for international surrogacy, offering a supportive environment, legal protection, and a wealth of options for intended parents from diverse backgrounds.
How long is the Surrogacy process in the USA?
Embarking on a surrogacy journey in the United States is a unique experience, generally spanning 18 to 36 months from initiation to bringing your baby home.
CONSULTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS (1+ months)
Initial consultations and discussions to understand the surrogacy process.
EMBRYO CREATION AND MATCH (2-18 months)
Creation of embryos and careful matching with a surrogate.
VETTING PROCESS (3-6 months)
Thorough vetting processes, including medical and legal clearances.
CLINICAL TREATMENT (1-6 months)
Initiation of medical procedures leading to a potential pregnancy.
PREGNANCY (7-10 months)
Anticipation of the birth of the baby.
POST-BIRTH TO BRINGING BABY HOME (3-8 weeks)
Final stage, spanning post-birth to bringing the baby home.
The cost of surrogacy in the United States varies based on factors like agency fees, travel expenses, IVF frequency, and additional techniques. Typically, the cost goes over $150,000 covering agency fees, surrogate compensation and expenses, legal fees and medical costs at a fertility clinic.
Each journey is unique, and costs may differ based on individual circumstances.
Is Surrogacy Legal in the USA?
Surrogacy in the U.S. operates under diverse state laws, options and legal security. The U.S. stands out for its legal protections, offering a secure choice for building families.
LGBT couples and Legal Protections
The U.S. is a welcoming destination for LGBT couples, which recognizes gay marriage. This allows both partners to be legally named parents before returning home. The supportive environment, eager surrogates and legal flexibility for sperm or egg donation make the U.S. an attractive choice. However, it's important to consider the different regulations in each state before starting your process.
>U.S. surrogacy agencies conduct thorough screenings, ensuring that both intended parents and surrogates are ready physically, mentally and emotionally. This minimizes delays or failed matches in the surrogacy journey.
Matched with a U.S. surrogate, intended parents gain confidence in her commitment and adherence to rigorous medical standards, creating a healthy environment for their child's development. This is a significant factor for international parents choosing U.S. surrogacy over less developed options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Going on the surrogacy journey in the USA is an exciting adventure. We understand that a lot of questions will come up, looking for clarity and insight. At Babies Come True, we’re thrilled to assist you with your questions and concerns about considering surrogacy in the USA!
How many visits to the United States? Parents typically visit the U.S. 1-2 times for crucial surrogacy steps, such as embryo creation and being present for their child's birth. An extra visit for the embryo transfer or anatomy scan is optional.
What about the US passport? Due to "jus soli," babies born in the U.S. automatically become U.S. citizens, obtaining U.S. passports, even if parents are not citizens. While most parents can take their children home without their country's passport, some may choose to get passports or visas locally.
How long will our stay be in the US during and after birth? The stay in the U.S. after childbirth depends on legal tasks and state rules. Planning to return home after around 4 weeks is advisable, allowing for DNA testing, court procedures, obtaining birth certificates, and applying for visas or passports if needed.