Surrogacy Experience of a Single Parent in Kenya

Becoming a parent is a dream that many of us cherish deeply. For single intended parents, the path to parenthood can look slightly different, but it’s no less fulfilling. The journey to starting surrogacy as a single person seemed difficult at first, but the knowledge about the possibilities in Kenya made the difference. Whether you’re considering single-parent surrogacy in Kenya or just curious about the process, this story provides valuable guidance and inspiration to single intended parents. 

Picture courtesy: Freepik 

From New Zealand to Kenya – Meet Our Single-Intended Parent

Having a Chinese background and being an American citizen living in New Zealand, she is in a relationship but her partner isn’t ready to start a family. Faced with the reality of age affecting her eggs, she decided to pursue surrogacy on her own after some research. But there is a challenge. There are very few countries where surrogacy is legal and even fewer countries where single-parent surrogacy is legal. It really cuts down her options, especially considering the costs involved. She is on a budget for the entire surrogacy process as a single parent. The tight budget cancels out the option of the United States of America, where commercial surrogacy is legal in some states, but the cost is high for an average income earner.

Which Countries Allow Commercial Surrogacy for Single Intended parents? 

• United States
• Greece
• Russia
• Colombia
• Kenya

How Does Surrogacy Work for Single Intended Parents?

Navigating surrogacy as a single parent involves a few extra considerations, but with the proper support, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Choosing a Surrogacy Agency: The first step is to find a reputable surrogacy agency. A good surrogacy agency will make the whole process easier. Anavara assists in facilitating a smooth surrogacy process.
2. Medical and Legal Procedures: Both you and the surrogate will undergo medical evaluations. Legal agreements are put in place to ensure everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clear.
3. Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy: After successful embryo transfer, you’ll receive regular updates on the pregnancy. Anavara’s expertise ensures that this stage is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Key Elements for a Successful Surrogacy Experience

For a positive surrogacy experience, here are some essential elements to keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency or Facilitator: A knowledgeable facilitator like Anavara can make a world of difference. We handle the complexities of surrogacy. This allows you to focus on the excitement of becoming a parent.
2. Maintain Clear Communication: Open dialogue with your surrogate and the agency helps in setting clear expectations and building a strong relationship.
3. Prepare Legally and Medically: Ensure all legal documents are in order and understand the medical procedures involved. This preparation is crucial for a smooth experience.
4. Seek Emotional Support: Surrogacy can be an emotional rollercoaster. Having a support system, whether through friends, family, or professional counselling, is invaluable.

How She Found Anavara

She decided to dig deeper in her search and that’s when she found us. Anavara has been facilitating the surrogacy journey for hundreds of intended parents. Even those seeking single-parent surrogacy are not left out of having a wonderful surrogacy experience. All intended parents want to have a positive surrogacy experience, and this is what Anavara wants, too.

We scheduled some meetings with her where she asked all her questions. Our highly trained and experienced team members were ready to answer all her questions and clear her doubts. At Anavara, we understand that people have many questions about the entire process. A lot of the time, single parents need certainty and the confidence of a trustworthy surrogacy agency to help. Anavara understands this and is willing to meet your needs.

Do you have any questions about single-parent surrogacy? Contact us at info@anavara.com

Pros and Cons of Surrogacy for Single Parents 

Pros:

• Genetically Related Child: Surrogacy allows single parents to have a biological child through their sperm or egg.
• Involvement Throughout the Process: Single parents can be involved in every step of the surrogacy process, from conception to birth.
• Healthy Pregnancy: Surrogates undergo extensive screening and medical care to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
• Certainty of Parenthood: Single parents can be assured of having a child at the end of the surrogacy process.

Cons:

• High Costs: Surrogacy is expensive, often costing between $100,000-$150,000 or more.
• Emotional Challenges: Single parents may face stigma during and after the child’s birth.
• Time Commitment: The surrogacy process can take over a year, requiring significant time commitment.

And Then What?

Let’s go back to the experience. At the meetings, based on her budget, legality and ease of the process, we recommended single-parent surrogacy in Kenya. There are no laws against single-parent surrogacy in Kenya. Therefore, Kenya was a good choice for surrogacy for her. She asked some questions about bringing the baby back to her country of residence. She also wanted to know if she could choose a surrogate and how much the whole process would cost. Also, it was going to be her first time in Africa and she wanted to know about the level of safety in Kenya. She was very excited about the cost of surrogacy in Kenya being within her budget. Anavara is a renowned medical tourism facilitator, and bringing a good tourism experience is what we do. 

Picture courtesy: Freepik

Why choose Kenya? 

Cost-effective: 

• Surrogacy in Kenya is more affordable than in many developed countries, making it an appealing choice for overseas clientele. The cost of surrogacy in Kenya can vary (1) from $40,000 to less than $80,000.
• Get in touch with Anavara to see what works for you.

High success rates: 

• Many clinics in Kenya report high success rates for surrogacy. This adds to their appeal among those seeking single-parent surrogacy services.

Lack of strict regulations: 

• Kenya currently has no specific laws against surrogacy, allowing for a more flexible approach to the procedure. The lack of regulations prohibiting surrogacy also benefits individuals seeking single-parent surrogacy.

Availability of Medical Facilities: 

• Kenya has modern medical facilities with innovative reproductive technologies. Many clinics provide extensive services, such as IVF and rigorous surrogate screenings, which contribute to the overall success of the surrogacy procedure.

Inclusion for Single Parents: 

• Surrogacy in Kenya is available to a diverse spectrum of people, including single parents, same-sex couples, and heterosexual couples. This inclusivity makes Kenya an appealing alternative for a variety of family arrangements looking for surrogacy services.

Cultural Acceptance: 

• While there are hurdles, such as social attitudes regarding homosexuality, the Kenyan constitution supports the right to form a family. This culture and the acceptance of surrogacy as a fertility treatment make Kenya a good choice for single-parent surrogacy 

Picture courtesy: Public Domain Pictures

What Happened Next?

Here’s what happened next. We sent her a contract to review. A contract is very important in the surrogacy process. It is crucial for you to have a legally binding document about the entire process with the surrogacy agency before you start the process. It usually contains the cost of the entire process and you can work out a payment plan with the surrogacy agency. Sometimes, the surrogacy agency can make accommodation and flight arrangements for you. However, you can decide to make all the arrangements for yourself. In this single-parent experience, she decided to make the trip to see the doctors with us. She reviewed the contract and decided to hop on a plane and fly to Nairobi, Kenya, to see the surrogacy facilities herself.

Upon arrival in Kenya, she met with us at her hotel. After settling in, we made the short trip to the surrogacy facility, where we met the doctor in charge. The Nepali doctor based in Kenya further cleared her doubts about the single-parent surrogacy process in Kenya. He explained what the process involved from the ovaries stimulation to the embryo transfer to the birth of the baby. At this point, she also met the surrogate mother that had been matched to her. She was very interested and excited to start the journey. She was happy to be in safe hands, regardless of the ongoing political issues in Kenya. In addition, she decided to enjoy the Safari Experience in Kenya.

Takeaway for Single Parents

At Anavara, we always encourage intended parents to do due diligence in their research. Making up one’s mind to fully embark on the surrogacy journey can take a short time or several months. It varies for different people. Sometimes, people want to see where the IVF, genetic screening, embryo transfer, and birthing will take place.

Once the surrogacy process begins and a surrogate is chosen, we encourage communication. Even in single-parent surrogacy in Kenya, we encourage regular communication between all parties. The intended single parent and the surrogate are encouraged to communicate about the process. This bonding experience is always good for the pregnancy and surrogacy experience.

Choosing to pursue surrogacy is a significant decision. We encourage thorough research and clear communication throughout the process. At Anavara, we support single parents every step of the way, ensuring a positive and fulfilling surrogacy experience.

Ready to start your surrogacy journey? Or, do you have any questions about single-parent surrogacy, contact us at info@anavara.com. 

Reference

1. Surrogacy in Kenya Cost 2024: How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Kenya. https://www.selectivf.com/surrogacy-cost-in-kenya/