Why Choose Surrogacy Vs. Adoption? Insights For Intended Parents

For intended parents exploring ways to build their family, understanding the differences between surrogacy vs. adoption is essential in making the right choice. Both options provide an opportunity to welcome a child into a loving home, but they follow different processes, come with unique challenges, and cater to different parental preferences.

This article breaks down the key differences, costs, and pros and cons of surrogacy vs. adoption, helping intended parents make an informed choice.

Understanding the Difference: Surrogacy vs. Adoption

Both surrogacy and adoption offer distinct paths to parenthood, but their processes and outcomes vary significantly.

Surrogacy involves a gestational carrier who carries and gives birth to a child for the intended parents. The child is created using in vitro fertilization, or IVF, which involves the egg and sperm from either the intended parents or donors. This means the baby can have a biological connection to the intended parents.

Adoption is a legal process in which intended parents assume parental rights for a child born to another family. The child may be adopted as an infant or an older child, and in most cases, there is no biological link between the adoptive parents and the child.

One of the most significant differences is control over the process. In surrogacy, intended parents are involved in every step, from embryo creation to birth. In adoption, the process can be unpredictable due to legal complexities and the rights of birth parents.

Cost of Surrogacy Vs. Adoption

When comparing the cost of surrogacy vs. adoption, it’s essential to understand the financial commitments involved in each process.

Cost of Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a significant financial investment due to the medical, legal, and compensatory aspects of the process. The total cost varies based on location, agency involvement, and medical needs, but it typically ranges between $100,000 to $150,000 in the U.S.

Medical expenses – These costs are related to IVF procedures, embryo transfer, and fertility medications, as well as prenatal care, delivery costs, and any potential medical complications that may arise.
Gestational carrier compensation – This includes a base payment for the surrogate or the gestational carrier, along with additional payments for medical procedures, maternity clothing, and other pregnancy-related needs and reimbursements.
Legal fees – This covers the drafting and reviewing of surrogacy agreements, as well as the establishment of parental rights and necessary court filings.
Agency fees – You also need to pay for the screening and matching of gestational carriers, case management, and providing psychological support for both the intended parents and the carrier.
Additional costs – These can include travel expenses for medical appointments and insurance to cover pregnancy-related expenses.

Cost of Adoption

The cost of adoption varies widely depending on the type of adoption chosen. Foster care adoption typically costs less than $5,000, as many expenses are covered by the state.

In contrast, domestic infant adoption ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 due to agency fees and legal expenses. International adoption costs between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on the country of origin.

Breakdown of Adoption Costs:

Agency Fees: Costs associated with placement, background checks, and pre-adoption education.
Legal and Court Fees: Finalization of parental rights and legal documentation.
Home Study and Background Checks: Evaluations to ensure the adoptive family is suitable.
Possible Birth Parent Expenses: In private adoptions, intended parents may cover medical expenses for birth parents.

While adoption tends to be more affordable than surrogacy, it can involve long wait times and emotional uncertainty, as birth parents have the legal right to change their minds before finalization.

Surrogacy Vs. Adoption: Pros and Cons

Both surrogacy and adoption have unique advantages and challenges. Understanding the surrogacy vs. adoption pros and cons can help intended parents determine the best path for their family.

Pros of Surrogacy:

Biological Connection: Many intended parents prefer surrogacy because it allows them to have a child genetically related to them.
More Control: Intended parents are involved in medical decisions, prenatal care, and the birth plan.
Screened Process: Gestational carriers undergo thorough medical and psychological screenings to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Cons of Surrogacy:

Higher Costs: Surrogacy requires a significant financial investment.
Legal Complexities: Laws regarding surrogacy vary by state and country, requiring careful legal guidance.

Pros of Adoption:

Lower Costs: Adoption is often more affordable, especially in foster care adoptions.
Providing a Home for a Child in Need: Adoption helps children find stable, loving families.

Cons of Adoption:

No Biological Connection: Many adoptive parents embrace this, but it is an important consideration.
Long Wait Times: The adoption process can take months or even years.
Birth Parent Rights: Some birth parents may revoke consent before finalization, leading to emotional uncertainty.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Family

Deciding between surrogacy and adoption is a personal choice that depends on several factors, including financial resources, emotional readiness, and the desire for a biological connection. Intended parents should consider their long-term family goals and consult with professionals to make an informed decision.

Both options offer a fulfilling path to parenthood, and the right choice depends on what aligns best with an individual’s circumstances. No matter which path they choose, the ultimate goal is the same: to experience the joy of parenthood and create a nurturing home for a child.

At Carrying Dreams, we are passionate about helping intended parents navigate the surrogacy journey with confidence. Whether you are just beginning your journey or ready to take the next step, we are here to guide you toward making your dream of parenthood a reality.