Surrogacy is one pathway that gay couples can take to fulfill their dream of parenthood. It allows them not just the experience of being fathers, but to be fathers to a child who is genetically linked to them – a biological family. One caveat many gay couples face, however, when it comes to surrogacy is cost, but affordable gay surrogacy is out there. 

How Affordable Can Surrogacy Be For Gay Couples? 

Surrogacy in the United States is a pipe dream for many gay or heterosexual couples. On average, a surrogacy journey in the United States can cost upwards of $100,000 or more. This is simply not financially feasible for most. However, surrogate services international presents another option.

Going to another country for surrogacy might at first seem like the more expensive option. With travel expenses, documents, and working with different agencies. However, surrogacy can be far less expensive when you look at destinations like Armenia. The average cost of a surrogacy journey with an established surrogacy agency in Armenia will range from around $35,000 to $54,000, or around half of what a couple would be expected to pay with a domestic surrogacy arrangement.

Seeking Out The Right Agency 

Seeking out the right surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions gay couples can make when taking the next steps toward surrogacy. What they should look for in an agency in Armenia or another destination country is: 

• Experience working with international couples – The best surrogacy agency in Armenia or another destination country is one that has experience working with couples from around the globe, and they know how to navigate international laws. Not just this, but they’ll be more experienced in ensuring you understand each step of the process, they will work around language barriers, and they’ll be able to answer any questions you may have. 
• Success stories and testimonials – A great international surrogacy agency will have plenty of success stories and testimonials to share from couples who have successfully completed a surrogacy journey with them in the past. These will provide you with a firsthand look at what your experience is likely to be. 
• They have experience working with gay couples – Working with gay couples can sometimes be a little different when compared to working with heterosexual couples when it comes to factors like international surrogacy laws. Experienced surrogacy agencies in countries like Armenia will have experience navigating these differences and can guide you to your smoothest course of action. 

What Does An International Surrogacy Timeline Look Like? 

After cost, the next most common question asked by gay couples seeking surrogacy is what the process or timeline is likely to look like. Understandably, couples are excited to become parents, and they want to have a game plan they can rely on when it comes to when they can expect this to happen. 

Typically, in countries like Armenia, the timeline will last around 12 to 18 months from your first consultation to bringing home your new little one. You’ll find the surrogacy agency that works for your situation and your budget, and you’ll begin interviewing with potential surrogate mothers. Once you’ve found your perfect match, you’ll provide your sperm donation to be used in either in vitro fertilization with a donor egg for gestational surrogacy or provide sperm donation for a traditional surrogacy. Once the conception occurs and gestation begins, you’ll be kept updated and involved during the duration of the pregnancy. 

After the baby is born, there will be a period of around 2 to 5 weeks for what is known as “exit procedures”. This involves collecting documents like a birth certificate, passport, and other citizenship documents that will be required before a couple will be able to bring their new baby home. Once exit procedures are complete, the couple will have completed their surrogacy journey, and they’ll be on their way into settling with their new family. 

What Do Surrogacy Costs Involve? 

Surrogacy costs, whether international or domestic, involve a variety of different expenses. One of the main factors that makes surrogacy in places like the United States so expensive are the costs involved with medical care, as well as a higher cost of living. When seeking out international surrogacy in places like Armenia, lower healthcare costs and lower living expenses make the process far more affordable. 

The costs incurred during a surrogacy journey are in place to cover legal costs, costs associated with the agency’s guidance, and medical or caretaking costs involved with taking care of the surrogate mother (and child) until birth. The right surrogacy agency will be able to break down all of these costs and outline them in a way that’s easy to understand, with no hidden fees or costs incurred throughout the process.