14 Mistakes to Avoid For Women Considering Becoming Surrogate Mothers or Gestational Carriers

If you are a woman who wants to be a gestational carrier or traditional surrogate independently, without the help of an agency, then you need to really consider what you are getting yourself into. Surrogacy is a life changing endeavour and as great as it sounds in theory, in practice it's a huge undertaking. Financially, the surrogacy process sets back most Intended Parents anywhere from $65,000-$100,000+ and that amount does not come with a guarantee of a take home baby. Looking into 'independent' surrogacy situations is most common among those who are finding it difficult to raise the full amount of funds needed and therefore will consider cutting corners. Women who are compelled to help couples and individuals sometimes find themselves compromising themselves out of the goodness of their hearts. Below are 14 common mistakes to avoid. Its so important to be true to own ideals...that is one of the best gifts you can give to your Intended Parent(s) and to yourself!


14 Mistakes to Avoid For Women Considering Becoming Surrogate Mothers or Gestational Carriers

1-Giving out personal information, especially before a contract is signed, such as social security numbers and release of medical information to anyone but the attorney, psychologist or clinic.


2-Not having a face to face meeting before any contracts are signed


3-Using an 'old' or past contract
4-Not having your own legal representation when reviewing your surrogacy contract


5-Being 'talked into' agreeing to issues that are fundamentally against your personal ethics/religion or life style i.e. abortion, selective reduction, working with IP's that you don't feel comfortable with, etc.


6-Not insisting that all compensation per the contract be deposited into an escrow account before the first transfer
7-Not insisting that the IP's have at least one visit with a psychologist who is recommended by the clinic
8-Agreeing to at home inseminations (IUI)


9-Going without term Life Insurance of at least $250,000 (or any insurance policy for that matter).


10-Cutting out benefits such as lost wages, maternity clothing allowance, c-section reimbursements and child care, etc. because you don't think you will ever need them
11-Staying with Intended Parents for more than a week in their own home


12- Thinking that it's OK to use federal or state funded medical insurance for a surrogate pregnancy


13-Not visiting a psychologist if relationship problems arise

14-Thinking that the surrogacy process will be fast and easy

Remember to subscribe to The Third Party so that you won't miss any of the posts that answer the question WHY should we avoid these surrogacy issues....you may be suprised!

Sharon LaMothe Infertility Answers, Inc. http://infertilityanswers.org/ LaMothe Services, LLC http://lamotheservices.com/ *Please note: Sharon LaMothe is not a MD, is not an attorney nor does she hold a mental health degree. All advice given is solely the experienced opinion of Ms. LaMothe. If you have any medical, legal or psychological questions or concerns, please contact your own Doctor, Attorney or Mental Health Professional.