Surrogacy can be a complicated and confusing family-building process, and it can be difficult at first to decide if it’s right for you — especially if you have little experience with surrogacy and aren’t quite sure what the pros and cons of surrogacy actually are.

First, know that surrogacy means something different to everyone involved. The advantages of surrogacy and the disadvantages of surrogacy will be determined by your own personal goals and preferences. Whereas surrogacy may be right for one person, it is not always right for everyone — and that’s okay.

Before deciding to pursue this family-building process, either as an intended parent or a surrogate, you should always do extensive research on the surrogacy pros and cons to determine whether this is the right path for you. An important part of this research is speaking with local surrogacy professionals — like the attorneys at the Parker Herring Law Group PLLC — to learn more about the surrogacy process and all that is involved.

To learn about how surrogacy works in North Carolina — and the pros and cons of the legal process involved — you can always contact our law firm at 919-821-1860. We also recommend that you read the information offered through the current infertility and adoption guide entitled “Building Your Family.”

Benefits of Surrogacy for Intended Parents

The advantages of surrogacy for intended parents tend to be obvious: The process helps them add a biological child to their family where they often could not on their own. Many intended parents have struggled for years through emotionally and medically challenging infertility treatments or, if they are a member of an LGBT couple, may have never thought that a genetically related child was a possibility for them. For these intended parents, surrogacy in North Carolina provides a way to make their dreams come true.

But there are more advantages of surrogacy for intended parents than just a child who shares their genetics. Here are some other pros of surrogacy that are not as commonly mentioned:

• Surrogacy allows those facing infertility — whether single or as a couple — and members of the LGBT community to have a child when they may not have been able to with other processes, like traditionally or through adoption.
• Surrogacy allows intended parents to raise a child from birth.
• Intended parents can be involved in their child’s development and their surrogate’s pregnancy, including important moments like the embryo transfer and their baby’s birth.
• Surrogacy allows intended parents to create a special bond and relationship with their surrogate and their surrogate’s family.
• Those who cannot adopt due to adoption agency restrictions can likely complete the surrogacy process, as it has fewer governmental and agency restrictions.
• Surrogates have proven their ability to successfully carry a pregnancy, meaning a surrogate pregnancy may be more likely to succeed than other infertility treatments for an intended parent’s pregnancy.
• Intended parents have more control and peace of mind through a surrogate pregnancy than they usually have with infertility treatments or adoption.

While there is always the possibility for surrogacy risks and surrogacy problems for intended parents, fully understanding this journey prior to starting and working with an experienced surrogacy professional from the beginning can make the surrogacy process a positive one for intended parents.

 Benefits of Surrogacy for Surrogates

While the advantages of surrogacy for intended parents are clear, the benefits of surrogacy for surrogates may be less obvious. Surrogates choose to selflessly give their time, energy and body to help other people, and those who are unfamiliar with surrogacy may wonder what are the benefits for a woman who chooses this path.

Of course, each journey is different for every surrogate, which means each woman will enter into the surrogacy process with different goals and expectations — and will walk away with a different experience. For the majority of surrogates, however, surrogacy is a life-changing process that comes with many positives along the way.

Here are some of the pros of surrogacy for women who choose to take this step:

• Surrogates often have dreamed of being a surrogate for years, and completing this journey allows them to reach those dreams.
• Surrogacy gives surrogates a sense of pride and accomplishment in helping another family in such an incredible way.
• Women who become surrogates are able to share their pregnancy journey with intended parents and create a strong, genuine relationship with them. Often, this relationship is one that lasts beyond the birth of the baby.
• Surrogates can experience pregnancy again without the commitment of having another child of their own.
• Surrogates can build a strong sense of community with other surrogates and create friendships that last for years.
• Surrogates can involve their family, friends and other supportive people in their surrogacy process to set an example of selflessness and generosity for their loved ones.
• Surrogacy is completely free to a surrogate, as all of her pregnancy and medical expenses are paid for by the intended parents.
• Surrogates can also receive a base financial compensation if pursuing commercial surrogacy, which they can then use for financial goals like paying off student loans or putting a down payment on a house.

While surrogacy is emotionally and physically demanding for women that choose this path, the advantages of surrogacy often greatly outweigh the surrogacy risks and challenges they encounter. It takes a special woman to become a surrogate, which is why you should fully research the process before committing to this life-changing journey.

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Whether you are a prospective surrogate, an intended parent, or simply someone who is interested in the benefits of surrogacy, proper research and understanding of the process is integral to learning more about the realities of surrogacy. Many people choose to complete a surrogacy in North Carolina or elsewhere in the U.S. and, for them, the advantages of surrogacy greatly outweigh any disadvantages they may encounter.

One of the important things to consider when deciding whether to pursue surrogacy is the reality of the legal process, including any problems with surrogacy that may arise given your particular situation. To learn more about what your legal process of surrogacy may look like, please contact the Parker Herring Law Group PLLC today.