From holding your child for the first time to watching them walk on stage in their cap and gown, parenting is a beautiful experience. While options for starting a family can be more limited for same-sex couples, many have fulfilled their desire for parenthood through surrogacy. Same-sex couples deserve to know their options when choosing surrogacy to grow their family.
Many people aren’t aware of all the options involved in pursuing surrogacy and the specific legal concerns same-sex couples face when entering parenthood. Without any guidance, you may feel overwhelmed by all the information out there. Reach out to the best of the best surrogacy experts at Elevate Surrogacy to ensure you learn everything you need to know to have a smooth and successful surrogacy journey. We go above and beyond to make sure our families are supported and cared for.
You Can Choose the Level of Surrogacy Support You Want
As the intended parents, you can choose to find your surrogate and the necessary specialists on your own or work with an agency that has access to all of the specialists and resources you will need. Depending on your situation, both avenues could have advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of your choice, you have a say in what level of support you want at each step of your surrogacy process.
Surrogacy agencies are better equipped to help you if you are unfamiliar with the surrogacy process and would like guidance every step of the way. By working with the surrogacy agency, you can also customize the level of support you want by discussing your needs and your consultation.
You Have Options for Choosing Your Surrogate
You have options for choosing who you want to be your surrogate and the kind of relationship you wish to have with them. Many different types of women choose to be surrogates, so you can specify the type of woman you want to be your gestational carrier.
When working with a surrogacy agency, you will have easier access to qualified surrogates and can choose from a greater variety of women. While searching for your surrogate alone, you can still research and network to find a compatible surrogate, but you will likely have fewer options. In either case, your options will depend on your state’s legal limitations and requirements as well as your clinic’s medical guidelines.
You Can Discuss What Relationship You Want With Your Surrogate
In addition to choosing who you want to be your surrogate, you also have options for the kind of relationship you want with them. You can discuss how often you would like to communicate, any boundaries you may have, and any expectations once the baby is born. Often, building a solid bond with your surrogate is helpful and ensures a successful surrogacy process.
You Can Choose How You Want to Protect Your Parental Rights
With same-sex couples, at least one parent will not be genetically linked to the child. So it is necessary to take further measures to establish that parent’s parental rights. Usually, this can be done through the following legal procedures:
- Parentage Order: A legal procedure executed by your surrogacy lawyer that could take effect either before or after the birth of your child.
- Stepparent Adoption: This can be completed after the birth of your child to protect the rights of the non-genetically related parent if you cannot complete a parentage order.
- Second-Parent Adoption: In certain states, this option allows the non-genetically related partner in an unmarried relationship to establish parental rights.
You should consult with a reputatble agency or reproductive attorney to learn more about your legal options since this matter is governed by the laws of the state where the surrogate gives birth. To resolve this matter, intended parents can find and hire their own surrogacy attorney or work with a legal team partnered with the surrogacy agency they are using. A surrogacy lawyer can ensure that your parental rights are upheld and protected.
Choose a Surrogacy Agency That Explains Your Options in Depth
Understanding your options for surrogacy agencies may be one of the most important steps in your surrogacy process. Surrogacy is a long-term commitment that requires you to make numerous important decisions. Your choice of surrogacy agency could impact how smoothly everything goes. While agencies work with various clients, you have the opportunity to select one that has experience working with LGBTQ+ people and their unique worries and challenges.
Elevate Surrogacy was founded by a man in a same-sex partnership who had firsthand experience with how difficult finding a compatible surrogate can be. As supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community, our team encourages and supports all types of clients regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, or relationship status. Call (323) 933-8918 or use our contact form to learn more about how our agency can best serve you throughout your surrogacy journey.
