Perhaps you and your spouse have not been able to conceive, although you very much want a child.
You might consider gestational surrogacy. Here are four facts you may not know about this process, which has become increasingly common.
1. Not related
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is often the biological mother of the baby she carries. However, in gestational surrogacy, there is no relationship. The real biological mother is the woman whose eggs are used during fertilization. This allows a genetic link between the baby and the intended parents.
2. Donor option
In gestational surrogacy, the sperm and egg combine during a laboratory fertilization process, which allows the intended parents to select a sperm or egg donor. This is an option of interest to same-sex parents or those who have infertility issues. When the process concludes, the gestational carrier receives the fertilized embryo and carries the baby to term.
3. Negotiated agreement
In gestational surrogacy, the intended parents are confident that the surrogate will not want to keep the baby she carries. The parties negotiate terms prior to pregnancy and sign a surrogacy contract that ensures there is no change of heart and that the baby is the child of the intended parents.
4. Monetary compensation
North Carolina surrogacy laws protect the right of a surrogate to receive compensation once a physician confirms pregnancy. The average base pay for a first-time surrogate is $45,000, which the surrogate can spend in any way she wishes. The intended parents also cover the surrogate’s expenses, such as travel, lost wages, time given to the surrogacy process and any medical issues.
