Single Dad Surrogacy
Table of contents
In this article, we will discuss single dad surrogacy. We will touch on its meaning, the types, and laws governing it, how to search out helpful agencies and the advantage. But before going into all this, let us first define surrogacy.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is the act of getting a woman, known as a surrogate, to agree to carry and deliver a child for another person, known as the intended parent/parents. After delivery, the surrogate gives the child to the intended parent/parents. The surrogate also grants the intended parents custody and guardianship of the child. This process is legally and medically complicated, and some steps must be met. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help to accomplish the process.
Who needs surrogacy?
The entire process of surrogacy is intended to give people who would not be able to get pregnant an opportunity to have children. Some of the people who might be in this position include:
- Women who getting pregnant would risk their lives
- Single dads or gay couples
- Women without a uterus or ovaries
- Women who are infertile or passed the age of fertility
Our topic today focuses on single dad surrogacy.
What is single dad surrogacy?
This is the process of getting a surrogate by a single man. The process could be through traditional surrogacy or gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy is usually preferred because most people would prefer a child with no genetic attachment to the surrogate mother. The processes each have their merits and demerits.
Traditional Surrogacy
This is when the surrogate gives her own egg for the conception of the child. The woman then carries this child to term and delivers them. The fertilizing sperm is gotten from the intended dad, so the child is related to both the surrogate and the single dad.
The main advantage of this process is that it is easier and more cost-effective to carry out, as the sperm is inseminated into an ovulating surrogate mother, and fertilization is achieved. The main disadvantage of this process is that since the child is related biologically to the surrogate, the custody or ownership of the child legally is not entirely for the intended parents. In case of an emotional attachment and subsequent refusal by the surrogate to give up the child, the intending parent can be sued in court and may lose custody of the child. This is why most people do not highly desire this type of surrogacy.
Gestational Surrogacy
In this type of surrogacy, the egg donor is different from the surrogate mother. The egg donor’s eggs are collected, then they are fertilized in vitro with the sperm of the intending father. The fertilized egg is then implanted into the surrogate mother, who carries the baby to term and delivers them. This way, the baby is not genetically related to the surrogate mother, and custody complications do not arise. This is the major advantage of gestational surrogacy. The main disadvantage is that the process is more complex, time consuming, and expensive than traditional surrogacy.
Legal aspects of single dad surrogacy
The laws governing single dad surrogacy differ from country to country. This is because there are specific laws and regulations in each country concerning this procedure. This is because there are different laws for altruistic and commercial surrogacy.
Commercial surrogacy of, either traditional or gestational surrogacy, is when the surrogate is paid for the service rendered. Altruistic surrogacy is when the surrogate is a family member or close friend willing to help without any payment. This difference is very important as it is the defining factor in the restriction of surrogacy in different countries. This is why it is advised to search out a surrogacy agency to ensure that the type of surrogacy you require is legal in your country of origin or where you want a surrogate mother from. The agency will help you to get the full information and even a clinic that is suitable to your tastes.
Things to have in mind
It is important to understand that being a single father through surrogacy is a life-changing decision and requires commitment. During the process of surrogacy, there may be a lot of disappointments and set back, so it is important to have a support system that can comfort you during those sad and trying times. Also, it is important to have a group of close friends or family who you can rely on both during the process of surrogacy and even as you raise the child. This is because while couples can turn to each other in stressful times, single parents do not have that privilege. They may find the entire process overwhelming. Some important questions that need to be answered by the single dad before embarking on the challenging process of surrogacy include:
- Can I afford the expenses involved in this, both the surrogacy and subsequent raising of the child?
- Will I have enough time for the child, especially as the monetary involvement would be on only one parent and would work long hours in order to provide for the child?
- Do I have a support group in challenging times
- In situations where I’m no longer there for the child, do I have someone that can take over the responsibility of raising this child?
It is very important to address these questions before committing to the process of surrogacy. It is also important that you have explored all the other options that exist for getting a child and are convinced that surrogacy is the best option.
How do I begin my surrogacy journey?
After making your decision, it is important to define the way to go about this surrogacy journey. There are different ways to pursue it. It could either be done independently or by a surrogacy agency. The definition of both are as follows:
Independent surrogacy – this refers to when an individual is working alone without the help and expertise of an agency. This usually occurs when the intended parent personally knows the surrogate. This method is risky because an agency offers knowledge, safety, protection and support for the people involved in the surrogacy, which a single individual may not be able to do.
Agency-led surrogacy – this is where an agency, for a fee, helps the intending parent and the surrogate through all the steps involved in the surrogacy process. This includes screening, matching, mediating etc.
What is a surrogacy agency?
This is an agency that provides everything relating to the surrogacy process. They provide a solution to various problems that an intending couple may face, from finding a willing carrier, screening, medical clearances, legal issues, and all other intricacies that may arise in the process. The intending couple does not face any issues. They are left to focus on the family building and preparation for the child’s arrival.
Services offered by a surrogacy agency
Surrogacy agencies differ in their services, but most are involved in a wide range of services. Some of these services are coordinating visits to medical facilities and handling the legal aspects of surrogacy to ensure a smooth and problem-free process. The main or core service lies in their screening and matching of surrogacy candidates and coordinating everything to the end to remove any complication the intending couple may face.
Searching for a suitable agency
It is always advised to be thorough and cautious in the search for a good surrogacy agency. It is important to ensure that the agency is in tune with your requirements and preferences, as they will supervise and facilitate a very important life decision. An online search will provide the agencies in your state and country. It is necessary to list them and eliminate them based on suitability. This is important as the selected agency will be tasked with helping you in your quest for a child.
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