Finding the right surrogate is one of the most important decisions intended parents will make during their surrogacy journey. While some may opt for the support of an agency, others explore the possibility of finding a surrogate mother online.
How can I find a surrogate online? This is one of the first questions intended parents pursuing private surrogacy must consider. However, before choosing this type of surrogacy, IPs should learn as much as possible about the surrogacy process, including local surrogacy regulations. When the intended parents have considered all the variables and are confident they want to pursue an independent journey, they can move on to the next step: finding their ideal match.
Methods for Finding a Surrogate Online
There are several ways to find a surrogate on your own. However, before you embark on your search, you should keep two things in mind.
- Suitable Surrogates: Some women who want to become surrogates won’t meet the surrogate requirements.
- Agency Preference: Not every potential surrogate will want to pursue surrogacy without the support of an agency.
As with other aspects of the surrogacy process, you must learn about the pros and cons of the different search methods. Speaking of which, these are the most used:
- Classified portals: In these portals, intended parents typically create “surrogate mother wanted” or “private surrogate wanted” ads. These ads detail the kind of surrogate they are looking for, including information such as location, age, type of surrogate (traditional or gestational), compensation, etc.
- Social media groups: Many matching groups on social networks like Facebook exist. These groups allow intended parents to create an introductory post for their members. Support groups are also an excellent place to find information. You will find people in different stages of the process who can share their experiences and offer advice.
- Online communities: These are great for intended parents and prospective surrogates to connect. Usually, they have surrogacy blogs that contain updated information about the process. This information can be particularly helpful at the beginning of your journey.
- Surrogate finder websites: These are websites that connect intended parents and surrogates.
Pros and Cons of Looking for Free Surrogate Mothers Online
It is quite possible to find a surrogate online – many people do. Nevertheless, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with the process. Consider the following before you decide to search for a surrogate on your own.
The Internet significantly increases the number of potential candidates. Also, it increases the geographic scope of the surrogate search, which may be especially helpful for parents who live in a region where surrogacy is banned.
Online searches also offer an essential economic benefit: the prospective parents save on matching fees generally charged by agencies.
That said, there are some disadvantages. For example, some candidates may be more interested in money than altruism. They may charge premium fees because they know the intended parents don’t have to pay agency fees. Of course, this is not always the case, but it’s something to consider. Also, knowing a surrogate’s motivations is essential, allowing you to determine if they align with your own. (This is particularly important if you are looking for an altruistic or low-compensation surrogate.)
Another thing to consider is that independent surrogates are not normally prescreened. This means they may be found ineligible for surrogacy once they complete the medical and psychological screening.
Finally, when looking for a surrogate independently, you will need to manage the different steps of the process. It can be a daunting task. However, some intended parents rather have control over the various phases of the process. Whichever kind of intended parent you are, be sure to learn as much as possible. This will enable you to prepare for each step of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer a few commonly asked questions surrounding affordable surrogacy and finding a surrogate online.
Does independent surrogacy keep costs down for intended parents?
Surrogacy is a costly process. However, looking for a gestational carrier can make the process more affordable because you won’t have to pay surrogacy agency fees. You must learn about the cost of surrogacy without agency.
Can private surrogates choose how much they are paid?
Going independent gives you some freedom when setting your own compensation fees. However, you will likely have to negotiate these fees with the potential surrogate without an intermediary.
Where can I find a free surrogate mother?
Truthfully, it is rare to find women interested in complete altruistic surrogacy. Women who choose this type of surrogacy usually know the prospective parents on a personal level (they might be siblings or close friends) and decide to become surrogates for them.
What is the cheapest way to find a surrogate?
If you want to find a free surrogate, consider looking at your network for a friend or relative willing to help you achieve your dreams of parenthood. Otherwise, you’ll have a tough time finding a surrogate for free.
Wrapping Up
When you embark on an independent surrogacy, it’s essential to understand the surrogacy process thoroughly, including local regulations. Once you’ve weighed all the variables and are committed to an independent path, the next step is finding your perfect match.
While finding a surrogate on your own can be challenging, it is a viable option. A ton of information is available online (the Internet is an absolute gold mine). As you browse profiles and conduct research, be sure that you use your best judgment and take the time to find the perfect match.
