Risks of International Surrogacy

Dear Scholastic Surrogate: 

We have started looking into gestational surrogacy as an option for growing our family and it’s just so expensive in the United States.  We started looking at International options and it’s definitely less expensive; what’s the catch?  -Ferrari tastes on a Honda budget

Dear Ferrari –

We absolutely hear you! Gestational surrogacy has always been expensive and out of reach for so many, and the pandemic drove costs even higher.  We completely understand why people choose to look into International options, but there are some risks to consider.  The top 6 risks we see:

Screening – International surrogacy doesn’t have the same rigors of medical and mental health screening that using a US surrogacy program can provide.  Make certain your gestational carrier has a healthy health and delivery history as well as has had a consultation with a mental health provider that specializes in collaborative reproduction!

Communication – Are you going to be able to communicate directly with your gestational surrogate?  Is that something that is important to you?  Or are you going to be worried about her, her health and your child the entire pregnancy if you don’t have direct access to her?

Legal – Have you consulted with an attorney that specializes in the parentage process in the country where your gestational carrier will give birth?  On top of that, have you consulted with a US attorney that you trust as well?  The parentage of your child is not something you want to fool around with!

Travel – Babies come when babies want to come – are you going to travel to a foreign country for a significant amount of time and just wait?  How much will you need to pay for accommodations (hotel? or Airbnb) during that downtime?  Will you be able to work remotely during that waiting time or will you also be taking your limited time off from work without the advantage of having your baby to bond with yet?  Even after the delivery, how long will it take for you to obtain appropriate documents so that you are able to travel home again?  Add that number to your hotel or Air B&B cost column!

Immigration – How easy or difficult is it to obtain documentation to travel home with your child?  Is it a matter of weeks, or will at least one parent be stuck alone with a newborn in a foreign country while you wait for administrative documents?

Medical expenses/emergencies – Does your health insurance cover a newborn outside of the country?  What happens if there is NICU time or other health care costs while you wait?  Is the health care system in the country of your gestational carrier advanced enough that you feel comfortable if the delivery is early and NICU time or other interventions are necessary?

We absolutely know that people can and do pursue surrogacy outside of the United States.  If you choose to, please go into the process informed as to the potential risks.  It could be that no complications arise, or it also could be that every single complication arises!  No matter how you grow your family, our team sends the most amazing baby dust your way.  If you want to talk about surrogacy in the United States, we’d love to help.  Schedule a free consult today at www.brightff.com/free-consult