Summary:
Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is genetically related to the child, has been a popular option for couples struggling with infertility. However, this method of surrogacy has a high cost, both financially and emotionally. In recent years, gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries a child that is not genetically related to her, has become a more affordable and accessible option for many couples. In this blog post, we will explore the true cost of traditional surrogacy and why gestational surrogacy may be a more affordable option.
The True Cost of Traditional Surrogacy:
Traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate mother using her own egg to conceive the child, making her the biological mother. This method requires artificial insemination, medical procedures, and legal expenses. The intended parents also have to cover the surrogate’s medical expenses, travel costs, and compensation for her time and effort. These costs can add up quickly, making traditional surrogacy an expensive option.
Emotional Toll on the Surrogate:
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother has a biological connection to the child, which can lead to emotional complications. The surrogate may experience attachment to the child, which can make it challenging to give the child up after birth. This can also create a difficult situation for the intended parents, as they may feel guilty about taking the child away from the surrogate. The emotional toll on the surrogate and intended parents can be significant and should be considered when choosing traditional surrogacy.
Legal Issues:
Traditional surrogacy can also bring about legal issues, as the surrogate is the biological mother of the child. This can lead to complicated legal battles, especially if the surrogate changes her mind about giving the child up for adoption. The intended parents may also face legal complications if the surrogate decides to keep the child after birth. These legal battles can be lengthy and costly, adding to the overall cost of traditional surrogacy.
The True Cost of Traditional Surrogacy: Why Gestational Surrogacy May Be a More Affordable Option
The Rise of Gestational Surrogacy:
Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, involves using a gestational carrier, who carries a child that is not genetically related to her. This method requires in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create an embryo using the intended parents’ genetic material or donated eggs and sperm. This eliminates the need for artificial insemination, making it a less invasive and costly process.
Affordability of Gestational Surrogacy:
Gestational surrogacy has become a more affordable option in recent years due to advancements in IVF technology and a more extensive pool of potential surrogates. Additionally, the legal issues that arise in traditional surrogacy are minimized in gestational surrogacy, making it a more straightforward and less costly process. The intended parents only need to cover the gestational carrier’s medical expenses, travel costs, and compensation for her time and effort, which is typically lower than in traditional surrogacy.
Emotional Benefits:
Gestational surrogacy also has emotional benefits for all parties involved. The gestational carrier does not have a biological connection to the child, reducing the risk of emotional complications. The intended parents also have a more straightforward relationship with the gestational carrier, as she is not biologically related to the child. This can make the process less emotionally taxing for all parties involved.
Final Thoughts:
While traditional surrogacy has been a popular option for couples struggling with infertility, it comes with a high financial and emotional cost. Gestational surrogacy, on the other hand, offers a more affordable and less complicated alternative. With advancements in IVF technology and a larger pool of potential surrogates, gestational surrogacy has become a more accessible option for many couples. It also offers emotional benefits, making it a more attractive option for those looking to start a family through surrogacy.
In conclusion, the true cost of traditional surrogacy goes beyond just the financial expenses. It can also take a toll on the surrogate and intended parents emotionally, and lead to complicated legal issues. With the rise of gestational surrogacy, couples struggling with infertility now have a more affordable and less complicated option to start a family.