Surrogacy versus adoption
Those faced with infertility or those with societal hurdles such as gays and lesbians have options to consider in their quest to become parents; mainly, adoption versus surrogacy.
The decision of which option is the best is profoundly personal and dictated by many factors such as the importance of a genetic relationship to the child, control over issues such as prenatal care, involvement in the entire process from pregnancy to birth, or perhaps the desire to help an orphaned child, requirements imposed by foreign countries in international adoption, uncertain waiting time in domestic adoption and costs.
While the decisions may personal, external factors are affecting the viability of adoption for many. As international adoption continues to diminish as a viable option (Guatemala closed its doors end of 2007, Vietnam in 2008, Kazakhstan has extremely arduous travel and length of stay requirements, Central and South America has been crippled by strenuous and ineffective requirements imposed by UNICEF-pressured ratification of the Hague Treaty), those wishing to parent children will look to technology to build their families. Gays and lesbians confronted by anti gay and lesbian adoption laws in foreign countries and at home have been actively building families through surrogacy for years.
Surrogacy arrangements in the United States are generally very costly, often in excess of $100,000. These costs are prohibitive for many and so considering surrogacy as a viable option to adoption was often not possible. That is changing.
International surrogacy is an ever-growing option for many families seeking to build their families through surrogacy but at significantly lower costs than what can be offered in the United States. India has been the largest provider of surrogacy services; however, growing unrest in India including recent bombings has left many potential parents weary of travel to India. Families have other options, however, such as Russia, Ukraine, and now Guatemala. Guatemala may prove to be an outstanding option with relatively easy travel, quick flights from the United States.
With the introduction of low cost international surrogacy options, those seeking alternative paths to parenting besides giving birth to a child can now weigh the pros and cons of both options and decide based on needs and desires versus cost considerations alone.
Candace O’Brien is an attorney and President and CEO of Advocates for Surrogacy. Candace also directs a licensed adoption agency with programs in international and domestic adoption.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candace_O’Brien_Esquire
Tags: adoption, infertility, intended parent, surrogacy