| International surrogacy is an ever-growing option for | | | | conduct unannounced visits to ensure the surrogate |
| many families seeking to build their families through | | | | maintains a healthy lifestyle. Eating habits differ of |
| surrogacy but at significantly lower costs than what | | | | course from country to country. However, a good |
| can be offered in the United States where surrogacy | | | | program will provide education on proper nutrition |
| arrangements are often in excess of $100,000. | | | | during pregnancy that is appropriate for the audience, |
| These costs are prohibitive for many and so | | | | provide prenatal vitamins and ensure through medical |
| considering surrogacy as a viable option to adoption | | | | examinations appropriate weight gain and/or control. |
| was often not possible. That is changing. International | | | | Issues such as smoking and the consumption of |
| surrogacy is an ever-growing option for many families | | | | alcohol can differ according to cultural norms and |
| seeking to build their families. | | | | differ amongst individuals. Careful screening of |
| Guatemala is the newest addition to international | | | | surrogates is necessary and the best programs will |
| surrogacy options. Guatemala offers short and | | | | conduct psychological screening, conduct home visits |
| inexpensive travel compared to other international | | | | and require extensive background information on |
| surrogacy programs such as india and Eastern Europe. | | | | health, family history and other social issues prior to |
| Flights are under 3 hours from Miami, Atlanta, and | | | | acceptance into the program. |
| Dallas, the major hubs for flights to Guatemala and | | | | Beyond the risk assessments discussed above, ethical |
| the costs of tickets are a fraction of costs to India | | | | issues and considerations arise as well. Surrogacy, like |
| and Eastern Europe. In addition, there are state of | | | | adoption, both domestic and international, certainly |
| the art fertility centers in Guatemala. | | | | has its critics. Reasonable minds will differ. However, |
| International surrogacy may seem daunting at first | | | | when considering programs and agencies, assessing |
| blush. Immediate concerns center around the medical | | | | the program's compensation practices for surrogates |
| standards and qualifications of the infertility specialists. | | | | may be another important consideration. Is it a win |
| What about the surrogates? Will they live a healthy | | | | win for both the surrogate and the Intended |
| lifestyle? Will they attend appointments? Will they | | | | Parents? Are surrogates being compensated well? |
| follow doctors' recommendations? These are all | | | | While compensation will be lower for surrogates in |
| critical questions and concers are understandable. The | | | | developing nations, it should nevertheless be fair and |
| best programs will offer excellent clinics who meet | | | | equitable. |
| recognized accreditation standards and infertility | | | | For many, the introduction of low cost international |
| specialists with specialized training. Well managed | | | | surrogacy options such as Guatemala allows many |
| programs will have continual oversight of surrogates, | | | | formerly unable to consider surrogacy a viable option. |
| escort surrogates to physician's appointments, and | | | | |