Blog Post Title: Surrogacy for Military Families: Resources and Support for Keeping Costs Low
Introduction:
Military families often face unique challenges when it comes to starting or expanding their families. Frequent relocations, deployments, and long periods of separation can make it difficult for them to conceive naturally or go through the traditional adoption process. As a result, many military families turn to surrogacy as a way to have biological children. However, surrogacy can be an expensive and complicated process, and military families may struggle to afford it. In this blog post, we will discuss the resources and support available for military families looking to pursue surrogacy while keeping costs low.
Understanding Surrogacy:
Surrogacy is a legal arrangement where a woman carries a child for another person or couple, known as the intended parents. There are two types of surrogacy – traditional and gestational. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg and is genetically related to the child, while in gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries a child conceived through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ sperm and egg. Surrogacy can be an excellent option for military families who are unable to conceive or carry a child due to medical reasons or are facing infertility issues.
Financial Challenges for Military Families:
Surrogacy can cost anywhere from $80,000 to over $120,000, depending on various factors such as the type of surrogacy, agency fees, medical expenses, and legal fees. For military families, this high cost can be a significant barrier to pursuing surrogacy. Military families often have limited financial resources, and with the added expenses of moving and deployments, surrogacy can seem out of reach. However, there are resources and support available to help military families make their surrogacy journey more affordable.
Resources for Low-Cost Surrogacy:
1. Military Surrogacy Grants: Several organizations provide grants to help military families with the costs of surrogacy. These include the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA) Military Service Member Adoption Program, which offers a $5,000 grant to active-duty service members, and the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation, which offers grants up to $10,000 to military families.
2. Adoption Tax Credit: The adoption tax credit can help offset some of the costs associated with surrogacy. In 2021, the maximum credit allowed is $14,440 per child, and the credit is refundable, which means that even if you do not owe taxes, you can still receive the full amount as a refund.
Surrogacy for Military Families: Resources and Support for Keeping Costs Low
3. Discounts and Special Programs: Many surrogacy agencies offer discounts and special programs for military families. For example, Circle Surrogacy offers a Military and Veterans Program, which provides a 10% discount on agency fees and a $2,000 bonus to cover travel expenses for military families.
4. Surrogacy Loans: Some financial institutions offer loans specifically for surrogacy, with low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms. While taking out a loan may not be ideal, it can help military families manage the costs of surrogacy.
Support for Military Families:
1. Military Family Support Groups: Military families going through surrogacy can benefit from connecting with other military families who have gone through or are currently going through the process. Organizations like the Military Family Building Coalition provide a platform for military families to connect and support each other on their surrogacy journey.
2. Military Family Resource Centers: Military installations have Family Resource Centers that offer various programs and support services to military families, including financial counseling, adoption assistance, and family planning resources. These centers can help military families navigate the financial and emotional aspects of surrogacy.
3. Military Family Assistance Programs: Many organizations and non-profits offer assistance to military families, including those going through surrogacy. For example, Military OneSource offers confidential counseling services, financial counseling, and specialized support for families with special needs children.
Conclusion:
Surrogacy can be a viable option for military families looking to have biological children. However, the high costs associated with surrogacy can be a significant barrier for military families. By utilizing the resources and support available, military families can make their surrogacy journey more affordable and manageable. Grants, tax credits, discounts, and support groups can all help military families achieve their dream of starting or expanding their family through surrogacy.
Summary:
Surrogacy can be a great option for military families looking to have biological children. However, the high costs associated with surrogacy can be a significant barrier for military families. In this blog post, we discussed the resources and support available to help military families make their surrogacy journey more affordable. These include grants, adoption tax credit, discounts, surrogacy loans, and support groups. By utilizing these resources, military families can overcome the financial challenges and fulfill their dream of starting or expanding their family through surrogacy.