What is Altruistic Surrogacy?

Altruistic surrogacy is mainly focused on compassion instead of a financial reward a surrogate can receive. and it is an alternative to traditional or commercial surrogacy.

However, altruistic surrogacy is less common, but the reason intended parents choose this option is due to having a close or meaningful relationship with a surrogate mother. However, this particular type of surrogacy is less common, it is usually instigated when intended parents have a close or meaningful relationship with the surrogate. Even if the surrogate is considered to be a trusted friend or a relative, it’s important to arrange a strong legal structure to be put in place because the absence of formal contracts, clear boundaries and understanding between the two parties can cause misunderstandings or disputes during the journey.

We are going to define what altruistic surrogacy is, how it works, how it is different to commercial models, what are the legal, emotional and financial considerations included in this type of surrogacy.

Definition of Altruistic Surrogacy

The definition of altruistic surrogacy is quite simple, it is when a woman agrees to carry and deliver a child for another person or couple without receiving a base compensation. They will receive reimbursement of reasonable medical costs and any expenses related to the pregnancy. In commercial surrogacy, the payment for services is a core aspect of the agreement, but altruistic is centred around not having finances as a motivation. The surrogate will decide to be a surrogate because they are driven by empathy, emotional connection, or a strong desire to help someone become a parent.

This type of arrangement usually arises within close personal relationships, and it would usually be a sister, friend, cousin, or an acquaintance that has been known for a long time who would put their hand up and volunteer to be a surrogate in an altruistic surrogacy. The surrogates typically do this because they have witnessed the intended parents’ challenges with infertility or other medical obstacles.

However, even though the compensation incentive is not present in this type of surrogacy that doesn’t mean the complexity reduces. The legal, psychological, and medical aspects are just as important as any other type of surrogacy and professional advice is always recommended. The trust, mutual respect, and shared values are built between the intended parents and the surrogate, and they both have their input into the journey.

The Altruistic Surrogacy Process

The process starts when the intended parents locate a surrogate who is willing to carry a child without gaining anything financially. Once the surrogate has had medical and psychological screenings which the intended parents must organise themselves, the parties will sign legal agreements that have been prepared by legal professionals to make sure it will be enforceable should any disputes arise later on.

Following this, fertility treatments, usually in vitro fertilisation (IVF) will begin. In altruistic gestational surrogacy, the surrogate will not have any link to the baby, and the embryo will be created using the intended parents’ or donors’ (if applicable) reproductive materials. During the pregnancy, there will be medical monitoring, and emotional support for both parties which would have been agreed upon in the legal contract. ‘

Finally, the baby will be born and legally transferred to the intended parents based on the legal agreements made at the beginning of the journey depending on the country or state the surrogacy agreement has been actioned in.

Differences Between Altruistic and Commercial Surrogacy

Altruistic and commercial surrogacy both help to create families, but there are differences between the two.

One of the main differences is the compensation involved. In altruistic surrogacy, a base pay compensation is not issued, but in commercial surrogacy it is. Another difference is the motivation, in altruistic it usually stems from the emotional connection but commercial is structured around the legal and financial agreements. Next, the availability of a surrogate who is willing to be a surrogate in an altruistic arrangement is very rare as most surrogates choose the compensated programmes. Finally, the legal complexity involved can differ in how the rights are assigned and enforced in altruistic but in commercial it is covered and there should not be issues on the rights.

It’s very important to understand the differences involved between altruistic and commercial surrogacy to help decide on which option to choose and allows them to stick to their values and circumstances.

Pros and Cons of Altruistic Surrogacy

It’s a good idea to look at the pros and cons of altruistic surrogacy to make sure this approach is the correct choice, and we have gathered some of these for you below.

Pros

The pros to consider in altruistic surrogacy are that it can be cost-effective as the surrogate is not receiving a base compensation, and there are lower expenses. The emotional relationship between the intended parents and the surrogate mother may be meaningful and trusting. The ethical alignment may also make each party more comfortable with the upcoming journey.

Cons

The cons to think about are the limited number of women willing to carry a baby without compensation, the strain it can cause emotionally due to the close relationships suffering because of unmet expectations, and a lack of legal safeguards due to informal agreements causing future disputes.

Altruistic Surrogacy Cost

Despite altruistic surrogacy not having a base compensation fee for the surrogate, there are still a number of costs to consider under this type.

There are IVF procedures and medications that can range between $15,000 to $25,000 and prenatal care and delivery between $6,000 to $12,000. People also need to consider the legal services and psychological evaluation costs that can range from $4,000 to $8,000, the insurance coverage between $5,000 to $10,000, any travel or accommodation if the surrogate or intended parents need to relocate, usually between $1,000 to $5,000, and reimbursing the surrogate for maternity clothing, meals, or lost wages ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

On average, altruistic surrogacy in the United States can fall between $30,000 to $60,000 which is still costly. Comparing this to the commercial surrogacy (with an agency) that can range between $120,000 to $150,000 it is evident why people choose altruistic. However, the costs can vary by state, country and what agency is chosen.

Legal Aspects of Altruistic Surrogacy

The laws in surrogacy differ from state to country. Some states and countries will have clear legal frameworks for both altruistic and commercial surrogacy, but others will have high restrictions or even prohibit surrogacy altogether.

No matter what, legal agreements are highly important even if compensation isn’t involved. These documents should always state and have a clear definition of the parental rights, who will make the decisions throughout the journey (intended parents or surrogate), medical consent, medical and birth planning agreements, psychological readiness and ongoing support for both parties, and any post-birth arrangements so each party is happy and comfortable with what is coming.

Surrogacy laws can be complicated, but there are many lawyers that can help people and, lawyers will be able to help ensure surrogacy contracts are enforceable in the location you have decided to go through your journey. They will be able to assist people with making sure everyone is protected, including the baby, and help with the thoughtful planning it truly requires.

Finding an Altruistic Surrogate

Usually, in altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate is found within the personal circle of the intended parents. These people can be family members, close friends, or community networks. Some intended parents connect with surrogates through specified surrogacy online forums or non-profit organisations. However, when an agency isn’t involved, the process can require extra attention to the medical, emotional, legal safeguards.

An agency can support both models and may offer a reduced fee programme to help with altruistic matches, and they will still make sure safety and structure is paid attention to.

Motivations for Pursuing Altruistic Surrogacy

People have reasons for choosing this type of surrogacy, it can be a medical need, emotional bond, or a genuine desire to help someone. We will look at the most common motivations behind altruistic surrogacy for both the intended parents and the surrogate.

Infertility Issues

The main motivation to turn to altruistic surrogacy is due to unsuccessful fertility treatments. Intended parents turn to it as it is less costly, and an emotionally involved alternative to commercial programmes.

Same-Sex Couples

Another motivation is same-sex couples, mostly male couples, as they have close friends and relatives that tend to offer help. The shared history the parties have with each other can strengthen the trust during the journey.

Desire to Help

Sometimes, surrogates really desire to help someone become a parent. The altruism arises from seeing the struggles of infertility or from having an emotional connection with the intended parents.

Risks and Challenges of Altruistic Surrogacy

With all the pros and motivation behind altruistic surrogacy, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks or challenges. It comes with its own set of difficulties which will be explored below.

Straining Relationships

The relationship between the surrogate mother and the intended parents may start strong, but as most people are aware, pregnancy can come with stress causing misunderstandings and even emotional tension. It can happen more so if the expectations of each party is not clearly defined at the start thus causing a strained relationship.

Fewer Safeguards

The lack of legal and psychological structure that is provided in commercial surrogacy programmes can cause the surrogate and the intended parents feeling unsupported and unsure how to navigate the challenges they are facing.

Less Control

As there would not be an agency involved and overseeing the process, it will depend on personal communication and mutual trust. This can cause gaps in medical decisions, scheduling, or emotional support.

Is Altruistic Surrogacy Right For You?

It may or may not be the right move for you or your trusted surrogate. If it is right for you, you will have a trusted relationship with your potential surrogate, you are looking for a lower cost alternative to commercial surrogacy, and you are prioritising the emotional connection rather than the transactional surrogacy.

It will depend on the careful planning, communication being open, and the professional support you obtain. We would advise you to consult with surrogacy professionals before proceeding down this path to evaluate whether the situation you have is suited for an altruistic arrangement and gain any knowledge you may need if it is.