Unfortunately, surrogacy is not available everywhere or for all couples. Even when it is available, surrogacy can be so expensive and legally complicated that it may seem completely out of reach. In these cases, families turn to international surrogacy programs. International surrogacy programs help intended parents navigate the legal and medical complexities of surrogacy abroad. They match intended families with vetted surrogate mothers and help them navigate all the legal and medical complexities.
Choosing the right international surrogacy partner protects your rights, the rights of the surrogate mother, and the rights of the child. Before working with any international surrogacy programs, take the time to research, read reviews, and interview international surrogacy agencies. Here is how to choose the right international surrogacy program for your growing family:
1.Research International Surrogacy Laws
Surrogacy is legally, medically, and socially complex. So, it is important to choose a country with a transparent body of surrogacy laws. You also need to choose a country with advanced medical care and surrogacy-specific regional medical expertise. Choosing the right country will help you narrow down the agencies to work with for your surrogacy. Make sure to choose a surrogacy agency with offices in your country of choice.
2.Consider The Surrogacy Services
Surrogacy agencies offer a range of different surrogacy services. When choosing an international surrogacy program, make sure to choose a company that offers comprehensive surrogacy services. Surrogacy agencies should offer services including:
- Surrogate mother and family vetting and matching
- Managing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), prenatal care, and pregnancy healthcare
- Psychology and mental health support for the surrogate mother and intended parents
- International and domestic family law services
- Travel and logistic coordination for your family
- Comprehensive financial planning and advisement
- Guidance, comfort, and compassion throughout the process
Choosing an international surrogacy agency with comprehensive services ensures you have guidance at every step of the surrogacy process.
3.Evaluate The Agency’s Credentials
When looking at an international surrogacy agency, it can be a bit tricky to evaluate credentials. However, there are some signs of a licensed and qualified surrogacy agency, including:
- Experienced and highly-specialized staff
- Transparent processes and pricing
- A strong reputation online and in their community
- Comprehensive surrogacy services
- Supports the surrogate mothers
When you have narrowed down your choices, set up a call with the international surrogacy agency. On the call, ask them questions to get a feel for their qualifications, including:
Are you licensed to operate in your home country?
Can you provide me with documentation of your legal status?
Do you have any accreditations or certifications?
How long has your surrogacy agency been in business?
What clinics and healthcare providers do you work with?
Can you provide me with references?
How do you vet surrogate mothers?
How do you handle emergencies?
How do you protect the rights of the surrogate mother?
How do you protect my family’s rights during surrogacy?
How do you address the ethical and emotional considerations of surrogacy?
Asking questions like these will help you find a legitimate surrogacy agency with the comprehensive surrogacy services needed for success.
4.Review Success Rates And Testimonials
Once you have your agencies narrowed down to a few select choices, do some digging online. Read reviews and testimonials from both surrogate mothers and intended parents who went through surrogacy with the agency. Check on search engines, social media, and surrogacy boards to see what former clients are saying. Also, look into the agency’s success rates. There is no greater testimonial for an international surrogacy agency than happy families.
5.Consider The Cost Of Surrogacy Services
Reputable international surrogacy programs offer fully transparent pricing. They will be upfront about the costs involved. There are some costs that surrogacy agencies can only estimate, but you will be provided with general pricing in those cases to help you define your budget. International surrogacy is often more affordable than domestic surrogacy, but double-check the rates online to make sure they are accurate for the country.
6.Trust Your Gut
Surrogacy is a very complex process that has some big legal, medical, logistical, and emotional challenges. You do not want to go through this intimate process unless you fully trust the agency. Listen to your gut. You’ll know when you’ve found the right place to help you grow your family.
Choosing the best international surrogacy program is no small challenge. However, the choice is easy with the Stork Service Surrogacy Agency. For over a decade, our team of medical doctors, legal experts, and surrogacy specialists have helped families just like yours grow. When you work with us, we handle everything while your family focuses on welcoming your new baby. Book a call now, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions about our processes and the experience of a trusted international surrogacy team.