Obtaining a Surrogate

[Tetley]

Are there agencies? Or do you just have someone you know who is willing to be your surrogate? What is the estimated cost?

I read somewhere that in Canada it is illegal to charge for that type of service, does anyone know if this is true.

[mairinsmommy]

Hi Tetley,

I don't know a TON about this, but I will offer what I know.

Surrogacy is difficult in Canada, but not impossible. My understanding is that it is because the laws are really fuzzy and there aren't a lot of lawyers that are willing to take it on. The law states that whoever gives birth to the baby is the legal mother (whether or not they are genetically related) so it ends up being a legal adoption.

And as far as money goes, no you can't pay for the 'service' in Canada, but there are legal fees involved.

I think to do surrogacy through RFP, you have to know your surrogate. (that doesn't necessarily mean you have to know them well you could find them online!)

I believe there is some sort of surrogacy association in Canada (maybe even in Alberta) as I know someone who found a surrogate that way. But they aren't going through RFP. So it was an unmedicated type of cycle. But they were successful. There is also an agency in Ontario that helps match surrogates with families. If you want anymore info, PM me and I get the info from my friend.

[Tetley]

Interesting! I have a few people that have offered to be my surrogate if need be but we'll see if and when the time comes.

I wasn't aware that you could even do it at RFP.

[mairinsmommy]

Yes you can do it at RFP, but it's difficult. I think Dr. Scott is in charge of the surrogacy program, but it's tough to get 'accepted'. It has to be proven that you can't carry a pregnancy.

Good luck!!

[scarred]

Not only that, but they do extensive counselling with the surogate and their family. If they believe there is any reservation or worries by any family members of the potential surrogate, they will not allow the process to proceed.

[lgm]

I don't know a lot about this topic but I have a friend who went through egg retrieval and last minute her surrogate backed out. It is hard to find someone to carry a child when you are unable to compensate the individual. You can cover loss of wages from what I understand.

They are now going to India for a surrogate. They've already been to India and where happy with the quality of clinic and the screen process used to select the surrogates. Contrary to what many people think, for a good clinic it isn't cheap. I've heard reports of $5000 but based on what my friend has said, it will cost about $30,000. If money isn't an issue, this might be an option for some people.