Surrogacy is still a controversial subject all over the world. Even though a lot of celebrities and everyday people tried it, it still looks like a crazy idea for a lot of people. Surrogacy is one of the most popular and often the only way same-sex couples can create a family.
If you want to use the procedure of surrogacy you shouldn’t bother with what people say but you certainly should know a thing or two about it… or ten.
If you want to have a child and you know there is no chance of success with In vitro fertilization and egg donation then surrogacy might be your only chance. However, if you decide to do it there are things you need to know first.
Important:
Remember that laws and legislations on surrogacy in all places around the world can be a true rollercoaster. To handle all the legalities you will most probably need a good lawyer.
The decision to do surrogacy will be a very significant one. Prepare for one of the emotionally hardest periods of your lifetime but remember the price is worth it!
So without further ado!
10 things you need to know before and during surrogacy
Think with your head.
You don’t have to keep your heart out of it totally but it would be good if you tried to handle your emotions and not make decisions based on your feelings. You don’t want to regret something later because you were hasty and emotional. Remember that the procedure of surrogacy can be costly and you don’t want to make it even more expensive with unreasonable decisions.
First things first: the clinic
One of the first things you need to do is to find a proper clinic. This way all the upcoming decisions will be monitored by the clinic and they will able to see the bigger picture. You will make all the necessary papers available for them so they can look into all the information about the surrogate, the egg donor, the intended parents and the agency you chose. If anything is wrong the clinic will be able to detect it and sort it out.
The surrogacy agency
Having an agency is not essential but it sure could make some things easier. Having an agency behind your back can especially help with some legalities and emotional matters. They can also serve as a mediator between you and the surrogate.
4. The cost
You need to know the approximate cost of all the procedures, medication and all things involved. You do not want to be surprised with additional expenses during the process. It is also a good time to think about genetic screening. It is not essential especially when the donor is really young but even then there could be some unwanted genetic abnormalities involved.
5. The egg donor Choosing the right candidate for your egg donation is a very significant matter and you should take your time with it. However, do not overthink it! Here it’s a bit advisable to listen to your heart. It can be done through the clinic you already chose, your surrogacy agency or you can choose it yourself if, for example, you want a known donor.
Best Countries for IVF Revealed
Popular countries, costs, success rates, legal frameworks and availability in one comprehensive 100-page guide. 10K+ downloads
6. Surrogate candidate
When choosing the surrogate remember that it is very important in which country or US state she lives in. Laws on surrogacy are very different around the world and it is important to know about all the problems you can encounter. This is here when you will learn if your name will be on the birth certificate of the child and will you be recognized as the legal parent.
7. Parental order recognition
You can do this either pre-birth or post-birth. This matter was mentioned in the 6th point. You can be recognized as the legal parent thanks to this order either pre-birth or post-birth which can take a couple of weeks.
8. Be there!
Be with your surrogate at as many hospital appointments as you can and gather some ultrasound pictures! It could be a beautiful emotional experience.
Find the Right IVF Clinic Abroad
Get personalised clinic suggestions, cost clarity, donor options and next-step guidance before you contact clinics.
9. Insurance
Find out if your surrogate is insured and if coverage is necessary.. Furthermore, find out if your child is covered by your own insurance or do you need to have another especially for her or him.
10. Know your surrogate
The last but not the least, communicate and talk with your surrogate frequently. There is a chance it isn’t her first surrogacy – in this case talk about her past experiences and what she liked and didn’t like and use that information to make her comfortable.
If you need more information get to know our website guide. It is an egg donation guide but you will find a lot information about legal matters considering surrogacy and a lot about egg donors.
Aleksander Wiecki is Chief Marketing Officer of IVF Media and has worked in the fertility field since 2008, leading marketing and patient experience. He is Vice-Chair of the European Fertility Society, Chair of its Cross Border Reproductive Care Committee, and a member of ESHRE. Read full bio
Need help choosing an IVF clinic abroad?
Take 3 minutes to complete our Clinic Matching Test and save yourself hours of searching, comparing, and contacting clinics on your own. Tell us what matters most to you — your treatment type, destination preferences, expectations, and personal situation — and we will match you with 3 trusted IVF clinics abroad that fit your needs.
Our database includes only experienced fertility clinics that regularly support international patients and understand what matters during treatment abroad: clear communication, transparent information, patient care, and professional support.
The selected clinics will contact you directly within 3 working days, so you can compare your options and take the next step with more confidence.
Egg Donation Laws by Country – A Comprehensive Guide
The egg donation treatment which is one of the major parts of assisted reproductive technology is a way to give hope to many individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. Nevertheless, it is vital to emphasize that egg donation is not a universally applicable approach; in order for patients to be eligible for the treatment, specific medical indications must be present. On this note, it is necessary for people, who are considering this way, to know the varied legal frameworks in the popular egg donation countries.
IVF AWARD 2016: Barcelona IVF – Customer Service & Communications
Barcelona IVF, the fertility clinic from Spain, was established in 2010 and employs 6 biologists, 6 fertility doctors, 11 midwives/nurses and 12 members of customer service staff. The clinic features one operating theatre, well-equipped laboratory and a recovery room for international patients. Barcelona IVF is a popular fertility destination for many foreign patients. Did you […]
Are you looking to be a mom through egg donation?
Are you looking to be a mom and are not able to use your own eggs? Egg donation can be the solution you need. Usually, egg donation cycle is recommended for patients who do not produce their own eggs (for example they have gone through premature menopause) or have eggs which cannot be used during […]
IVF CLINIC AWARD 2017 – iVF Riga – IVF Program
iVF Riga is a fertility clinic located in Latvia. It was established in 2013 and employs 15 physicians, 3 embryologists and 12 patient coordinators. The clinic is a member of many prestigious organizations like ESHRE, BFS, Latvian Society of Gynaecologists and Latvian Society of Human Reproduction, holds two ISO certificates and is a winner of […]
IVF Abroad – Pros and Cons Explained
IVF abroad can be worth it for patients seeking lower treatment costs, better access to donor eggs, advanced fertility technologies, and greater privacy. However, it also involves legal, cultural, and logistical challenges that require careful planning especially around follow-up care and legal recognition. IVF Abroad – Summary What Does “IVF […]
100% Pregnancy and Birth Guarantee – is it possible during these uncertain times?
Going through IVF or egg donation treatment under normal circumstances can be, to put it mildly, a challenge, both mentally and physically. It’s an often-heavy process but, now, during the pandemic IVF with donor eggs abroad could be even harder, but it does not have to be. The COVID-19 times have remained challenging and resulted […]
Best IVF Clinics in Europe and Spain for Women Over 40
IVF after 40 is possible, but treatment options change considerably with age. The main decisions are whether IVF with a patient’s own eggs remains appropriate, whether donor eggs should be considered, which countries legally permit treatment at the patient’s age, and which clinics regularly treat women in their 40s and […]
IVF with Donor Eggs – The Step-by-Step Process
IVF with donor eggs follows a structured, multi‑stage process that usually takes around 4-5 weeks from medical qualification to embryo transfer. It typically involves two clinic visits, coordinated preparation of the uterus, fertilization using partner or donor sperm, and embryo transfer. The process can be done using fresh or frozen donor eggs, with differences mainly […]
