Surrogacy can create a family when other paths fail, but it’s not a quick fix. You’ll face medical choices, legal paperwork, and emotional ups and downs. This page gives the plain facts you need first: the types, the typical medical route, costs, and practical tips so you can make safer decisions.
There are two main kinds. In gestational surrogacy the surrogate carries an embryo that isn’t biologically hers — the embryo comes from the intended parents or an egg/sperm donor. That’s the most common model today. In traditional surrogacy the surrogate’s own egg is used, so she is the biological mother. Most clinics and lawyers prefer gestational surrogacy because it reduces legal and emotional complications.
Knowing the type upfront helps with legal contracts, medical planning, and emotional preparation. Ask your clinic which approach they recommend and why.
Surrogacy typically follows an IVF-based path: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, and pregnancy support. If the intended mother provides eggs, she will take fertility drugs — injectable gonadotropins — to stimulate multiple follicles. After egg retrieval and fertilization, embryos are tested or frozen until transfer.
The surrogate usually takes hormones to prepare her uterus. Common meds include estrogen and progesterone to create the right lining for embryo implantation. After transfer, progesterone support often continues until the placenta takes over. Clinics monitor hormone levels and use ultrasounds at key points.
Timelines vary, but plan for 3–6 months for coordinated cycles, plus pregnancy time. Expect regular clinic visits and clear communication about medications and risks.
Medical risks exist for the surrogate (stimulation side effects, pregnancy complications) and the embryo (implantation failure, multiples). A reputable clinic explains these risks and has protocols for emergencies.
Legal and financial steps matter as much as medical ones. Surrogacy laws change by country and state. In some places surrogacy contracts are enforceable; in others they’re restricted or banned. Always get independent legal counsel for both sides. Contracts should cover parental rights, birth registration, compensation, insurance, and what happens if the pregnancy or baby has medical problems.
Cost ranges widely: low thousands in some countries to over $100,000 in others (when agency fees, legal costs, IVF, and compensation are included). Budget for unexpected expenses and clear payment schedules.
Practical tips: choose a well-reviewed clinic, insist on full medical and psychological screening for the surrogate, get legal advice early, and discuss plans for contact after birth. Emotional support matters — counseling for all parties reduces conflict and helps set expectations.
Want help finding clinics, legal resources, or reading lists about surrogacy medications and safety? Start by asking a trusted fertility clinic for local referrals and a written checklist for next steps.
This deep-dive explores LGBT family planning, from the nuts and bolts of picking egg or sperm donors, and navigating surrogacy contracts, to untangling tricky legal details depending on where you live. It covers practical advice, useful real-life tips, and vital questions to ask every step of the way. Readers get a clear look at how to build a family on their terms. Expect concrete examples, current facts, and guidance tailored for LGBT parents. The guide links directly to an even more comprehensive resource for those craving step-by-step breakdowns.
