Surrogacy is one of those choices that can transform your life entirely, including another one. It is not something that you wake up and decide to do; but it demands proper planning.
Surrogacy is beautiful, but it has emotional, legal, and physical burdens that should not be ignored. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind if you are thinking of surrogacy.
Understanding the Legal Framework
Get yourself familiar with the legal side of it before you begin the process of surrogacy. The laws of surrogacy may vary according to your location, and therefore, you should never assume that the rules are straightforward and universal.
Legal agreements between intended parents and surrogates clarify responsibilities in most cases, but those agreements may not always hold up in court if a dispute arises. This is why it is so necessary to consult a lawyer first before committing to anything. The experienced lawyer can tell you about your rights, draft your agreements, and provide you with necessary help with the paperwork, such as parental rights transfer or guardianship.
Financial Preparation and Realistic Expectations
Money is not the primary reason to become a surrogate, but it’s something you need to think about carefully. The pregnancy will be accompanied by doctor visits, commuting, loss of work, and other related costs, so ensure you know which ones will be covered and which will not.
In most setups, the surrogate is paid fair amounts, which may include medical bills, maternity clothes, or taking care of your own kids as you make appointments. Each case is unique, and it is always good to have an honest and open talk with the intended parents regarding financial expectations early on.
Legal Considerations
Although surrogacy is built on trust and mutual respect, it may also be emotionally and legally risky. The targeted parents may experience delays, or both parties may vary in their feelings over the various stages. This is why you need to get to know the targeted parents properly before any medical action is taken.
Discuss boundaries, expectations, and the type of relationship you desire after the birth of the baby. Some surrogates are the ones who will be friends of the families they assist forever, but others choose to step back once the job is done.
Health and Emotional Well-being
Surrogacy is a significant physical and emotional experience. You will probably have to take medical tests and psychological assessments before you commit to make sure that you are prepared. It’s not just about being healthy enough for pregnancy, but also being emotionally ready to embark on the process. All pregnancies are difficult, including morning sickness and hormone shifts, and surrogacy may introduce an additional level of complication.
Time Commitment and Lifestyle Adjustments
By deciding to be a surrogate, you are making a commitment beyond nine months of pregnancy. It may take 1-2 years, depending on the medical and legal procedures. There will be medical appointments, and you will need to modify the schedules in both your personal and professional life.
