Whether you are male or female, if you are exploring your options to become a single parent, gestational surrogacy and adoption are the two best choices available to help you reach your goals. 

But which option is better?

While surrogacy and adoption can provide the life-changing outcome of parenthood, these two processes and experiences are very different, so a precise answer doesn’t exist. Because every hopeful parent situation is unique, determining which is best for you will take plenty of thought and research. American Surrogacy is here to help, and this blog is a great place to start.

Below, we will discuss some of the pros and cons surrogacy and adoption have to offer as you begin your journey towards parenthood. Anytime you have questions about the surrogacy process, you can call 1-800-875-229 or fill out this form to get information from a surrogacy specialist from American Surrogacy.

Surrogacy and Adoption: Explaining the Two

Although you may have a general idea of what surrogacy and adoption are, it is crucial to understand the two better before you can begin to decide which may be best for you. 

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Surrogates and intended parents are screened and must be approved before pursuing the life-changing path of surrogacy. Once approved, surrogates will choose the intended parents or parent they wish to carry for, the type of surrogacy they want to complete, and many other details of the surrogacy. The relationship and involvement throughout the process will depend upon what both parties are comfortable with and have agreed to.

During gestational surrogacy, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to create an embryo using the intended mother’s or a donor’s egg and the intended father’s or donor’s sperm. The embryo is then transferred to a “surrogate” with hopes of creating a successful pregnancy. Many same-sex couples, single women and men, and heterosexual couples experiencing fertility issues commonly require the assistance of an egg donor in gestational surrogacy. 

What is Adoption?

During an adoption, birth parents voluntarily place their child for adoption so that a different family or single parent can become parents. Throughout the process of adoption, hopeful parents must undergo screening and pass other qualifications to become eligible for adoption. Once a family has been chosen for placement by the birth parents, the mother relinquishes her parental rights, and the adoptive family takes them over. Once this process is completed, the court system transfers the parental rights to the adoptive family, which legally makes them the parent or parents of the child.

Birth parents can be as involved or distanced in the process as they choose. Through open adoption, birth parents can remain updated in their child’s life as they grow older, through updates, phone calls, emails, get-togethers, and more.

This brief overview of surrogacy and adoption is helpful. If you are looking for more in-depth information, the best thing to do is to call 1-800-875-2229 or fill out this online form to speak with a surrogacy professional. They will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and to discuss which options may be best for you.

The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Single Parent: Surrogacy vs. Adoption

Becoming a single parent is truly a life-changing decision. While surrogacy and adoption provide you the ability to make your dreams of parenthood come true, determining which path is best for you is a decision only you can make. For many, deciphering some of the pros and cons of each can assist in the decision-making process. Continue reading to find some of the pros and cons you may not have considered.

Surrogacy

When it comes to choosing surrogacy as the way to reach your goal of becoming a parent, there are many things to consider. While the positive impact stands out, make sure you keep a level-headed approach and consider some of the potential negatives. Here are a few of the contrasting factors that come with single-parent surrogacy:

Pros 

• Through the surrogacy process, whether you are male or female, you have the option to have a biological child of your own.
• No matter your relationship or marital status, you will experience the same steps of the surrogacy process as anyone else. 
• Single-parent surrogacy may be better for you than choosing adoption. Many birth mothers look for two-parent homes when selecting adoptive families, which could make your adoption journey much longer.
• Due to screening, the pregnancy, and the overall process, surrogacy tends to have a clearer timeline as to when you will become a parent. Adoption tends to be a bit less predictable when opportunities will occur.
• Your child has no relation to the surrogate.

Cons 

• Pursuing surrogacy as a single parent can be expensive, especially when trying to afford the surrogacy costs on your own. This doesn’t even account for the costs of raising a child. Make sure you are financially able to ready to pursue this path.
• Having a support system in place is necessary throughout the surrogacy process and while parenting. As a single parent, you need to be comfortable asking for help from friends or family along the way. 
• Although it is becoming increasingly common, unfortunately, there is still a stigma around being a single parent. 
• Surrogacy is still a fairly new method of childbirth. As a single parent who pursues surrogacy, you will need to be prepared to explain your decision, the process, and more, while being prepared for the mixed reactions you will receive.

These are just a few of the pros and cons to consider if you are looking into becoming a single parent through surrogacy. Ultimately, it will be up to you to decide whether single-parent surrogacy is the right choice in your journey to becoming a parent.

Anytime you need guidance along the way, you can call 1-800-875-2229 to speak with surrogacy specialists who will walk you through the surrogacy process and provide you with all the information you may need to help you make your decision.

Adoption

What was once rarely discussed and negatively viewed by society has now become a common and celebrated decision. Adoption continues to positively adapt throughout the years and provides the opportunity for single adults to achieve their goals of parenthood. Before making any decisions to pursue adoption, you will want to consider the pros and cons you may face along the way. 

Pros 

• Whether you have experienced fertility issues, are a single male, or do not want to pursue other pregnancy options, no matter your reasoning, adoption allows you to become a single parent.
• Through open adoption, you can continue to have a relationship with the birth mother, which provides your adopted child a larger support system and a better understanding of their life as an adoptee. 
• From gender, age ranges, ethnicity, health, and more, you can set certain guidelines for the baby you are hoping to adopt as an adoptive parent.
• You provide a birth mother the peace of mind that their child will be ok. The majority of adoption opportunities are from birth mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. These women choose adoption because they know it is the best opportunity for their children. 

Cons

• The adoption process can be lengthy. Because birth parents choose you, a specific timeline of when you will adopt and become a parent does not exist.
• Adoption is expensive. Screening, financial support for the birth mother, and many other costs along the way can quickly add up.
• Explaining adoption to your child, family, and friends can be difficult. Every adoptee will react differently. Although studies have shown that discussing adoption is healthy for everyone involved, and open adoption can help the situation, it can still be a challenge. Friends and family may not understand why you chose this path or may have their own opinions on adoption. 
• Although your child is legally recognized as part of your family, they are biologically related to the birth mother.
• You may experience a disruption. During an adoption, until a birth mother has provided her legal consent and relinquished her parental rights, there is a chance she chooses a different adoptive parent or changes her mind altogether. Disruptions can be difficult to understand and deal with.

Although adoption is an excellent opportunity if you wish to become a single parent, keep in mind every situation is unique and different pros and cons can arise throughout the process. Take your time, research your options, and speak with adoption professionals before making any decisions.

Contact American Surrogacy

Whether through surrogacy or adoption, becoming a parent is a life-changing decision. American Surrogacy is here to help determine which path is best for you and guide you every step of the surrogacy process! To get answers to all of your questions, discuss your concerns, and learn more about the process, give us a call at 1-800-875-2229 or fill out this online form to speak with a surrogacy professional.