Gestational Surrogacy for Gay Parents: Your Top 5 Questions Answered

Surrogacy is one of the top reproductive options that are considered by gay couples and individuals. Surrogacy offers the LGBTQ community the opportunity to have children that are biologically related to them and fulfills the wish to start a family. That said, there are many confusing aspects of gestational surrogacy for gay parents. However, we’ve worked to clear that up with our guide to the top questions about surrogacy for gay parents. Here’s what you need to know.

Top FAQs About Gestational Surrogacy for Gay Parents

What legal challenges do gay intended parents face during their surrogacy?

One of the biggest challenges that gay intended parents face during their surrogacy is the complicated laws regarding both surrogacy and same-sex parentage.

There are many laws that favor the parent who is biologically related to the child being granted parental rights. However, for same-sex couples, that can mean only one parent while the other must go through the complicated process of adoption.

On top of this, surrogacy laws vary by state and will have an impact on parental rights, financing, and even, custody rights. It’s important to talk to an attorney specializing in assisted reproductive laws to help guide and assist you through this process.

Not to mention, your agency can be a major asset, especially if it is located in a surrogacy-friendly state. Your surrogacy agency may provide you with recommendations to top lawyers near you.

Who will be biologically related to the child?

Deciding which partner will be biologically related to a child born via surrogacy is a deeply personal choice, to which there is no right or wrong answer. Couples should discuss this very early on and the decision should not be made lightly.

Some gay couples choose to create multiple embryos with some being biologically related to one parent and some related to the other, so when the time comes they can choose to have children who are biologically related to each parent.

How does egg donation work for gay couples?

Egg donation can be a major aspect of the LGBTQ surrogacy process and egg donation services have been used by many couples regardless of their sexual orientation. Eggs are donated to be fertilized via in-vitro fertilization. They are then implanted in the uterus of the surrogate mother who will carry the child to term.

How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly surrogacy agency?

Finding an LGBTQ-friendly surrogacy agency requires careful research by intended parents. It’s important for intended parents to do their due diligence when looking for the right agency. Checking an agency’s reviews, asking direct questions, and contacting previous clients of the agency are great ways to ensure that it is LGBTQ-friendly and inclusive.

How long is a completed surrogacy?

Overall, a successful surrogacy will take around 15 months to complete, however, this may vary. The exact time that a fully completed surrogacy will take depends on a variety of factors including the agency, the intended parents, the length of the matching process, and whether egg donations are needed.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy is an extremely rewarding process, though it is not without its complexities. That’s why it’s recommended that intended parents work with an experienced agency that is able to help and guide them through the process. Simple Surrogacy is happy to provide the support that intended parents need, not to mention we have been proud to serve members of the LGBTQ community throughout our nearly two decades of business. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Feel free to contact us at (866) 618-0764 or fill out our online form.