Surrogacy vs Adoption: Which is Right for My Family?

When thinking of growing or starting a family without traditional methods available, there are still many options to choose from. Both surrogacy and adoption are rewarding experiences that allow Intended Parents to have a family of their own. There are many similarities between these two options, but there are also many differences that must be taken into account. Each process has its own challenges and benefits, so it is important to consider them all when deciding what the best path to take towards parenthood is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between surrogacy and adoption.

Genetics

When considering Gestational Surrogacy, it is important to note that the Surrogate will not be biologically related to the child. The Surrogate will instead undergo an embryo transfer. This allows for one or both of the Intended Parents to have the option to have a genetic connection to the child. In adoption, unlike gestational surrogacy, the child will be biologically related to the birth mother. This makes gestational surrogacy a popular choice for those who wish to have a genetic relation to their children. Having a genetic relation to the child is one of the biggest differences between surrogacy and adoption.

Cost Differences

Although both surrogacy and adoption have costs associated with them, including services, professionals, agency fees, legal costs, and more, surrogacy is the more expensive option. One of the biggest cost differences comes from the compensation that the Surrogate receives as well as the cost for the embryo transfer. Surrogates will receive compensation in the form of allowance, medication, and more to assist them in the process. In adoption, the birth mother can receive compensation for living expenses, but it is illegal for them to financially benefit from the process.

At Simple Surrogacy, we offer our Intended Parents different financing options. We work with many fertility financing companies and support reimbursement by Insurance companies and other companies who offer surrogacy reimbursement, including Prosper Healthcare Lending, Earnest, SoFi, Lightstream, American Healthcare Finance, and New Fertility Finance. If you have a question, contact our team of experts today!

Matching Process

Another difference between surrogacy and adoption is the matching process. In adoption, the birth mother will have the final say of who the child is adopted by. In surrogacy, the matching process is mutual. The Surrogate will have a chance to filter through profiles of Intended Parents that meet their predetermined matching preferences until they find one that aligns with their plans and values. Once selected, the Surrogate’s profile will be sent to the Intended Parents who will then be able to learn more about the Surrogate and decide if they align with their plans and values as well. Once a match is made, the team at Simple Surrogacy will arrange a monitored phone call for both parties to get to know each other better.

Medical Screening

In surrogacy, both the Intended Parents and the Surrogate must meet a strict set of qualifications before being selected for the program. This means that there is more certainty that the child will not be exposed to hereditary illnesses, drug/alcohol use, or other elements that can be harmful to the child. There are also legal documents that ensure the Surrogate is receiving the proper prenatal care. In adoption, the screening of the birth mother is often less thorough and prenatal care is not mandatory.

Legal Process

Another large difference between surrogacy and adoption is the legal process. In adoption, the birth parents must provide written consent that they are legally terminating their rights to the child after the baby is born. Since surrogacy is planned ahead of conception, all of the legal contracts to ensure the Intended Parents are the legal parents of the child are signed before the embryo transfer process even occurs.

In Gestational Surrogacy, the Surrogate does not have any genetic relation to the child and therefore cannot change her mind and opt to keep the child after they are born. In adoption, the birth parents can change their mind at any point until the child is born and sign the legal paperwork.

The Simple Surrogacy Difference

There are several different factors to consider when making the choice between using surrogacy or adoption to complete your family. The team at Simple Surrogacy has been creating families through surrogacy and egg donation for over 20 years. Our team is filled with previous Surrogates and Egg Donors who can offer you an insider look into the process, with personal and professional experience as their guide. Our team is passionate about helping hopeful individuals or couples have a family and does not discriminate based on sexual preference, marital status, race, religion, age, or gender. We are LGBTQIA+ friendly and BIPOC inclusive and do not discriminate for any reason. Have a question about surrogacy and how it can work for you? Contact our team by phone at 1-866-41-SURRO or on our website today.