Independent Surrogacy or Agency-Assisted Surrogacy
As an intended parent considering gestational surrogacy, you’re probably doing research, trying to figure out where to start. You’re probably wondering how to go about the surrogacy process overall.
Some intended parents use surrogacy agencies to find a suitable surrogate mother. Likewise, women interested in becoming surrogate mothers often use surrogacy agencies to find intended families. However, some people decided to pursue surrogacy without an agency. When a surrogacy agreement is made without the use of an agent, it’s called independent surrogacy or private surrogacy.
Before you decide between independent surrogacy or agency-assisted surrogacy, here is what makes each surrogacy approach different.
Agency-Assisted Surrogacy
Agencies like Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma exist to make the surrogacy process easy for both parties. They specialize in helping intended parents find surrogate mothers and vice versa.
At Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma, we interview and evaluate the potential surrogate mothers to: 1) make sure they are applying for the right reasons and 2) make sure they are physically and mentally well enough to partake in the surrogacy journey. A woman interested in becoming a surrogate mother must fit certain age and health requirements before applying.
Agencies interview both parties and pair surrogate mothers with intended parents based on everyone’s desires and preferences. Afterwards, the intended parents and surrogate mothers get to meet in person.
If you decide to use a surrogacy agency, you’ll be surrounded by professionals who can guide you through the process. These professionals will make sure everyone understands the legal implications and the various steps.
Independent Surrogacy
Independent surrogacy is less expensive than agency-assisted surrogacy. However, it will be more challenging because the intended parents will have to do everything on their own. They’ll have to find an independent surrogate who fits the physical and mental requirements.
The greatest downside to independent surrogacy is the lack of guidance and assistance. The intended parents will have to learn about and understand the surrogacy process. They’ll have to research and examine the surrogacy laws themselves. The intended parents are also responsible for finding a clinic for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Some people enjoy a challenge. Other people are very thorough when conducting research and executing a lengthy process. If you think you can handle the complex journey on your own, independent surrogacy might be a suitable option for you.
Independent Surrogacy or Agency-Assisted Surrogacy
There are many benefits to using a surrogacy agency. Even so, independent surrogacy may be a better option for some people. If you decide it is best to use an agency, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is here for you.
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
Meet the Author: Heather Valenzano is an up-and-coming content creator with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a minor in English. After graduating from Iona College in 2019, she got an internship – and then a part-time job – writing blogs and managing social media accounts for Hip New Jersey, a lifestyle website owned by Long Shot Productions. She has also produced website and social media content for CommonPage, an external collaboration platform.
When she isn’t working, Heather enjoys watching crime shows like Forensic Files or posting book reviews to OnlineBookClub.org under the username “LavenderLiterature2.”
