Surrogacy for same-sex couples is similar to any other surrogacy process. However, there are certain things you must know before starting the journey.
When you hear the word ‘surrogate,’ there are a lot of questions that come to your mind. As a gay couple, if you are thinking of working with a surrogate, you must know everything about surrogacy – what it means, its process, types, etc.
The following article will give you an overview of surrogacy for gay couples, including the legal considerations.
Gestational Surrogacy – What Does It Mean?
A ‘surrogate’ typically means a woman who willingly agrees to carry your child and contribute her eggs in the process. But the, traditional surrogacy is sinking these days due to several legal complications involved both for the surrogate and the intended parents.
Now, when we talk about ‘surrogate,’ we mostly refer to a gestational carrier or gestational surrogacy.
In gestational surrogacy, the woman has no biological links with the child. In most cases, the surrogate has a family of her own and has experience in completing successful pregnancies. So, in this case, eggs from an egg donor are infused with the sperm of the intended parents artificially; the created embryo is then transferred to the uterus of the gestational carrier.
So, the first challenge you might face in your surrogacy journey is to choose between traditional and gestational surrogacy. If you have a close relative who agrees to donate her eggs and even carry your child, half of the things are sorted out. If not, you will have to contact a surrogacy agency to inquire about surrogacy for gay couples and the required medical and legal formalities.
Benefits of Choosing Gestational Surrogacy
In gestational surrogacy, the carrier is not genetically linked to your child. Thus, you will have to deal with fewer legal works. You have to acquire the legal guardian rights of the child from the state legislature, and you can legally become the child’s parents.
You can bond with the gestational carrier for 12 months (9 months of pregnancy). You can establish a trust-based relationship with the surrogate and her family members.
Screening of Gestational Carriers
When you go through a surrogacy agency, they will help you find the right surrogate for your profile. The surrogate is entrusted with the biggest responsibility and joy of your life; hence you must ensure that she matches all your requirements. You can ask the agency about the screening of surrogates.
- How are they screened?
- Are they screened both medically and psychologically?
- Does the agency also check their criminal and family background?
- Is the woman mentally prepared to carry someone else’s child?
The agency must follow a stringent screening process before starting with surrogacy. You can even ask the agency to cross-verify the medical and physical examination of the surrogate.
The screening process is the best way to minimize the risk associated with surrogacy for both parties involved.
Choosing The Gestational Carrier
Dads-to-be have the right to select the gestational carrier. If you have a female friend or relative you want to be your carrier, you can ask them for this favor. If you opt for an agency route, the agency will share a list of potential surrogates along with their surrogate profile. You can even take help from your attorney, who can help you choose a trusted surrogacy agency.
Before you begin the surrogacy journey, ensure to run a background check about the agency. Trusted agencies with higher success rates should be preferred. Surrogacy has several legal complications and laws, and a trusted agency will be able to help you come over all legal complications.
Gestational surrogacy laws differ from state to state. You must hire a surrogacy attorney who can walk you through the entire process or choose a trusted agency. Some agencies can also help you find expert surrogacy attorneys who can draft contracts, provide legal counseling, and coordinate between you, the agency and the surrogate.
Contact a surrogacy agency to know more about gay surrogacy options and processes.
