Private Surrogacy without an Agency

Independent Surrogacy vs. Agency Surrogacy

One of the first questions that intended parents have is should I work with an agency or have a private surrogacy arrangement? It’s a big decision to consider and both of these options have advantages and challenges, the correct choice will depend on the goals, experience, and any available resources.

What is Independent Surrogacy?

Independent surrogacy is also known as private surrogacy or surrogacy without an agency and you may have heard some or all of these terms before. This is when the intended parents and the surrogate mother enter into an agreement without any professional surrogacy agency’s involvement.

The option gives everyone involved full control over the process, and some people prefer this due to wanting to feel connected more to the surrogate. However, the intended parents are responsible for everything throughout the process. They have to find each other, discuss their terms, find their own legal counsel, have a legal contract signed to avoid disputes in the future, manage communication with each other, and any support that would be needed during the pregnancy.

Sometimes, this is a lot for people to handle and that is why they choose a surrogacy agency.

Who Should Choose an Independent Surrogacy?

There are people that an independent surrogacy can be ideal for, such as, experienced parents or surrogates who have been through the journey in the past, people with a trusted surrogate (e.g., a friend or relative), people looking to reduce the overall costs, or parents wanting full transparency and direct communication.

There needs to be a high level of trust when it comes to independent arrangements, clarity and willingness are also attributes to have in this type of surrogacy arrangement.

Defining Agency Surrogacy

What is an agency surrogacy? This is another question that intended parents and surrogates ask when they are researching surrogacy. An agency is licensed and can facilitate every single part of the process throughout a surrogacy journey. They provide a number of benefits to take the pressure off the people involved. Some of the benefits of going with an agency are screening and matching with surrogate mothers services, legal and psychological support, coordination with clinics and doctors, and 24/7 guidance for everyone.

It can be more costly, however, agencies are there to help reduce risks and offer their professional advice for intended parents who prefer to have structure in a journey like this.

Benefits of Independent Surrogacy

There are several benefits for independent surrogacy for both the intended parents and the surrogate mothers. There are lower costs as without the agency fees, the intended parents can save around $20,000 to $40,000. Both parties would speak directly with each other, building stronger communication and relationships. There is more flexibility as each family can customise their private surrogacy arrangement, basing it on values, needs, and schedules. It can also be more meaningful if the surrogate is someone the intended parents know, personalising the journey.

Surrogacy without agency support comes with risks. For parents, the risks are associated with the danger of managing the surrogate mother’s pregnancy. There is also a risk of incorrect paperwork, which is particularly dangerous due to potential issues with legal parentage. For surrogates, there are risks associated with paying for a surrogate mother’s assistance during the surrogacy process. Medical assistance is also questionable, as parents may not have the necessary knowledge about the surrogacy process.

Challenges and Risks of Independent Surrogacy

It needs to be known that there are challenges and risks that come with independent surrogacy which can cause a lot of stress and extra work in getting to the stage of holding a baby.

Finding a Surrogate

If there isn’t any agency assistance, intended parents have no choice but to look for a surrogate themselves. The ways in which they can do this is by looking on social media, surrogacy support groups, online surrogacy specified forums, fertility clinic referrals, or word of mouth.

It can take a long time, sometimes weeks to months, to find the right independent surrogate. Once she is found, the medical screening needs to be completed privately, for example, health records and background checks as well as a psychological evaluation.

Managing the Surrogate and Pregnancy

Now a surrogate has been found, the intended parents are in control and responsible for managing the journey. They have to schedule and pay for the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures, ensure regular communication is maintained, handle any expenses related to the pregnancy, and make sure the surrogate receives the proper care.

All of the aspects above can take up a lot of time and can be emotionally demanding, this is why an agent or coordinator is highly preferred.

Legal Considerations in Private Surrogacy

It’s important to have the legalities in any surrogacy arrangement covered. There are aspects that will have to be covered by each party when it comes to the legal side of independent surrogacy. They have to hire the lawyers who understand the surrogacy laws in their state or country, have a contract drafted that states the compensation, rights, and responsibilities of each party, and have pre- or post-birth orders secured to confirm the parental rights. 

As the laws vary in states and countries, it’s highly advised that without these points being covered it can result in disputes or unenforceable agreements later on in the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Surrogacy

How Much Does Independent Surrogacy Cost?

Independent surrogacy varies by cost, but in the U.S., it can range between $60,000 to $100,000. This cost will depend on the agreed amount of compensation for the surrogate, the fertility clinic expenses, legal fees, and health insurance and costs related to the pregnancy.

It is notable that this amount is lower than some agency programmes, which can reach up to an amount of $150,000.

How to Find a Surrogate Without an Agency?

A number of intended parents can find private surrogate mothers on social media platforms, like facebook groups or Reddit, surrogacy focused forums or ads, fertility clinics or OB/GYN referrals, or surrogacy matching websites. 

We highly recommend that a surrogate is verified and meets the medical and legal requirements, and be sure they are ready emotionally.

Is Independent Surrogacy Right for You?

Not everyone will choose private surrogacy as it is without an agency due to it requiring a lot of time, legal awareness, emotional maturity, and organisational skills. But for those with experience or a trusted surrogate, it can be affordable and personal to their journey of becoming a parent.

If you are thinking of having a surrogate mother without an agency, please make sure to speak with fertility specialists and surrogacy lawyers prior to entering a private surrogacy arrangement as this will help you have a planned and informed approach, assisting you with the knowledge of how to avoid the common risks and make sure it is a smooth experience for everyone involved.