Recent conversations around surrogacy have raised questions about the ethicality of this family-building option. We recognize the gravity of these concerns and prioritize the well-being of our surrogates through a comprehensive framework of safeguards.
We’ll delve into the ethical landscape of surrogacy today, shedding light on the measures in place at the state, agency and medical levels to protect surrogates. To learn more about how surrogates are protected, reach out to us today to speak with a specialist.
The Evolving Ethics of Surrogacy
Surrogacy in the U.S. has come a long way, and contemporary practices prioritize ethical considerations more than ever. We believe that transparency, empathy and advocacy are fundamental components of surrogacy ethics. Our commitment is not just to facilitate the surrogacy journey but to empower surrogates with information, support and a reinforced sense of self.
How Surrogacy and Ethics Go Hand-in-Hand
1. Requirements and A Screening Process
We have a set of requirements that all of our surrogates must meet to ensure they are physically and mentally capable of safely carrying a pregnancy to term:
- Age 21-40
- BMI 19-32
- At least one successful prior pregnancy
- No more than five vaginal births and three C-sections
- Must be currently raising a child
- No smoking or illicit drug use
These requirements are based off of standards set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and exist to protect the well-being of the surrogate and the child she may carry.
Our surrogacy program ensures that each surrogate undergoes a thorough screening process to guarantee physical and emotional well-being of all parties involved. This step is crucial not only for the surrogate’s health but also for the overall success of the surrogacy journey. This will consist of:
- Completing social and medical history forms and obtaining a surrogacy recommendation from their OB/GYN
- Collect medical records of previous pregnancies and deliveries to confirm that surrogacy is safe for the prospective surrogate.
- An in-home visit to ensure that you have a safe and stable home-life where you can safely carry out a healthy pregnancy. During this visit they will also be asked about their motivation for becoming a surrogate, any concerns they have, their partner’s involvement in their surrogacy, etc.
- A psychological evaluation for the surrogate and their partner to ensure they’re both mentally and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey. They’ll be asked about why they want to be a surrogate, their emotions regarding the journey ahead and their family’s support of your decision.
- An insurance review to determine whether or not their policy covers surrogate pregnancy or if we need to find a family that has a surrogacy-friendly policy.
2.cOMPEnsation for their time and effort
We provide all of our surrogates with fair surrogate compensation for the time, physical and emotional commitment involved. This compensation consists of:
- Base pay: This is money that is paid directly to the surrogate that they can use to enhance their life and their family’s lives in any way they choose.
- Additional expenses: Our surrogacy compensation package covers all pregnancy and surrogacy-related expenses so that surrogates don’t have to worry about finances or using their own surrogate pay.
You can’t put a price on the miracle of bringing new life into the world, nor would we want to. Providing surrogate compensation is our way of acknowledging the generosity and dedication of surrogates to helping others experience the joy and love of parenthood.
3. Legal Protections and Contracts
In the U.S., every state has its own set of surrogacy laws. These laws ensure the ethical conduct of surrogacy arrangements. We prioritize connecting our surrogates with surrogacy attorneys who specialize in their state’s surrogacy laws.
These legal professionals help our surrogates create agreements that address potential challenges, protect their rights, establish expectations and responsibilities and more, offering surrogates a sense of security throughout the process.
How We Advocate for Surrogates
We go beyond being experts in the field – we are advocates. Our goal is to make every surrogate feel confident, valued and in control of their journey, ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience.
We understand that the surrogacy journey is not just a transaction but a life-altering experience. Our specialists have the surrogate’s best interests at heart, serving as compassionate guides throughout the process. Advocacy, in our context, means unwavering support, a commitment to surrogates’ well-being and a dedication to ensuring a positive and empowering journey.
With the right professionals and advocacy, surrogacy can be an ethical, empowering and deeply meaningful journey. We are not just a surrogacy agency; we are partners in the surrogacy journey. You can learn more about our surrogacy practices by reaching out to a specialist now.