International Surrogacy
Many hopeful parents and surrogate mothers have to cross borders to complete their surrogacy journeys. For help with any aspect of international surrogacy, speak with our office.
Families and individuals around the world have trouble conceiving. Fortunately, surrogacy provides another option for people in this situation. Surrogacy is when a woman who is able to become pregnant and carry a healthy pregnancy to term does so for an individual or family.
The laws surrounding surrogacy vary not only on a state-by-state basis, but in every country. Whether you are a surrogate or intended parent living in another country or in the United States, understanding how international surrogacy arrangements work can only help you before you embark on your surrogacy journey.
Surrogacy in the United States
The United States has some of the friendliest surrogacy laws in the world. In the US, domestic surrogacy arrangements are often significantly easier to establish than they are abroad.
Although a number of US states do not recognize or allow compensated surrogacy, the majority do allow surrogate mothers to be reimbursed for all pregnancy-related expenses. In some other countries, not only is compensated surrogacy illegal, but the entire surrogacy process is against the law.
When you’re researching surrogacy in other countries, you should consider how the laws in the country of your choosing apply to opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples, and single parents, as well as how advanced fertility care is there.
For those residing in the US, domestic surrogacy will often be the best option, as you’ll have the local support you need to make your surrogacy journey far less complicated.
Intended Parents Living Outside of the US
If you are living outside of the US and have been researching surrogacy, you may be considering starting your journey in the US. If you partner with the right surrogacy agency, you’ll have many opportunities to be matched with a surrogate who is excited about helping your family.
The surrogacy process is relatively similar whether you are interested in an international or domestic surrogacy arrangement, but if you choose to work with a surrogate in the United States, you’ll encounter laws meant to ensure that the entire process is both ethical and safe.
Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc. has highly trained and experienced attorneys who will be able to handle all of the legal aspects surrounding international surrogacy so you can take your baby home without any legal issues darkening an otherwise bright day. It is our goal to ensure that you have the support you need while navigating the surrogacy process.
Costs and Considerations of International Surrogacy
Intended parents and surrogates who are entering into an international surrogacy arrangement can run into some issues related to compensation. Some countries don’t allow for surrogacy at all—let alone for compensation for a surrogate that goes beyond the coverage of her medical expenses.
Surrogacy Considerations
In fact, some potential surrogates who come to the United States to explore surrogacy will only do so in order to be compensated. Unfortunately, many of these women aren’t fully aware of their rights and responsibilities as a surrogate and are therefore unable to make a fully informed decision about a proposed arrangement.
If you work with Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc. as a potential surrogate, we will educate you about the entire surrogacy process and make sure you don’t encounter any unpleasant surprises.
If you choose international surrogacy, you’ll likely need to travel to the country of the intended parents or surrogate on at least a few occasions, potentially including for the finalization of your surrogacy contract, for medical procedures, and for the birth of the baby.
The intended parents in an international surrogacy arrangement will likely have significantly less contact with their surrogate than they would in a domestic arrangement, which can sometimes add stress to the equation. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Surrogacy Costs Across Borders
Furthermore, the total cost of surrogacy can vary significantly around the world, and you’ll need to prepare to cover the medical expenses of the surrogate, as well as the costs of bringing your baby back to your country.
This means you may need a domesticated birth certificate and passport or visa in order for your baby to legally be able to travel home. We’ll help you put all of these details in order if you choose international surrogacy. That way, the surrogacy process doesn’t become more difficult than it has to be.
Call Our International Surrogacy Agency
When you’re ready to choose surrogacy in the United States or abroad, you’ll need a qualified agency by your side. At Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc., we are passionate about matching potential surrogates with intended parents all over the world. We’ll do what it takes to help you make your dreams come true.
You can schedule your first international surrogacy consultation today by reaching us through the contact buttons at the top of this page or by giving our office a call at 412-281-9906.