People in California who wish to have a child but have fertility issues might turn to surrogacy. It involves finding a gestational carrier who has in vitro fertilization (IVF) carrying the baby to term for the couple or individual and can be done locally or even internationally. However, the latter type carries certain risks.
Financial risks
Although international surrogacy may be an attractive way to have a family, it carries financial risks. It might seem cheaper compared with getting a surrogate in your home state, but you’re responsible for all the fees. Not only do you have to pay the gestational carrier for her treatment and time, but you are also responsible for the cost of slights, accommodations and visas. There could also be legal fees involved. Also, even if IVF doesn’t work, you still have to pay.
Legal risks
Unfortunately, there are some legal risks associated with international surrogacy as well. For example, LGBTQ couples may not be able to qualify for it in countries that don’t recognize same-sex marriage. As a result, it might be difficult establishing parental rights before returning to the United States.
Health risks
There are also health risks involved in international surrogacy. This is because many other countries aren’t as stringent at testing gestational carriers as the U.S. That means your surrogate could end up having a certain physical or mental health condition that doesn’t make her the best candidate.
Political risks
Some countries have political differences that may not mesh well with surrogacy. Depending on their beliefs, they might not allow Americans to use their citizens as surrogates. However, even if an American individual or couple is able to hire a woman to carry their child, she could face discrimination in her home country based on the circumstances.