LGBTQ+ Parents

Finding an LGBTQ+ inclusive surrogacy agency is essential because it ensures that individuals or couples from the LGBTQ+ community receive comprehensive support and understanding throughout their surrogacy journey. These agencies prioritize inclusivity, respecting and embracing the diverse needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ intended parents. They provide knowledgeable guidance on legal, medical, and emotional aspects unique to LGBTQ+ surrogacy, connecting IPs with surrogates who are accepting and supportive. By partnering with an LGBTQ+ inclusive agency, intended parents can navigate the surrogacy process with confidence, knowing they are in a safe and affirming environment that celebrates their identity and family-building goals.

LGBTQ+-friendly agencies are very open about their LGBTQ+ surrogacy services and go out of their way to ensure the comfort and security of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer IPs. LGBTQ+ agencies often have a special page on their website dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. These agencies use inclusive language on their website and in their interactions with you.

Yes, there are many surrogates who support diverse family structures, including same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals. A growing number of surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics tailor their services to the needs of LGBTQ+ couples and individuals seeking surrogacy as a way to start a family.

Surrogacy laws and regulations vary depending on the state, country, or region. While some jurisdictions may have more inclusive laws that explicitly protect the rights of LGBTQ+ IPs and surrogates, others may have limitations or restrictions. It's important to consult with a reputable surrogacy agency and employ legal professionals who specialize in local laws pertaining to assisted reproductive technology, such as egg donation and surrogacy. These professionals can guide you through the process and provide advice specific to where you live.

Today, many states allow same-sex couples who have a child through surrogacy to place both their names on the birth certificate of the child regardless of whether the parents have a genetic link to the child or not. The parentage order will establish the rights of both genetically related and non-genetically related parents as early as possible.

Several factors, including location, legal considerations, and individual circumstances, can influence the wait time for LGBTQ+ couples seeking a surrogate. In some countries, there may be a shortage of available surrogates, which can result in longer wait times. But in general, the surrogacy matching process takes approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on your individual circumstances. Intended parents should consult with their surrogacy agency to learn more about their projected wait times to find a surrogate.

Surrogacy costs can vary widely from one agency to another. At Fertility Source Companies, the fees include an agency fee of  $28,000, as well as a surrogate base fee of $50,000 to $55,000, depending on the surrogate’s state of residence. Additional fees include a $350 monthly allowance for miscellaneous costs, a surrogate support group fee of $100 per month, an embryo transfer fee of $1,000, and a one-time maternity clothing allowance fee of $1,000. Health insurance expenses of up to $50,000  may also be required. In addition, attorney fees are estimated at $5,000, and there are other miscellaneous costs, such as an extra fee if the baby is born via cesarean section. Learn the full breakdown of surrogate costs and fees.

Parenthood is not determined by one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status. Children can grow up in loving, supportive environments regardless of the parent’s background, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The laws involved in surrogacy and establishing paternity are very complex; it’s essential to consult with a reproductive or family law attorney specializing in surrogacy to understand the specific requirements in your state of residence. There is a legal process that is facilitated by a  surrogacy attorney that protects your parental rights before the child is born, but the legalities may differ from one jurisdiction to another. In many states, a pre-birth order goes into effect during the surrogate’s second trimester of pregnancy, but in some states, parentage must be established after the baby’s birth.

At Fertility Source Companies, our case managers closely monitor the international surrogacy process. We are in frequent contact with you during all stages of the journey. Meetings often take place via video chat to reduce the amount of international travel for IPs. Once a surrogate is selected, frequent communication is encouraged, including trips to the U.S. during pregnancy when possible, but they are not mandatory. The birth of your baby constitutes the final U.S. trip. IPs need to stay in the U.S. after the baby’s birth for approximately two weeks to allow time to obtain a passport and birth certificate for the new baby.

There are several reasons why a notarized surrogacy contract is important including establishing each party’s  (i.e., the surrogate and IPs) rights and obligations in regard to medical procedures, decision-making processes, surrogate compensation, parental rights, and other agreements. In addition to providing specific provisions for surrogacy compensation, a notarized legal surrogacy contract protects the legal rights of both IPs and surrogates.

Yes, there are no stipulations prohibiting a person from becoming a parent if they are HIV+.