Basics of Finding a Surrogate
Before we talk about finding a surrogate in Illinois, let’s review the two types of surrogates: traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogates are the least preferred because, in this case, the surrogate is the child’s natural mother, who had the father’s sperm artificially inseminated. She hands over her parental rights to the soon-to-be mom. A gestational surrogate, on the other hand, acts solely as the carrier for the couple or single parent who wants to have a child but who is unable to go through the process of a normal pregnancy. Gestational surrogacy is the preferred approach because it provides more legal security, as the child is not genetically related to the carrier.
A couple or single parent often has a set of traits in mind for the surrogate they prefer. However, before that is considered, the first step is to find the right agency. Given the slew of agencies available, it is ideal to choose one that you feel comfortable with. Maintaining a high degree of ease and confidence regarding the agency will make it easier for you to collaborate with it for the next 12 to 24 months. Before you choose an agency, do your homework and determine whether the provider is well-known and established. Use your instincts to choose the one that is best for you. Refer to reviews from couples that have used the agency’s service and determine why those couples opted for the agency in the first place. Partnering with the best agency should help in your quest to finding a surrogate.
Once you have chosen an agency to work with, you’ll move on to finding a surrogate that meets your needs. The potential candidate should have had at least one successful pregnancy, with no history of abortions, miscarriages, bleeding, or other medical problems that could endanger another pregnancy. Consulting with your OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist concerning the medical background of the gestational surrogate is critical. An extensive medical exam must be performed on the gestational surrogate so that complications may be avoided. This exam will consist of, but not be limited to, a physical exam, a laboratory exam, ultrasounds, a comprehensive medical history check, a psychological exam, and screening for any diseases.
The ideal surrogate should be drug- and disease-free during the pre-natal and post-natal stages, and must be between the ages of 21 and 40 years old. A previous pregnancy that involves the delivery of twins should be taken into consideration. Note that there are cases in which some couples or single parents opted to have a relative serve as their gestational surrogate for the purpose of preserving genetic relations.
In Conclusion
Finding a surrogate requires time and patience. There are plenty of agencies that can help you with this tedious, time-consuming process, but remember to do your part to ensure the perfect match for your needs. Arm yourself with research, a full heart, and the hope that your child will soon be in your arms.
