9 Interesting Facts About Surrogacy
What to know
For those considering growing their families through surrogacy, the process can evoke a mix of excitement and bewilderment. Despite its increasing popularity over the past few decades, surrogacy remains relatively misunderstood, with myths and misconceptions continuing to swirl around this uniquely collaborative method of welcoming new life. Read on as we delve into nine facts about this incredibly fulfilling process.
1. The First Traditional Surrogacy Happened in the 1980s
With the pseudonym Elizabeth Kane, the first surrogacy as we know it today happened in the 1980s. The carrier was paid $10,000 for her services at the age of 37 when she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Gestational surrogacy soon followed in 1985.
2. IVF Success Rate Is Around 55%
You’ve probably heard that in vitro fertilization (IVF) doesn’t have a 100% success rate, but you might not know the exact numbers. For women under 35 without pre-existing fertility issues, IVF has approximately a 55% chance of resulting in a successful pregnancy, per The IVF Center. When done as part of the surrogacy process in particular, those odds can jump even higher to around 75%.
3. Surrogacy Rates Have Risen Steadily
Surrogacy is still a relatively uncommon way to build a family compared to other methods like natural conception or adoption. Its popularity has steadily trended upward over the past couple of decades. According to Centers for Disease Control data, assisted reproductive technology cycles involving gestational carriers jumped from less than 750 per year in 1999 to over 3,400 by 2013. While surrogacy represents a tiny fraction of total births, the numbers have more than quadrupled in recent years.
4. Many Journeys Involve International Parents
Given inconsistent surrogacy laws both within the U.S. and globally, America has become a top destination for international parents looking to complete their family. Well over 15% of all gestational carrier cycles here are done on behalf of foreign parents, and that’s only increased, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Countries with bans or restrictions force many couples to search abroad for surrogacy-friendly jurisdictions. The fragmented legal landscape leads hopeful parents from around the world to hotspots like California that offer clear guidance.
5. It's Not Only for Same-Sex Couples
You might picture same-sex couples when you hear about surrogacy. But, despite the common stereotype, surrogacy is far from exclusively utilized by gay men. Heterosexual couples struggling with infertility are common surrogacy participants. At NWSC gay male couples make up about 50% of our client base. Surrogacy provides solutions for people across all demographics.
6. Surrogacy Is a Successful Avenue for Infertility
With a 75% success rate, this is a successful method of starting a family for those who cannot conceive naturally. Once the gestational carrier is pregnant, the success statistic rises to 95%. This is why surrogacy is rising as a popular choice for those who can’t become pregnant on their own.
8. Costs Can Always Vary
No discussion of surrogacy would be complete without the discussion of cost of surrogacy As you might expect, hiring a surrogate and covering IVF fees over more than a year of treatment adds up fast. While every situation is different, you can expect to invest anywhere from $180,000 to $225,000+ for a U.S. surrogacy journey when all is said and done.
9. The Average Length Is A Little Over One and a Half Years
Speaking of time commitments, surrogacy is not a quick process. From signing on a carrier to transferring embryos to post-delivery legal work, most journeys take approximately 18 to 24 months from start to finish. There are significant medical milestones spaced weeks or months apart, ensuring this path requires serious time and patience. But for surrogacy participants, building their future family is well worth the wait. Deciding to have a child with the help of a surrogate is a significant and impactful decision. As such, you must have all of the facts as you move forward down this path. If you are considering surrogacy and you have any other questions, our team is here to help you. Reach out to NW Surrogacy today and let’s discuss your journey and what we may be able to do to help and support you!
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