How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take: What Is the Time Frame for This Procedure?
It's important to have realistic expectations about the time each stage of surrogacy will take. Surrogacy is a lengthy process, typically taking 18-24 months on average to complete a journey to parenthood as a gestational surrogate. In some cases, it may take even longer. So, how long does the surrogacy process take? Let's break down each stage to understand the timeline better.
Creating Embryos for Gestational Surrogacy
The first step in gestational surrogacy is creating embryos. This can be done concurrently while searching for a surrogate. It's essential to decide whether to create embryos in the country where your surrogate lives or use donor eggs. This stage varies in length depending on individual circumstances and the specific path chosen.
Finding a Surrogate Match
Finding the right surrogate can take anywhere from 2 to 8 months, depending on various factors. In the USA, professional surrogacy agencies operate within a clear legal framework, which streamlines the matching process. In Canada, however, fewer surrogacy consultancies and different legal requirements often make the matching process longer.
Countries like Georgia and Ukraine also offer surrogacy options, but each has its own restrictions and limitations. The duration of this stage depends significantly on the chosen location and the availability of surrogates.
Establishing Relationships and Agreements
Once you find a potential surrogate, it's crucial to spend time building a relationship and establishing trust. This stage includes screening and background checks, creating a written agreement outlining each party's rights and responsibilities, and seeking counseling and legal advice. This preparatory phase ensures that all parties are comfortable and fully informed before proceeding.
Getting Pregnant
The next step is to begin fertility treatments and attempt to achieve pregnancy. For gestational surrogacy, this involves transferring an embryo to the surrogate's womb. Fertility treatments are not always successful on the first attempt, so it may take multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy. Each cycle typically takes about six weeks.
Pregnancy
A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, or 280 days. This period is the most straightforward part of the timeline, as it follows the natural duration of a typical pregnancy.
Birth and Legal Process
After the birth, intended parents must secure their legal status as the child's parents. This involves applying for a parental order, which can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months. This legal process is necessary even if the baby is born overseas and the intended parents are named on the birth certificate in the country of birth.
How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take: Conclusion
The question, "How long does surrogacy take?" is complex, as each surrogacy journey is unique. We've outlined the key stages and the typical duration for each step. For a more detailed understanding of the process and personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with our experts. Every surrogacy story is different, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
