Welcome back everyone. Creating a family is a beautiful part of the human existence. There is little, if anything else, that is quite as rewarding as creating a life, nurturing it, and helping it grow into someone who is a unique individual. Unfortunately, not every couple is as fortunate as others and encounters difficulty conceiving a child. If you are a couple that is considering surrogacy as a means of starting your family, you should be fully aware of the options available to you.
There are 5 options available for couples that are looking to select a surrogate, and for women who are considering becoming a surrogate. All of the following options should be carefully considered depending on the situation of the couple’s health and viability.
The first option available to couples is Artificial Insemination, or “AI.” In this instance, the surrogate is artificially inseminated with the sperm from the husband or in the case of same sex couples, one of the men. The child that is conceived is genetically related to the male as well as the surrogate mother.
The next option available is In Vitro Fertilization or Embryo Transfer “IVF/ET.” In this case, an egg from the wife is combined with the sperm from the husband and the resulting embryo or embryos are then implanted into the surrogate mother.
The third option is In Vitro Fertilization with an Egg Donor, “IVF/ED.” The donor egg is combined with the sperm of the husband, and like IVF/ET, the resulting embryo or embryos are implanted into the surrogate. In these latter two options, the child is not genetically related to the surrogate. In the first option, the child is biologically the surrogate’s as well as our client’s.
The fourth option available to couples is Artificial Insemination by Donor, or “AID.” This is an option for couples where both the man and women in the couple are infertile. The approved surrogate is artificially inseminated with donor sperm. The child in this case holds no genetic relation to either parent.
The final option available is Egg Donor, or “ED.” It is in this instance that the surrogate donates one of her eggs or multiple eggs that is in turn fertilized with the husband’s sperm. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the wife and is carried to term.
As you well know by now, this is a complicated process that demands your utmost attention to detail. Not only must you focus on the mental and physical preparations of becoming a parent, but you also must make sure to take the time to review these options we’ve listed above, as well as any corresponding legal requirements.
Often, the biggest mistake a couple can make is to rush into a situation without a full understanding of the variables at hand. Depending on the type of surrogacy or artificial insemination method, there could be different legal responsibilities for each parent involved. We have collected a selection of average statistics as well as financial and legal comparisons that we strongly suggest you take the time to look over, consider, and discuss with your spouse or partner. And as always, if you have any lingering questions, never hesitate to contact us. We’re always at your disposal to provide sound advice and guidance during this process. The more information you have will ensure you make the best decisions.
