Surrogacy has become a popular option for couples struggling with infertility or those seeking alternative ways to start a family. New Jersey, in particular, has been a hub for surrogacy journeys due to its favorable laws and accessibility to fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about surrogacy in New Jersey, including surrogacy costs, laws, and the surrogacy process.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where a woman, known as a surrogate or a gestational carrier, carries a child for intended parents. There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg, making her genetically related to the child. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or an egg donor’s egg and the intended father’s or a sperm donor’s sperm.
Surrogacy Agreements and Contracts
Before any medical procedures occur, a surrogacy agreement or contract is necessary. This legal document outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, including the surrogate, intended parents, and any egg donor or sperm donor. A surrogacy contract will address issues such as compensation, medical care, and legal parentage.
Gestational Surrogacy in New Jersey
Gestational surrogacy is the most common form of surrogacy in New Jersey. It is legal for both heterosexual and same-sex couples to pursue gestational surrogacy in New Jersey. The intended parents are recognized as the legal parents of the child, and their names will be listed on the birth certificate.
Surrogacy Costs in New Jersey
Surrogacy costs in New Jersey can vary widely based on a variety of factors, including the type of surrogacy, the fertility clinic chosen, and legal fees. On average, intended parents can expect to pay anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000 for a gestational surrogacy journey in New Jersey.
Surrogacy Process in New Jersey
The surrogacy process in New Jersey typically involves finding a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic. The intended parents will then undergo IVF to create embryos, which will be transferred to the gestational surrogate. Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate will receive medical care and support from the intended parents and the fertility clinic. Once the baby is born, the intended parents will become the legal parents.
Surrogacy Law in New Jersey
New Jersey has favorable surrogacy laws that protect the rights of intended parents and surrogates. Surrogacy agreements are legally binding in New Jersey, and intended parents are recognized as the legal parents of the child. Additionally, New Jersey law allows for pre-birth orders, which means the intended parents’ names can be listed on the birth certificate immediately after the baby is born.
Finding a Surrogate in New Jersey
Intended parents can find a surrogate in New Jersey through a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic. Surrogacy agencies offer a full range of services, including finding and screening surrogates, managing the surrogacy process, and providing legal support. Fertility clinics can provide medical care and assistance with the IVF process.
Conclusion
Surrogacy can be a viable option for couples struggling with infertility or those seeking alternative ways to start a family. New Jersey has favorable surrogacy laws, accessibility to fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies, and a supportive community of surrogate mothers. However, it is important to keep in mind that surrogacy costs in New Jersey can be expensive.
