When considering surrogacy, intended parents want their surrogate match to have mutual goals and opinions to ensure proper communication throughout the surrogacy process. Finding a surrogate who is your perfect match can take time, especially if you choose to go the independent route and not work with an agency. Luckily, plenty of resources are available to help you find a surrogate online. This article will review some of these online resources, as well as provide you with an independent surrogacy checklist to help make the process a bit easier.
Where To Find a Surrogate Online
When searching for a surrogate, especially if you’re considering compassionate surrogacy, there are several effective methods to explore. From networking with family and friends to using social media and specialized websites, intended parents have many resources at their disposal. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate these options and find the right surrogate for your journey.
- Networking with Family and Friends: Often, when intended parents choose to go the independent route, they already have a surrogate in mind. Asking friends and family to share their interests through word of mouth is a quick and easy way to connect with potential candidates who are already close to your mutual contacts.
- Surrogacy Clinics: When searching for a fertility clinic, you may be lucky also to find a surrogate mother. Since choosing a fertility clinic is one of the first steps in the surrogacy process, it’s often worth it to speak with your fertility specialist to see if they have any prospective surrogates who may be a good fit. Most surrogacy clinics screen applicants ahead of time to ensure they are qualified. Rather than doing the screening and matching yourself, this can save you a lot of work and stress.
- Online Matching Groups: Social media has greatly impacted the surrogacy world. With access to matching groups on platforms such as Facebook, intended parents are able to share their stories and connect with plenty of potential surrogates. It may also be beneficial for intended parents to post their stories on other social media platforms and ask friends and family to do the same to reach a greater audience and potentially find a match.
- Surrogate Finder Websites: If you’re looking to create a family and wish to find a surrogate on your own, there are plenty of good matching websites that can help. All you need to do is create a profile, search, communicate, and match. You’ll be able to filter search results by country/region, age, race, religion, type of surrogate, marital status, and more. Intended parents have complete control of their journey.
Some surrogate finder websites are:
– FindSurrogate.com
– SurrogateFinder.com
– MySurrogateMom.com - Surrogacy Classifieds: Surrogacy classified ads are one of the most cost-effective ways to find your perfect surrogate match online. Both intended parents and surrogates can create their own advertisements on surrogacy websites. When creating “surrogate wanted” classifieds, you can specify your preferences based on specific characteristics you’re looking for to reach potential surrogates that align with your needs and values. However, when creating these ads, it’s important to make them simple and attractive to grab viewers’ attention; otherwise, your ad can get lost among the others. Include a clear title, a body that describes what you’re looking for and what makes you different and, most importantly, a call to action. You can view independent surrogacy classifieds on these websites:
– SurroMomsOnline.com
– MySurrogateMom.com - Surrogacy Attorneys: Many surrogacy attorneys keep prospective surrogate information on file for future intended parents interested in the process. When beginning the surrogacy journey, it may be helpful to consult with a professional to ask for advice and research some of the applicants they may know to assist you in finding a match.
Independent Surrogacy Checklist
Going through private surrogacy involves careful planning and specific steps to help bring your dream of becoming a parent to life. This includes preparing for the IVF cycle, choosing the right fertility clinic, selecting a surrogate, and providing her with support throughout the pregnancy. This independent surrogacy checklist offers a clear and easy-to-follow path to navigate the independent journey.
Stage One: Preparation
- Find an appropriate fertility clinic
- Research donors if needed
- Complete the IVF cycle
- Hire a surrogacy attorney
- Make a financial plan
Stage Two: Find a Surrogate Online
- Search for surrogate applicants and make a list of potential candidates
- Interview candidates to ensure they meet the basic screening requirements of a surrogate
- Select your perfect surrogate match
- Obtain medical clearance for your surrogate
- Obtain psychological clearance for your surrogate
- Sign a legal agreement with your surrogate
Stage Three: Pregnancy
- Embryo transfer procedure
- Confirmation of pregnancy
- Begin surrogate compensation
- Arrange the delivery in a local hospital
- Manage all clinical appointments
- Provide emotional support for the surrogate throughout the pregnancy
- Arrange health insurance for your baby upon birth
- Prepare for delivery
- Start your new family
Conclusion
When searching for a match, there are several ways that intended parents can find a surrogate online. Connecting with friends and family, contacting your chosen fertility clinic or lawyer, and searching potential applicants through Facebook groups or surrogate finder websites are just some of the ways to discover your perfect match. With an independent surrogacy, the possibilities are endless, and the choices are yours. However, with this amount of freedom also comes a great amount of responsibility. Intended parents must do their research and ensure they are properly prepared for the steps of the surrogacy process.