Category: News

With changing laws and medical advances, surrogacy is a relatively new and rapidly advancing field. Stay up to date on the latest surrogacy news here.

How to Find the Best Surrogacy Agencies for Intended Parents

Finding the best surrogacy agency is a crucial step for intended parents embarking on their surrogacy journey. Working with the right agency can provide the guidance, expertise and support necessary for a successful and fulfilling surrogacy experience.

When you’re first beginning your surrogacy journey, one of the first things you’ll need to do is choose a surrogacy professional who can help guide you through the process. If you’re looking for a professional who provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, you may want to look into working with a full-service surrogacy agency.

But how do you know if a surrogacy agency is right for you? The best agencies are happy to sit down with you to explain their services and answer any questions you may have. At American Surrogacy, we strive to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. And we happen to be experts in knowing how to find the best surrogacy agency to work with.

If you have any questions about finding the best surrogacy agencies, then contact us online now or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

What to Look for in the Best Surrogacy Agencies

One of the best things you can do as you search for the best surrogacy agency is to think about what’s most important to you. As you keep in mind what you’re looking for, you’ll discover which professionals are right for you and which ones are not. As you research prospective surrogacy agencies, here are some things you should look for:

  • Thorough screening process: When you enter into a surrogacy arrangement with a surrogate, you’re placing your trust in them and the professional you choose. Surrogacy can be a legally and emotionally complicated process and the best surrogacy agencies will make sure to fully screen all prospective surrogates to make sure they’re ready for the challenges of the surrogacy process.
  • Track record of success: Surrogacy is still a new field, and some surrogacy agencies have been around longer than others. But it’s important to choose a professional who has done surrogacies successfully in the past. If a surrogacy professional can’t give you names of people they’ve helped before, it’s a sign that you should not work with them.
  • Experienced legal counsel: Since surrogacy involves a lot of legal rules, it’s important to have a lawyer who can make sure everyone’s rights are protected. The best surrogacy agencies can recommend reliable and experienced lawyers who know about surrogacy laws. They’ll take care of all the legal requirements even before the medical process begins. If the agency doesn’t do this or insists that one lawyer can represent both sides, those are signs that you should be careful.
  • Clear direction on responsibilities and steps in the process: If someone you’re working with doesn’t explain what each person needs to do, what to expect and the steps involved from the start, you should be cautious. Surrogacy requires the teamwork of different professionals, and the best surrogacy agencies have a well-organized process that keeps everyone safe and makes things go smoothly. If the person you’redealing with seems disorganized, it might be better to find a different professional to work with.
  • Support and availability: While surrogacy agencies can have similar good qualities, people often choose based on how they “feel” about the agency. You’ll be working with them for a year or longer, so it’s important to feel comfortable, supported and appreciated by your surrogacy specialist. Find an agency where you have a connection, where you don’t feel like you’re just another person on their list.

How to Choose a Reputable Surrogacy Agency

Because of the amount of options out there, you’ll probably find agencies that share some of these qualities. So, how can you find the best one for you? When you come across a potential surrogacy agency, make sure to visit them in person or have a phone call, if at all possible. This is an opportunity to not only get to know them, but also for you to decide if you’re comfortable working with them.

Even if you find one of the best surrogacy agencies, it may not be the perfect fit for you and that’s OK. You’re the only one who can ultimately decide whether or not the professional is right for you. As you prepared to meet with an agency specialist, here are some questions you can ask to help you learn more about their agency:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • When are your requirements for intended parents?
  • What are the expenses for intended parents?
  • How involved is your agency during each step of the process?
  • Which states do you work in?
  • How does the matching process work?
  • Do you offer support and education services?
  • Are you a full-service agency? If not, what services will we need to obtain from another professional?
  • On average, how long does the surrogacy process take with your agency?

While these questions are a great place to start, make sure to write down any additional questions you may have. You’re never obligated to choose a surrogacy professional until you’re 100% sure it’s the right one for you.

Why American Surrogacy is Right For You

As one of the best surrogacy agencies, we offer a wide range of benefits to help make your dreams of becoming parents a reality. Our dedicated team of specialists has helped thousands of hopeful parents on their path to parenthood and we’re ready to do the same for you. Here are some of the key benefits you’ll experience with our program:

  • Short wait times when looking for the perfect match
  • Sense of security from our experienced staff
  • Financial protection
  • Unlimited matching
  • Clear upfront fixed fee structure
  • Unwavering commitment to providing care and support
  • And more

Your well-being is top priority and we’re committed to providing you with the utmost care throughout your surrogacy journey. With our full-service program and team of dedicated specialists, there’s no doubt that we’re one of the best surrogacy agencies in the nation.

Our specialists are always willing to answer any questions you may have about choosing a surrogacy professional. To learn more about our surrogacy program, contact us online now or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

Affordable Surrogacy Options for You

For individuals and couples who dream of becoming parents, having affordable surrogacy options to choose from can help make budgeting for the journey ahead more efficient.

Because of all the helpful resources and services that go into the surrogacy process, there are various costs to account for when planning for your surrogacy journey.

In addition to managing your own finances through budgeting, there are other affordable surrogacy options. If you’re looking for ways to afford surrogacy, a great place to start is by reaching out to one of our specialists who can help get you started on the right path.

If you have any questions about how to pay for surrogacy, then contact us online or call 1-800-875-2229.

How to Pay for Surrogacy [Your Options]

We offer a fixed fee structure, which means you’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying from the beginning, so that you can budget accordingly. Even with this financial certainty, it’s helpful to have options to help create a more affordable surrogacy journey.

 Below is a breakdown of your affordable surrogacy options.

Loans

Loans are one of the most common ways intended parents pay for surrogacy. There are many lenders out there that specifically offer loans to couples undergoing fertility treatments and pursuing surrogacy. Like any other loan, you must consider the interest charged on loans for surrogacy and decide whether you can reasonably afford monthly payments even after you become parents. Here are some loans you may consider:

  • Home equity loans (using your home as collateral)
  • Borrowing from 401(k) plans
  • Credit cards (although watch out for high interest rates)

For fertility specific financing loans, here are some companies you can contact:

Grants

If you don’t want to borrow money to pay for surrogacy, then you may have the opportunity to earn funds through fertility and surrogate grant programs. Each program will have different requirements, so make sure to fully research each to decide what you qualify for. Below are some grants you can apply for:

Fundraising

Another affordable surrogacy option is community fundraising events. As the intended parent, you may have a supportive community of friends and family members who are willing to help you raise money to help with an affordable surrogacy. There are many ways you can go about fundraising for your surrogacy journey:

  • Online crowdfunding: There are many ways you can reach out to a large audience through sites like GoFundMe to share your surrogacy and infertility journey. Friends, family and strangers can easily donate as much or as little as they’d like.
  • A community event: Whether you want to host a community wide garage sale or something larger like a silent auction, you can reach out to your community to help you accept donations and raise money to help pay for surrogacy.
  • Turn a hobby into a business: If you have any hobbies or interests, you can sell your handmade goods or services on sites like Etsy or partner with a direct sales consultant to get your product out there. These profits can be put toward paying for surrogacy.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and family for help. You can always ask for money to be put toward your surrogacy fund instead of receiving typical gifts for holidays or birthdays. It’s also a good idea to start saving your money and allocating a portion of your income to a special surrogacy savings account.

Choosing American Surrogacy

Although you may be tempted to find a cheap surrogacy agency, you may be sacrificing essential services that can help you have the best experience possible.

We understand the importance of providing high-quality service throughout your surrogacy process, which is why we place such an emphasis on an affordable surrogacy journey that benefits everyone involved.

With our fixed fee structure, you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden fees. You’ll be able to budget accordingly and move through your surrogacy journey with confidence and certainty in your finances.

If you find that surrogacy is out of your price range, you can explore different family building options such as adoption. You can contact our sister company American Adoptions to help you understand the adoption process by calling 1-800-ADOPTION.

However if you are confident that surrogacy is the right path for you, then contact us online now or call 1-800-875-2229 to get started.

How to Apply to be a Surrogate in 5 Steps

Applying to become a surrogate is an exciting first step towards helping individuals or couples achieve their dreams of parenthood

When you make the decision to apply to be a surrogate, we strive to make the process as simple as possible. With over 40 years of experience building families, you’ll get the best experience throughout your surrogacy journey.

Becoming a surrogate is fulfilling and our specialists will be by your side as you apply to be a surrogate mother. If you want to learn more about the process of becoming a surrogate, then call us today at 1-800-875-2229 or fill out our online form to get more information.

How to Apply to be a Surrogate Mother [5 Steps]

We’re always here to help you as you begin your surrogate journey. Our specialists will work with you from start to finish, making sure you’re always supported. We’ll make sure you understand every step of the process to help you understand what it means to become a surrogate mother. If you want to apply for surrogacy, then here are five simple steps to take:

Step 1: Reach out to American Surrogacy

Our specialists are on standby ready to help you begin the process of filling out a surrogacy application. While other surrogacy agencies can be difficult to get ahold of, our team offers unwavering personal support and guidance to help you feel confident throughout the process. You can always call us at 1-800-875-2229 or reach out to us online to get connected with an experienced specialist.

Once we get connected, we’ll go over some basic questions that help us understand your situation. This helps us decide the best way to support you throughout your journey. Our experienced team will guide you as you apply to be a surrogate mother. We will always be there to answer any questions and provide the resources you need to have a successful surrogacy experience.

Step 2: Receive Comprehensive Support and Guidance

Creating a family can be challenging, but we have spent decades perfecting the process and know what it takes to successfully build families. With our expertise, you’ll be on the right track toward having the best possible experience with surrogacy. Our dedicated team of specialists will help with things like:

  • Receiving competitive surrogacy compensation
  • Understanding how to apply to be a surrogate
  • Creating a surrogate profile
  • Providing helpful information and guidance
  • And more

We believe you should feel confident and excited as you apply to be a surrogate mother. Our specialists are dedicated to helping you feel this way throughout your surrogate journey.

Step 3: Find the Right Surrogacy Match

Matching with the right intended parents is one of the most exciting steps as you apply to be a surrogate. We understand how important it is to develop a strong connection and shared values between surrogates and intended parents. When you begin the matching process, you’ll find comfort knowing that we take great care in helping you find the perfect intended parents.

We consider factors such as location, personal preferences and compatibility to ensure a high-quality match. By only accepting the best intended parents, we ensure that the surrogate-intended parent match is the beginning of a beautiful and positive arrangement.

Step 4: Draft a Legal Contract and Prepare for Embryo Transfer

When you apply to be a surrogate mother, a legal contract will be drafted to protect both you and the intended parents legally. You will each have an attorney who specializes in your state’s surrogacy laws. Even if you have a great relationship with the intended parents, a legal contract ensures that your interests and rights are protected throughout the process.

Once the legal contracts are signed and finalized, we will help you begin preparing for embryo transfer. This process involves closely working with a fertility clinic, including a medical screening and tracking of your fertility cycle. We’ve worked with many fertility clinics across the country and will help you determine the best one to use.

After a pregnancy test and heartbeat is confirmed, you will begin receiving monthly payments for your base compensation and monthly allowance.

Step 5: Give the Gift of Parenthood

In most surrogacies, the intended parents will join you at the hospital to share this life-changing event with you.

When you apply to be a surrogate, you’ll be able to decide whether you want the intended parents at the hospital with you. If you have any questions on what your hospital stay will look like, you can always speak to your surrogacy specialist who can help mediate any discussions with the intended parents, if needed.

Once the baby is born and you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll return home knowing that you changed the life of a couple whose dream was to become parents. Whether you decided to continue a relationship with the intended parents, you will always be connected to them for the gift you gave to their family.

When you apply to become a surrogate mother, there’s a lot involved in the process. But with our help, you’ll be able to move through the process with complete confidence. To learn more about how to apply to be a surrogate, call us at 1-800-875-2229 or contact us online to connect with a surrogacy specialist.

Benefits of Gay Surrogacy

In honor of June being Pride Month, we want to take the time to highlight the amazing ways that surrogacy can give LGBT+ couples the chance to have the family of their dreams.

Becoming a parent through surrogacy can be one of the most beautiful journeys of your life. Learn the benefits of gay surrogacy here and how we can help you get started on your journey today.

In this article we will share the benefits of gay surrogacy, eligibility requirements, and answer other common questions about surrogacy for gay parents. You can also click here to get help now.

Am I Eligible for LGBT Surrogacy?

At American Surrogacy there are no additional requirements for same sex surrogacy or individual LGBT surrogacy approval. In other words, surrogacy for gay couples, surrogacy for trans or non-binary couples, and lesbian couple surrogacy have the same requirements as surrogacy for any other couple. Similarly LGBT surrogacy as an individual has the same requirements as surrogacy for a straight, cisgender individual.

If you are interested in gay surrogacy, you will need to meet the basic requirements for surrogacy, and then complete the approval process with a surrogacy professional. Your surrogacy professional will help you prepare for the surrogacy process. Get help now when you click here.

LGBT Surrogacy Benefits

  • Opportunity to parent from birth: When you choose LGBT surrogacy for your family, you can have an opportunity to parent from the moment your child is born, which can be a meaningful experience for many parents.
  • Creating a family on a predictable timeline: When you choose surrogacy and get started on the embryo transfer process, it can be easily predicted when you will have your new family member. And at American Surrogacy, we have the fastest matching in the industry.
  • Experiencing the pregnancy process with your surrogate: Surrogacy is a beautiful journey, and if you have been looking forward to pregnancy and seeing your little one even in ultrasounds, you can have this experience. Many surrogates are excited to share each step of the pregnancy with you and help you on your journey to growing your family.
  • Possibility of genetically-related family: LGBT Surrogacy can allow you to have a child who is genetically related to you. In some cases LGBT couples may not otherwise be able to have genetically related children, but LGBT surrogacy can allow one or both partners to have a genetic link to their child.
  • Building a meaningful bond with your surrogate: Pregnancy and birth can build a family, but surrogacy takes an extra step and allows couples

Gay Couple Surrogacy Considerations

Surrogacy for gay parents is the same as surrogacy for other parents in most ways, but there are some special considerations that gay couples

  • Legal requirements
  • Finding surrogates for gay couples or individuals
  • Finding a supportive surrogacy agency
  • Finding donor eggs, sperm, or embryos

Gay Surrogacy Costs

The cost of surrogacy can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, the specific services involved, and the individual circumstances of the surrogacy arrangement. At American Surrogacy, we simplify costs by offering services at a flat fee and listing all of the services that are included before you begin your surrogacy journey. And gay surrogacy costs the same as surrogacy for any other couple or individual.

Here are some of the factors to take into account when considering the finances of surrogacy:

  • Agency Fees: Surrogacy agencies typically charge fees for their services, which can include the screening and matching process, legal support, counseling, and coordination of medical procedures.
  • Legal Fees: You will need to work with a reproductive attorney to draft and review the necessary legal agreements.
  • Medical Expenses: The medical expenses associated with surrogacy can include the surrogate’s medical screening, fertility treatments, prenatal care, and delivery.
  • Insurance: The surrogate’s insurance coverage may not fully cover the costs associated with surrogacy, especially if the insurance policy excludes surrogacy-related expenses. Intended parents may need to purchase a separate surrogacy insurance policy or cover any additional medical expenses not covered by the surrogate’s insurance.
  • Compensation and Expenses for the Surrogate: Surrogates typically receive compensation for their time, effort, and the physical demands of the pregnancy. Additionally, intended parents are usually responsible for covering the surrogate’s pregnancy-related expenses, such as travel costs, maternity clothing, and reasonable living expenses.

Get Help Now

If you are excited about starting your LGBT surrogacy journey, you can get help now when you click here.

Honoring Infertility Awareness Month

June is Infertility Awareness Month. The event was created to help people experiencing infertility discover they aren’t alone and to highlight how they can work through this common diagnosis.

If you’re considering using surrogacy to grow your family, you or your partner may be working through infertility. We want you to know that you’re not alone, and we’re here to support you through whatever stage you’re at in your family-building journey.

Contact us today to connect with a surrogacy specialist who can refer you to a counselor specializing in infertility. With Infertility Awareness Month on the horizon, now is the perfect time to find a professional to help you work through your feelings.

Keep reading to learn about Infertility Awareness Month, how to honor it, and more.

What is Infertility Awareness Month?

June is Infertility Awareness Month. The month-long event was created to bring awareness to how common infertility is and to spotlight the treatments that can help solve some infertility issues.

We’re choosing to honor Infertility Awareness Month by detailing who is affected by it and how people overcome the condition.

Who Experiences Infertility?

According to the National Library of Medicine, 10% to 15% of couples in the United States experience infertility.  Men and women experience infertility at the same rate (10%), and sometimes, a couple’s infertility challenges are because of a combination of several factors.

The following are a few other facts about infertility:

  • A doctor can diagnose infertility when a couple cannot conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex.
  • A doctor can check men and women for infertility through a variety of tests.
  • There are several infertility treatments men, and women can pursue.

Common Infertility Treatments

One of the important aspects of Infertility Awareness Month is ensuring people affected by this common condition know their options. One way to handle infertility is through treatment.

The following are just some of the effective infertility treatments people try:

  • Infertility Medications: Certain medications can be prescribed to men and women to help resolve certain infertility issues.
  • Infertility Surgeries: Men and women may undergo certain surgeries that can help repair internal infertility causes.
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies:  Recently, IUI and IVF have become more common. These procedures can help couples overcome many infertility challenges and help them conceive.

Embracing Surrogacy After Infertility

One of the final aspects of acknowledging Infertility Awareness Month is working through your feelings on infertility and deciding your next steps.

Working Through Infertility Grief

Choosing when you’re ready to move from infertility treatments to another family-building option like surrogacy isn’t a simple decision.

You and your partner will experience several intense emotions during this time. You may even decide to work with an infertility counselor to help process your feelings.

Even if you decide not to continue your family-building journey this year, you can use this time to work through your grief and allow yourself time to heal.

Choosing Surrogacy

If you and your partner determine that you’re ready to move on from infertility to another family-building option and choose to go forward with surrogacy, congratulations! Surrogacy is a wonderful choice, and it has helped many people become parents.

One of the benefits of working with American Surrogacy for your surrogacy journey is that our agency can provide the essential benefits needed to help you succeed.

The following are some of the most important benefits our agency can provide you:

  • Surrogacy Screening: We’re dedicated to ensuring that hopeful intended parents and prospective surrogates are ready to start the surrogacy process. We do this by coordinating your psychological, medical, and physical screenings.
  • Matchmaking: When you work with our agency, you can expect an average match time of 30 to 90 days. We maintain this by prescreening all hopeful intended parents and surrogates, providing in-house marketing, and keeping a 1:1 intended parent-to-surrogate ratio.
  • Case Management: We will organize and manage your case so you can spend your time focusing on yourself and your surrogacy partner during your surrogacy journey.
  • 24/7 Support: American Surrogacy will provide you with continuous support from licensed social workers from the beginning to the end of their journey.
  • Financial Certainty and Transparency: Our agency offers a transparent fixed cost of $149,900 that covers our services, gestational carrier fees, and medical and legal costs. We also provide a Parent Protection Fee and will organize your journey’s variable fees.

Reach Out to Us Today

This June, we hope you can honor Infertility Awareness Month by caring for yourself. If you need extra support during this time, you can contact us anytime, and we’ll refer you to an infertility counselor who can help you process your emotions.

Surrogacy is On the Rise, But Don’t Call it Commercial

Surrogacy is on the rise, and is often referred to as commercial surrogacy. However, it’s important to understand what surrogacy really means and how it’s far more than a transaction.

With gestational surrogacy on the rise as a family-building option, many people have taken note of the compensation that surrogates receive for the selfless service they provide. Because of the financial aspect of surrogacy, many have come to refer to this form of surrogacy as compensated surrogacy or commercial surrogacy.

While commercial surrogacy is not an inaccurate term, it can paint a blurry picture of what it truly means to be a surrogate. To get more information about what commercial surrogacy really means, get connected with a surrogacy specialist today.

Below we’ll break down why you should be wary of using terms like “commercial” surrogacy.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an amazing family-building method where a surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, carries a baby for intended parents who may not be able to conceive or carry a pregnancy on their own. There are many reasons why intended parents might choose surrogacy as a way to build their family:

  • Couples struggling with infertility
  • LGBT+ couples
  • Hopeful single parents
  • Couples who don’t want to pass on health conditions

No matter what the reason is, gestational surrogacy allows hopeful couples and individuals to become the parents they’ve always dreamed of being.

How Does Surrogacy Work?

The majority of commercial surrogacies today are gestational surrogacies. Gestational surrogacy is a type of surrogacy where the baby being carried by the surrogate is biologically related to one or both of the intended parents and/or a gamete donor.

The main three stages of the gestational surrogacy process include:

  • Finding a surrogacy match
  • Completing a legal contract
  • Transferring an embryo to the surrogate

In most cases of commercial surrogacy, intended parents will work with a full-service surrogacy agency to find a surrogacy match. Once they’ve found their perfect match, both parties complete a surrogacy contract that will outline responsibilities, risks and surrogate compensation. Once everyone is on the same page, a fertility clinic will facilitate the IVF and embryo transfer process. The IVF process usually involves:

  • The eggs and sperm of both intended parents
  • A donor egg fertilized with sperm from the intended father
  • The intended mother’s egg fertilized with the donor sperm
  • An embryo created from both donor egg and sperm

Once a pregnancy has been confirmed, the surrogate will begin receiving surrogate compensation in monthly installments. This is where commercial surrogacy gets its name. The surrogate will carry the baby to term, and the intended parents will assume full custody of their child when they are born.

What is Commercial Surrogacy?

Commercial surrogacy, more accurately known as compensated surrogacy, is when a surrogate is paid for her service as a surrogate. The alternative to this is altruistic surrogacy, where a surrogate carries a baby for intended parents without compensation. This type of gestational surrogacy is typically done between close friends and family members.

Some critics feel that commercial surrogacy is unethical because it appears exploitative in nature and commodifies pregnancy. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Every surrogate who enters into a commercial surrogacy contract does so willingly and enthusiastically.

Going through the surrogacy process and carrying a baby for someone else often means surrogates are dedicating one to two years of their time and physical and emotional energy. Proponents of commercial surrogacy argue that it’s only fair that surrogates are compensated for the incredible service they’re providing in addition to caring for themselves and their own families.

What Commercial Surrogacy Really Means [More than a Transaction]

While surrogates do get paid through commercial surrogacy, money is rarely the factor that inspires them to become gestational carriers. For many surrogates, surrogacy is an opportunity to change the lives of hopeful intended parents by helping them grow their family.

Many hopeful intended parents are not able to have a child on their own but still want to be involved in bringing their baby into the world. Surrogacy gives them that gift, which is why intended parents are not only prepared to compensate their surrogate but often happy to do so.

Creating a family is priceless, but commercial surrogacy allows intended parents to express their gratitude for all their surrogate has given them.

Get Help Now

If you have questions about commercial surrogacy, we’d be more than happy to have a conversation with you. Get connected with a surrogacy specialist or call 1-800-875-2229 today to learn more.

What You Need to Know about Known Donors

Anonymity in surrogacy is changing. So, as an intended parent, here’s what you need to know about known donors.

Just like anything in life, the field of surrogacy changes over time. In recent years, one of the most significant changes in surrogacy has been its anonymity.

With the rise of popular genealogy companies like 23andMe and Ancestry, complete anonymity in surrogacy is becoming rarer by the minute. It’s becoming more difficult to remain anonymous because children and intended parents are finding genetic links through these platforms. So, what exactly does this mean for you as an intended parent?

That’s what this article will help you out with. You’ll learn all that you need to know about known donors and anonymity in this detailed guide. You can also get more free information now when you contact us online. We’re happy to help you in whatever way we can.

What You Need to Know about Known Donors

With known donors becoming much more common in the world of surrogacy, some agencies these days are more open about the benefits of a known gamete donor. At-home DNA kits and genealogy websites have rendered anonymity unrealistic. Before then, anonymity was fairly ordinary. But that’s not quite the case anymore.

Today, some children conceived through anonymous surrogacy contact these donors, often without their consent. Because of this, plenty of donor clinics work exclusively with known gamete donors. Although you might be worried about working with a known donor, there are some things you should know that may ease your mind.

Benefits of Working with a Known Donor

To put any potential worries to rest, it could be helpful to outline some of the benefits of known donors. Family lineage remains a popular hobby for people, but it can also play a really important role in the surrogacy world. It provides a crucial piece of the larger puzzle for several reasons.

As a result, working with a known donor has a handful of benefits that you should be aware of:

  • You have better access to your child’s medical history
  • You already know the donor and feel comfortable with them
  • Your child can develop a stronger sense of identity

When you use a known gamete donor, it can be much easier for your child to ask questions and get the answers they need. For instance, they might be able to trace their genetic connections to half-siblings or cousins and build a relationship with them. Or, they could be curious to learn more about their biological history and surrogacy story.

Working with an anonymous donor will make it significantly more difficult for your child to get the direct answers they’re looking for. It’s similar to how scientific research underlies the benefits of open adoption for adoptees, whereas closed adoptions lead to plenty of unknowns and potential insecurities.

That same idea applies to surrogacy, too. Your child will likely have many questions about who they’re biologically related to, especially as they grow older. Working with a known donor can guarantee easier access to the information your child will understandably be curious about.

Understanding Donor Contracts with a Known Donor

One fear some intended parents have is that a donor will change their mind. They’re afraid that the donor will end up wanting to parent the child themselves. But there’s no need to worry. Whether the donor is known or unknown, they will have already signed a donor contract with their clinic.

In the case of using a known gamete donor, they will sign the donor contract with your surrogacy attorney. Your attorney will guarantee that the entire process is fair, legal and ethical. Keep in mind that surrogacy laws will vary depending on what state you live in. So, be sure to do some research beforehand and make sure your attorney understands your local laws like the back of their hand.

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Surrogacy can be a confusing, technical process, so we understand if you have some more questions about using known donors. That’s why our trusted staff is here to help you at any time.

To get more surrogacy information now, you can fill out our online contact form today. We would be more than happy to help you out!

3 Reasons Why Now is a Great Time to Become a Surrogate

By becoming a surrogate, you have the opportunity to change someone’s life in the most amazing, generous, selfless way imaginable.

If you’re like many women considering surrogacy, you’ve known for a long time that this is something you want to do. But deciding when to actually start this process is an incredibly personal decision. If you are wondering, “When is the best time to become a surrogate?” The answer is always, “Whenever you feel ready!”

That being said, if you have been thinking about becoming a gestational surrogate, now may be the perfect time for you to join American Surrogacy.

Here are just a few of the reasons why:

1. The process has returned to “normal”

COVID-19 completely upended life as we knew it. Through it all, American Surrogacy was still here, helping our clients through the process and adapting to every change and challenge along the way. But, certain steps of the surrogacy process were also affected.

Fortunately, as more and more people are vaccinated and restrictions continue to loosen, the surrogacy process has more or less returned to normal — meaning clinics are back to doing embryo transfers, travel is much more convenient for surrogates and intended parents, and hospital policies are making it easier for intended parents to be present for the birth of their child.

And, if you’re concerned that your COVID vaccination status will impact your ability to be a surrogate, don’t worry. Whether you choose to get vaccinated or not, we will help you find families who are comfortable with that!

2. We just increased our surrogate compensation

At American Surrogacy, we know how much you and your family will sacrifice to help another person realize their ultimate goal of becoming a parent — and we feel strongly that you deserve to be compensated fairly in return. That’s why we offer a competitive compensation package for all of our surrogates.

The amount of base compensation you receive will vary depending on your personal situation and experience with surrogacy, but we recently increased our guaranteed base compensation to the highest amount ever offered by our agency!

3. You’ll still have months before you actually get pregnant

We know that summer is a busy time of year for many of our prospective surrogates. School is out, which means you may be busy with additional childcare responsibilities, vacation plans or just spending extra time with your kids. Often, women are hesitant to start the process at this time of year because they know that it is not a good time for them to be pregnant.

This concern is completely understandable. But, it’s important to remember that even if you start the surrogacy process today, there are a number of steps you will need to take before ever becoming pregnant, including:

  • Submitting an application
  • Scheduling a consultation with our surrogacy specialists
  • Completing the screening process
  • Gathering medical records
  • Matching with intended parents
  • Signing legal contracts

Many of these steps can take weeks or even months to complete. So, even if you are not ready to be pregnant right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t get started with the application and screening process!

This can be a time-consuming step for our specialists as we work to gather and review your medical records, sometimes taking up to three months before we are really ready to get started. If you are hoping to be pregnant in the fall or winter, when your kids are back in school, now is actually the perfect time to take your first steps toward becoming a surrogate.

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Surrogacy is a gift unlike any other and one that only a woman like you is able to give to hopeful parents. If you are thinking about becoming a gestational surrogate, or if you know other women considering surrogacy, now is an opportune time to join our agency.

To learn more, or to get started today, contact us online or call 1-800-875-BABY(2229). We can’t wait to work with you on this life-changing journey!

International Midwives Day: The Role They Play in Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey. But, like any family-building experience, it wouldn’t be possible without the help of some very important people.

Today, we’d like to highlight and celebrate the essential work that midwives and doulas do to provide care to intended mothers and their newborns, as well as gestational carriers. May 5 happens to be International Midwives Day, and the theme for this year is Midwives with Women.

If you’re a surrogate or intended parent, then you might have thought about using a midwife or a doula at some point. Both of these professionals are great resources, but how do you know which one is right for you? Should you use both or neither? We’ll share a little information about your options to help you get started.

What’s the Difference Between a Midwife and a Doula?

Both a midwife and a doula can be extremely helpful during childbirth — especially for women who are looking for the kind of specialized care an obstetrician can’t offer. But, not a lot of people know what kind of services they can provide or how they differ.

Here’s what you can expect from each one:

  • Midwives: A midwife is a trained health care professional who supports women during labor, delivery and the postpartum period. She’s also able to provide care to newborns. Midwives aren’t doctors, but they have completed a graduate program in midwifery. There are also several types of midwives, but the most common is a Certified Nurse Midwife, or CNM for short. Although they’re registered nurses, they can’t perform certain deliveries, like a c-section. Because of their restrictions, they’re best used for women with low-risk pregnancies.
  • Doulas: A doula is very similar to a midwife. These professionals provide the emotional and educational support that women often need during pregnancy and the difficult postpartum period. However, a doula is not a maternity care provider. This means that you can’t use one to replace a midwife or your doctor. Still, their experiences as a birth coach are invaluable for both intended parents and surrogates.

If you’re using a midwife, you should be prepared for the chance that they’ve never delivered a baby via surrogacy before. In that case, you’ll want to prepare them for the unique surrogacy experience. Here are a few tips, if they need some background knowledge:

  • Make sure to explain what the surrogacy process.
  • Provide an outline of your birth plan.
  • Make sure they know they can contact your specialist if they have any questions.
  • Communicate your feelings.

Why You Should Consider Using a Doula or a Midwife

If you’re a surrogate, using a doula or a midwife can be a great help during childbirth. Pregnancy is already stressful enough, and it can be extremely helpful to have another experienced professional on your side. For surrogates, these birth coaches can offer:

  • Prenatal support and education
  • Birth planning
  • Support and education
  • Counseling postpartum

Doulas and midwives are also a great resource for intended parents, too. Some of their services include:

  • Childcare education
  • Newborn support
  • Support for you as a new parent
  • And more

While a doula or a midwife can be a great resource for both parties, they’re not for everyone. Before you choose one, please make sure you’ve done plenty of research to make sure you’ve found a great professional.

Sharing Your Plan with Your Specialist

If you’re thinking about using a doula or a midwife, let your specialist know. There are a lot of choices that you’ll have to make in your birth plan, and this is one of the most important. Using either one can be advantageous, and your specialist can help you decide which one is right for you.

This decision must be made by both the surrogate and the intended parents, so it’s crucial that everyone is on the same page. Your specialist can help mediate the conversation until you can come to a decision that’s right for both parties.

If you need help finding a midwife or a doula, your surrogacy specialist may refer you to local professionals in your area. The OBGYN or hospital might also have some resources available to help you get started. For additional resources, check out these websites:

If you have any other questions about using a midwife or a doula, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your surrogacy specialist for more information. And, if you plan on using either, let your specialist know as soon as possible. Finding the right doula or midwife takes plenty of time and research, so don’t rush yourself when it comes to choosing the right one for you.

New York Legalizes Gestational Surrogacy

After a long back-and-forth battle in the state legislature, the Child-Parent Security Act was finally passed as part of the 2020 New York State Budget on April 2, 2020. The Act now legalizes gestational surrogacy in New York State, allowing intended parents and gestational carriers to join in enforceable compensated gestational surrogacy contracts.

Protecting Modern Families Coalition has been working with New York lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to push for the Act’s legalization over the last 10 years. The Act now brings New York into the modern age of surrogacy, allowing intended parents’ rights to be recognized from the moment of their child’s birth.

The Act also allows for:

  • Compensated gestational surrogacy arrangements
  • Legal protections for gestational surrogates, including:
    • The right to make all health and welfare decisions regarding themselves and their pregnancy, including whether to terminate or continue the pregnancy
    • Independent legal counsel of their choosing, paid for by the intended parents
    • Access to a comprehensive health insurance policy paid for by the intended parents
    • Access to counseling and life insurance
  • Simplified process of securing parenthood for non-biological parents
  • Single women to legally and successfully use a sperm donor to build their family

New York, like its neighbor New Jersey, has a history of anti-surrogacy policies, stemming from the infamous “Baby M” case in the 1980s. For decades, intended parents in New York had to travel to another state to bring a child into their family — often thousands of miles to the surrogacy capitol of the U.S., California. Their stories and the tireless work of family advocates and lawyers like those at Rumbold & Seidelman brings those family-building processes closer to home.

“The Child-Parent Security Act will serve as a national model for forming and protecting families as well as the surrogates who want to help them,” said Rev. Stan J. Sloan, CEO of Family Equality (the organization spearheading the Protecting Modern Families Coalition). “New York has a proud tradition of progressive leadership, and today we add to the legacy of Seneca Falls and Stonewall by saying loudly and clearly that love makes a family.”

American Surrogacy applauds these protections to New York surrogacy legislation and stands ready to help intended parents and prospective surrogates in the Empire State reach their surrogacy dreams. For more information about working with our agency, please call 1-800-875-BABY(2229) or contact us online.