WHY NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BECOME A SURROGATE
The Covid-19 pandemic has cast its shadow over most things, including family planning. Now more than ever before, individuals and couples are looking for surrogates to help make their dreams of parenthood come true. As a result of all this uncertainty, many women are asking themselves, “Should I move forward with being a surrogate in 2022?” If you’re like many women considering becoming a surrogate, you’ve known for a long time that this is something you want to do. But deciding when to start the surrogate process may not be an easy decision.
- Often, women are hesitant to start the process as it may not be a good time for them to be pregnant. This concern is completely understandable, although it can be difficult to find the “perfect” time to be pregnant! It’s important to keep in mind that the surrogacy process takes time and there are a number of steps you will need to take before ever becoming pregnant. Which is why you may want to consider getting started on this journey sooner rather than later. As a surrogate candidate, you do have some influence on the timing of the steps in the process.
- At Pathways To Parenthood, we know how much you and your family will sacrifice to help another person realize their ultimate goal of becoming a parent — and we feel that you deserve to be compensated fairly in return. That’s why we offer a competitive compensation package for all our surrogates. Contact us today to learn about customizing your compensation package.
- We have many intended families waiting to be matched with a surrogate to grow their families! Amazing surrogates are needed now more than ever!
To help you decide if now is right time for you to become a surrogate, we have information to share from an experienced surrogate who recently started the process to become a surrogate again!. We sat down (virtually) with Surrogate Annie to see why now is the right time for her.
What first brought you to surrogacy? What first brought me to Surrogacy was the fact that I absolutely loved being pregnant. I loved everything right down to the delivery. And I love helping others! Surrogacy is the perfect combination of these two factors. Once my second son was born and our family was complete, I started researching Surrogacy. I knew I was done creating my family and was ready to help others build theirs.
Why did you decided to become a surrogate again? Why now? Since my last surrogacy journey ended back in 2017 another journey has always been on my mind, but the timing was not right. I was raising two young sons and really wanted to concentrate on being there for them. Now that they’re both a little older, I feel it’s a great time to add one more journey to my story. Plus, there are so many families that had to put their family building plans on hold due to COVID, that are in need of a surrogate, I knew now was the right and best time to get started. I hate knowing some families have been on hold for 1-2 years, and now are having to wait to be matched with a surrogate.
Do you have any advice to share with prospective surrogates? First off if you’re even considering becoming a surrogate, you’re already a rock star! Surrogacy is an amazing gift to give a family and it is important to put your whole heart in it. The process can be long but it’s so worth it. My best advice is to find an agency much like Pathways To Parenthood that will have your back and help you through any difficult decisions or questions that you have during the process. If you are considering becoming a surrogate, don’t wait! There are so many people waiting to start their family and need your help. Pathways To Parenthood can answer any and all questions you have to ease your mind and help you make the best decision for YOU!
Why did you decide to be a surrogate with Pathways To Parenthood? Choosing Pathways To Parenthood was an easy decision for me. I wanted an agency close to home and one that felt like family. From the first conversation I had with Pathways I knew they were the agency for me. There are so many large agencies out there, but I didn’t want to feel like just a number. I wanted to have open and responsive communication between me and my agency. The staff at Pathways To Parenthood is exceptional and talking to them is like talking to a friend.
Surrogacy is a gift unlike any other and one that only a woman like you can give to hopeful parents. If you’ve decided to become a surrogate, or if you know other women considering surrogacy, now is an opportune time to join our agency. If you live in the Midwest, we are the surrogacy agency for you! You can contact us at 913-469-5500 or at www.pathwaystoparenthood.com
Understanding Surrogacy Insurance: What You Need to Know
For both surrogates and intended parents, navigating the complexities of insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Many people are surprised to learn that not all health insurance policies will cover surrogate pregnancies, and there are currently no laws requiring providers to offer surrogacy coverage. As a result, both surrogates and future parents must be proactive in determining the best way to cover medical expenses for a surrogacy pregnancy if coverage is not offered in the surrogate’s private health insurance policy.
Understanding insurance options in all potential scenarios is crucial before proceeding with the surrogacy process. Understanding the costs for providing alternate insurance for your surrogate, if necessary, is essential for intended parents when establishing the potential costs of surrogacy. It is important for women who plan to become a surrogate to know whether their personal insurance policy has exclusions related to their pregnancy as a surrogate.
Without accurate information and professional guidance, unexpected insurance and medical costs will create financial surprises and challenges. This guide will answer common questions about surrogacy insurance, clarify what is covered, and help you make informed decisions before starting your surrogacy journey.
Does Health Insurance Cover Surrogacy?
One of the first questions intended parents and surrogates ask is whether traditional health insurance policies cover surrogacy. The answer to this question depends entirely on the surrogate’s specific insurance policy. Some insurance plans include surrogacy exclusions, meaning they will not cover a pregnancy if the policyholder is acting as a surrogate. When there is not an exclusion and coverage is offered, co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance vary widely. For best possible outcomes, it is essential for all parties to be fully informed and prepared before proceeding with a surrogacy pregnancy.
Before committing to the surrogacy process, intended parents should consider other insurance needs related to their surrogacy journey. These include short-term disability insurance, life insurance and loss of reproductive organ insurance policies for your surrogate. It is also helpful to learn what coverage is available for the baby after birth, and when coverage begins. Consulting with an experienced surrogacy agency can help with learning about insurance needs, clarify coverage options, and ensure all parties are prepared and protected.
Insurance for Surrogates: What You Need to Know
Many potential surrogates wonder whether they need to have their own health insurance to qualify for the process. While having personal health insurance coverage is preferred, it is not required. However, every surrogacy pregnancy must be covered by some form of insurance to protect all parties against surprise medical expenses. During the agency screening process, insurance professionals review the surrogate’s existing health insurance policy to determine whether it includes coverage for surrogacy.
If a surrogate’s policy does not cover the pregnancy, the intended parents are responsible for securing an alternative plan. Some intended parents choose to purchase a specialized surrogacy insurance policy, which is explicitly designed for surrogate pregnancies. Others may opt for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, depending on availability during the open enrollment period. Sometimes, intended parents may pay for medical expenses out of pocket. Because surrogacy medical costs can be substantial, it is important to explore all available insurance options and ensure there is a plan in place before proceeding with the journey.
Insurance Considerations for Intended Parents
Intended parents are legally responsible for ensuring all necessary medical expenses are covered throughout the surrogacy journey. This means they are responsible for the cost of the surrogate’s insurance expenses, whether that means covering co-pays and deductibles for her existing policy, purchasing a specialty plan, or securing an entirely new policy for their gestational surrogate. Additionally, intended parents are responsible for any and all medical expenses related to prenatal care, labor and delivery, and any potential complications that may arise that are not covered by insurance. This is typically the amounts paid in the category of co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance.
One aspect of surrogacy insurance that often surprises intended parents is that a surrogate’s insurance does not extend to the baby after birth. While the surrogate’s policy may cover maternity care, it does not provide coverage for the newborn. To avoid unexpected expenses, intended parents should confirm with their insurance provider whether their current health plan will cover their child from birth or if additional arrangements need to be made. Contacting the insurance company before delivery will ensure your baby is properly insured from day one.
Are There Insurance Restrictions for Surrogates?
Some situations may prevent a woman from qualifying as a surrogate due to insurance restrictions. One of the most common barriers involves government assistance programs such as Medicaid. Women who receive Medicaid benefits may not be eligible to act as surrogates because Medicaid considers all surrogacy-related compensation income. Since Medicaid has strict income limits, payments received under a surrogacy contract could make a surrogate ineligible for benefits.
Beyond government assistance programs, insurance coverage for surrogacy varies significantly by state. Some states have more accessible ACA plans that allow coverage for surrogate pregnancies, while others have stricter exclusions. Because state laws impact surrogacy agreements, insurance options, and medical costs, working with a surrogacy agency that understands these complexities is essential. An experienced agency can help both surrogates and intended parents navigate insurance requirements based on their specific state laws and policies.
How Pathways to Parenthood Helps You Navigate Surrogacy Insurance
Understanding surrogacy insurance can be challenging, but working with an experienced agency can make the process much easier. At Pathways to Parenthood, we assist both surrogates and intended parents in reviewing insurance policies, finding the best coverage options, and ensuring all medical expenses are accounted for. Our team has extensive experience in navigating the legal and financial aspects of surrogacy so that you can move forward with confidence.
If you are a prospective surrogate, we can help determine whether your existing insurance policy covers surrogacy or if additional coverage is needed. If you are an intended parent, we can guide you through the process of securing the right insurance for both the surrogate’s pregnancy and your baby after birth. With expert support and guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and focus on the journey ahead.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your surrogacy journey, contact Pathways to Parenthood today for expert guidance on insurance coverage and more. We are here to help you every step of the way!
If you’re ready to take the next step in your surrogacy journey, contact Pathways to Parenthood today for expert guidance on insurance coverage and more. We are here to help you every step of the way!
Final Thoughts on Surrogacy Insurance
Navigating surrogacy insurance is an essential part of the process for both surrogates and intended parents. Since no federal laws require insurers to cover surrogacy, and policies vary widely, it is important to review insurance options early to avoid unexpected costs. By working with a knowledgeable surrogacy agency like Pathways to Parenthood, you can ensure that all medical expenses are adequately covered and focus on what matters most—the journey to building a family.
With the proper planning and support, surrogacy insurance does not have to be overwhelming. Pathways to Parenthood is here to help every step of the way. Start your surrogacy journey with us today!
Explore our egg donor FAQs to decide if egg donation is right for you
If you’ve ever wondered about donating your eggs, but have questions about the process, you’re not alone. Below are common egg donor FAQs that can give you more information about becoming an egg donor.
Are you taking all of my eggs – can I still have a baby later on?
There is a common myth that egg donation can result in the inability to have your own children because you are losing all of your eggs—this is false! Most women are born with 1million eggs, give or take a thousand or so! An egg donation cycle will typically result in 10-20 eggs retrieved. The biggest facto impacting your ability to have a baby of your own is the age that you attempt to conceive!
What should you include in your egg donor application essays and personal statement?
Much like a college application, these essays require some humble bragging. Your profile is designed to help someone decide if you’re the egg donor for them. It’s your story of “you”, in your own words. The essays allow the recipients to see you as a real person, so let them get to know you. Things to consider including in your profile are things that give insight into who you are:
- About your family – do you have children, a partner, brothers or sisters
- Why you decided to become an egg donor
- What you hope for someone who uses your eggs
- What you do for a living and why you chose this career
- Your outlook on life
- What is your personality like
- How would your closest friends and family describe you
- A goodwill message to a donor-conceived child, this is important as it may be given to child one day to explain genetic origins
How are donors and recipients matched?
As and egg donor, your profile will be available to egg recipients in our database. Most egg donor programs are anonymous so only non-identifying information is shared. Pictures are usually pat of the database profile so those are the only identifying information shared with future parents. Future parents (egg recipients) choose their donors based on a range of factors, including physical features, ethnic background, personality and talents.
How often can you donate your eggs?
It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for a physician to review your donation (whether it was safe, the quality and quantity of your eggs, etc.) before you may donate again. Pathways to Parenthood allows women to donate their eggs up to six times in their lifetime, a guideline established by the governing body of infertility, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Are there any expenses associated with egg donation?
No, the intended parents will be responsible for all costs of the cycle.
Is my egg donation anonymous?
The majority of egg donors choose to be anonymous. In these setups, no identifying information is shared between the donor and the intended family. Donors are also not informed of the outcome of their eggs. Semi-anonymous, or semi-open, setups also exist, in which donors and intended parents agree to share a small amount of information with one another. This may include locations or first names. Known donors, or open donors, are far less common. These setups involve a friend or family member of the intended parent(s) serving as a donor.
How will I be compensated?
Pathways to Parenthood Egg Donors compensation is $5,000 for a first-time donor, distributed upon completion of the cycle. Donors may be eligible for increased compensation upon subsequent cycles, if eligible.
Basic Criteria for Egg Donor Candidates:
- Between the ages of 21-29
- Healthy BMI: Under 29
- Physically and emotionally healthy
- Good family health history (including mental health)
- Non-smoker, non-drug user (all donors are tested)
- Have regular periods
- Not currently breastfeeding
- Willing to undergo medical and psychological evaluation
- Willing to take injectable medication
Becoming an egg donor is a big deal. It’s a decision that will affect many lives, including your own. There’s no denying that donating your eggs is a sacrifice, and you’re giving the gift of life to a couple waiting for a family. If you’ve decided to become an egg donor, Pathways to Parenthood can guide you through the process. They have been helping bring together future parents and egg donors for 9 years!
Common misconceptions about surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is one of several options for parents who are unable to have a baby the “traditional” way. Even though it’s been an established practice in the United States for decades, there are still many misconceptions about it. Here are several misconceptions about surrogate mothers, along with explanations as to why they are untrue:
- The surrogate mother will be biologically related to the baby.
It is a common misconception that when you use a surrogate mother, she will be biologically related to your child. This is only true for traditional surrogacy, which is a less common form of surrogacy. Today, the most common form of surrogacy is called gestational surrogacy, and that is what we offer here at Pathways to Parenthood. With gestational surrogacy, the egg of the intended mother or egg donor is fertilized with the sperm of the intended father or sperm donor to create embryos. Then an embryo is transferred to the surrogate mother. This process is called in vitro fertilization (IVF). The IVF process provides the intended parent(s) with protection for a legally safe and proven process of establishing parentage. When IVF is utilized to create embryos, the surrogate mother is not biologically related to the child in any way.
- A surrogate can change her mind and keep the child after it’s born.
In a gestational surrogacy, this is an extremely rare occurrence. Because a surrogate is not genetically related to the child she is carrying, she has no parental rights to keep a child after birth. In addition, a surrogacy lawyer that specialized in ART law will make sure that the intended parents’ parental rights are established and protected. In addition to these legal protections, it is important to know that it is very rare for a surrogate to change her mind and want to keep a baby that is not biologically hers. When working with and agency like Pathways to Parenthood, that provides a stringent surrogacy screening process, it is almost unheard of. These types of stories are more likely to occur in independent surrogacy arrangements where intended parents and surrogate work independently from a surrogacy agency.
- I won’t be able to bond with my baby.
Bonding with the child after birth is something that many intended parents worry about leading up to the pregnancy. That is normal! However, the bonding process begins after the child is born, not while in the womb, so it makes sense that intended parents would have this fear when the baby has not been born yet! The bonding starts the minute the child is born and he/she is immediately handed over to the intended parents for skin-to-skin contact. Any interactions the surrogate will have with the baby will be decided and agreed upon prior to the birth of the baby.
- Surrogates are only in it for the money.
While surrogate mothers are financially compensated, and typically very well, it is usually not the primary reason they become surrogates. Surrogates are primarily motivated by their desire to help intended parents build their families. Helping a couple become parents is extremely rewarding. The entire surrogacy process takes at least a year, typically longer. Being a surrogate involves a significant of time and effort so the desire to help others is what keeps women committed and motivated to the happy end of the surrogacy process!
5. Any woman can become a surrogate.
Even though most women can biologically carry a pregnancy for intended parents, there are a number of criteria that a gestational carrier must meet before being accepted by a reputable surrogacy agency like Pathways To Parenthood. View our basic criteria for surrogate mothers to find out if you qualify to become a surrogate.
6. Surrogates are Usually Friends or Family Members
While some people do know someone who can act as their surrogate, a lot of people do not. And even if they do, many intended parents do not want to manage the complexities that a personal relationship can add to an already stressful process. For some, it is the right choice, but not for all. When that is the case, intended parents will match with a gestational surrogate through a surrogacy agency like Pathways To Parenthood.