23 February 2016
 Categories: Law, Blog

Dealing with infertility can be very trying, both physically and emotionally. It is not uncommon for couples to spend many years trying to overcome infertility, but some women learn that there are medical reasons that will prevent them from being able to get pregnant or carry a baby to term. In these situations, exploring surrogacy can provide a solution. Use the following tips to ensure that surrogacy works well for all parties involved:

Always Hire a Lawyer

Some couples choose a stranger to act as a surrogate, while other people may have a family member or close friend carry the baby. No matter which route you choose, it is essential to work with an experienced fertility lawyer. When you have a lawyer, you can rest assured that all laws regarding surrogacy are followed, and there will be a comprehensive contract that addresses all of the details of a surrogacy arrangement.It is a good idea for you to have your own lawyer, and the surrogate to have her own lawyer to ensure that everyone is legally protected.

Make Sure That You are Financially Prepared

Before entering into a surrogacy agreement, it is essential to be financially prepared for the process. Your expenses may vary depending on the contract you have with your surrogate, but many people pay for all medical bills that the surrogate may incur, as well as a fee for carrying the baby. You will want to make sure that you have the required funds on hand in advance so finances do not get in the way of the process. You should also understand that you may be financially responsible for some expenses even if the pregnancy ends in miscarriage.

Make Sure Your Surrogate is Psychologically Evaluated

Carrying a baby and then giving birth is a very emotional process; it takes a certain type of person to willingly be able to go through a whole pregnancy along with the not so pleasant side of labor and delivery and then hand the baby over. It is highly recommended that your surrogate undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure that she is up to the task-- this evaluation can help prevent future problems during the pregnancy.

Try to be Flexible

Entrusting another woman to carry your child can be very hard, but it is important to realize that surrogacy requires you to give up some control. Your surrogate may not do everything exactly the same way as you think you would do if you were pregnant, but it is important to be kind and compassionate. Being overly bossy or critical of your surrogate can quickly sour the relationship and make things awkward for everyone involved.