How to Choose a Surrogate

What factors should you consider when choosing a surrogate? How does this decision differ from decisions with other forms of assisted reproductive technology? Our guests on today’s show were Jamie Williams, surrogacy case manager for the Surrogacy Source, a full service surrogacy agency; and Stephanie Caballero, founder of Extraordinary Conceptions, a California based egg donation and surrogacy center. She is an attorney specializing in surrogacy, egg donation and adoption law, and a mom through surrogacy.

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Hit the Highlights

What types of surrogacy are available in the US?
How does traditional surrogacy differ from gestational surrogacy?
Why do women use of surrogate?
What percentage of couples who use a surrogate use donor eggs?
What percentage of couples who use a surrogate use donor egg and donor sperm?
Does it matter when choosing a surrogate what state she lives in?
Is it possible for the intended parents to be on the original birth certificate?
What motivates a woman to become a surrogate for another couple?
Should the money to be earned or compensation be a motivation?
What makes a good surrogate?
What are the big issues that must be agreed upon before entering into a surrogacy arrangement?
How important is the surrogate’s family to a successful surrogacy?
What type of support and education should the surrogate’s family receive?
How much control do the intended parents have over the surrogate’s lifestyle? The surrogates eating, drinking, and smoking habits?
Ultimately, whose decision is it to selectively reduce or to abort the pregnancy?
How much does surrogacy cost?
Do most surrogates allow the intended parents to be present at the birth?
Is there any way to fully protect the intended parents from a traditional surrogate having parental rights, custody, or visitation if she wants it?