What’s the Difference Between Altruistic Surrogacy and “Commercial” Surrogacy?

What’s are the different types of surrogacy? There are two different types of surrogacies: altruistic and commercial. Commercial surrogacy is widely practiced in the U.S. and around the world, though there are locations where it is not permitted. Altruistic surrogacy may be the only option in certain states and countries. All surrogacy is altruistic to some extent since every journey requires a level of empathy and sacrifice. But how are commercial surrogacy and altruistic surrogacy different?

• Commercial surrogacy compensates surrogates for their time an effort.
• Altruistic surrogacy involves no compensation, only reimbursement for expenses.
• Laws vary between US states and between countries; some only allow altruistic surrogacy.
• Surrogates must be motivated to help others.
• Agencies like Family Source Consultants help guide both surrogates and intended parents throughout their journey.

Compensation vs. Non-Compensation

Commercial surrogacy is also known as “compensated surrogacy,” meaning that the surrogate is paid for her services as a carrier of the baby. The surrogate mother also receives reimbursement of her medical expenses and other costs such as travel, clothing, and any other expenses related to the pregnancy.

In altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate receives no compensation for her pregnancy. She may receive reimbursement for her medical fees, but this depends on the country’s laws and the terms of the agreement. Most often, altruistic surrogacy arrangements are between people who already know one another, such as family members or close friends.

Legal Issues

Laws regarding commercial and altruistic surrogacy vary between US states and between countries.

In the U.S., most states permit surrogacy and surrogacy contracts, while few do not permit any form of surrogacy.

In certain US states, like Louisiana and Nebraska, altruistic surrogacy is legal but commercial surrogacy is not.

Countries such as Canada, Brazil, The Netherlands, and Australia, only permit altruistic surrogacy. In some cases, intended parents may reimburse gestational carriers for approved expenses, but paying any other consideration or fee is illegal.

Surrogacy-friendly states such as California, Washington State, and the District of Columbia allow both commercial and altruistic surrogacy contracts. In these states and many others, professional agencies can guide Intended Parents through the surrogacy arrangement and help with legalities.

Motivation and Money

One of the big myths about women who become surrogates is that they are in it for the money. The truth is that women can only become surrogates if they are financially stable. To be accepted as a surrogate, they cannot receive any type of federal or state financial assistance. Potential surrogates also must provide proof of their financial stability.

A surrogate’s number one motivation should always be the joy of having a baby and helping someone start a family – not cashing in.

For this reason, every woman who applies to become a surrogate must undergo a strict screening process to ascertain her suitability. The screening includes a psychological evaluation which helps to determine her motives. Only women who are genuinely enthusiastic about carrying someone else’s child will pass this screening.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Between the right surrogate and intended parents, altruistic surrogacy can be an incredible experience for everyone involved. But, while altruistic surrogacy has many advantages, it isn’t failproof. Problems can arise if the friendship between the intended parents and the altruistic surrogate changes or if the arrangement isn’t recognized with a legal contract. In some cases, negative emotions can arise and have a profound effect on the outcome of the journey.

Employing the services of a professional surrogacy agency is often the best option, whether you’re in need of a surrogate or your surrogate is someone you know. A surrogacy agency will:

• Match you intended parents and surrogates
• Take care of all the legalities
• Facilitate the whole journey for everyone involved

As a surrogate, you’ll have peace of mind that your expenses are paid for, along with compensation for the enormous effort it takes to carry a pregnancy. For Intended Parents, knowing that all the details are being managed by someone who fully understands the process can provide peace of mind.

Learn More

Thinking about starting your surrogacy journey? At Family Source Consultants, our team helps guide both intended parents and surrogates every step of the way. To learn more about commercial or altruistic surrogacy or whether you’d be suitable as a surrogate, get in touch with Family Source Consultants!

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