The most important decision that one will make when going for surrogacy, is to find the right surrogate mother. Whether you go through an agency or not is completely your choice. It is not impossible to find a surrogate without an agency but you have to be prepared, as the entire process can be tiresome.
If intended parents choose to work with someone they already know, like a friend or relative, then the process can be less time consuming and for it to go smoothly you may not need an agency. Otherwise, initial screening, background check, medical history and all other processes of a surrogacy will only add on to an already tedious process.
So whether you’re contemplating surrogacy with or without us, consider the points below before you make up your mind.
Medical screening and the background check
If you already know the surrogate to be your relative or friend, then you may wish to skip the background check altogether. But make sure you don’t skip the medical examination as it may directly or indirectly affect the baby. Even if you find an individual surrogate, the risk of fraud or misrepresentation is higher. Whereas, with us, you get a filtered database to choose from. You can concentrate on the most important aspect of surrogacy and leave the rest to us.
Coordination and communication
Communication between the intended parents and the surrogate is extremely important throughout the entire process. Coordinating regarding the monthly appointments, whether the parents will get to be an integral part of the journey, etc, will no more be an individual decision and will be well monitored and organized avoiding all miscommunications.
Medical and legal advice
At every step of surrogacy, the surrogate and the intended parents may need medical as well as legal advice. This may happen even in the case where the surrogate is a friend or a relative. You have to disclose a lot of your personal information for this process which may be misused by individuals. In such a case, legal guidance by the one helping you through the process will be most beneficial.
Counseling and support
It is not hard to understand how difficult the process of surrogacy can be and that is why constant counseling and support is important. Whether it is for a surrogate of the intended parents, we will always be there as a constant.
Lower cost?
You may argue that the cost of going with an agency is higher than doing it individually. But you also need to consider the risks involved and the services that we will offer to make sure you have the best experience during the most important chapter of your life. You do not want to invest your time and money in a match that may end up failing.
So whether you go with an individual or an agency, be prepared to face the challenges and do your own research, as to what suits best for you and your family, before you make a decision.