SURROGACY FOR THE SINGLE PARENT: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GROWING YOUR FAMILY

Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for many people, including single people who want to grow their families. Though this prospect can seem daunting as a single parent without a partner, you will be far from alone. Understanding the process and being prepared for single parent surrogacy will make this experience smoother and more rewarding. The first step is to learn more about what you can expect as you navigate this life-changing journey.

Surrogacy Process for the Single Parent

As a single parent, you will go through the same surrogacy process as any other couple would at Growing Generations. This includes:

• Consultation: Your journey to parenthood starts with a consultation with one of our team members. During this meeting, you will learn more about our surrogacy program and process while we get to know you, your expectations, and your needs.

• Admissions: Once you are ready to start, the necessary paperwork is signed and administrative processes completed, securing your permission to start the surrogacy journey.

• Surrogate Match: You will go through the same surrogate match couples go through during their surrogacy process. Once you are matched with a surrogate, we will facilitate a match meeting via video conference.

• Preparing for the Pregnancy: We will prepare your selected surrogate for additional testing and embryo transfer.

• Preparing for the Birth and Beyond: When the pregnancy enters its second trimester, we will prepare you for the delivery of your child—including what to expect when traveling with your newborn back to your home.

The most important piece of this equation is your willingness and commitment to being a parent. Remember: You are not alone on this journey. The Growing Generations team will be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the process, and answering any and all questions you may have.

Challenges of Single Parent Surrogacy

Though similar in process, there are some unique challenges when taking on surrogacy as a single parent. You are faced with selecting an egg donor, shouldering the costs of surrogacy alone, and needing the support of family and friends more.

Selecting an egg donor

As a single parent, you must secure an egg donor to move forward with surrogacy. This creates an additional step to your surrogacy process, impacting both time and cost. As a surrogacy and egg donation agency, we can assist you with this process and help you find an egg donor match based on our database.

Shouldering the cost of surrogacy alone

The responsibility for paying for the cost of surrogacy falls solely on you as a single parent. Knowing and understanding surrogacy costs and creating a budget at the beginning of the process can help reduce stress. We have a team of finance experts who will work with you to find the best option for your budget.

Needing the support of family and friends

The support of family and friends on your surrogacy journey is essential as a single parent. It is their support of your choice to grow your family through surrogacy that will make this a more positive journey. Surrogacy can be an emotional roller coaster, from the initial decision to pursue it to the ups and downs of the pregnancy itself. Family and friends provide emotional stability and a lending hand when needed.

TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR YOUR SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY

Before embarking on your surrogacy journey as a single parent, it is important to ask yourself some critical questions to ensure you are fully prepared for the road ahead.

• Am I financially prepared?

• Do I have a support system?

• How will I manage my time?

• Am I ready for the emotional journey?

• What are my long-term plans?

Take the time to make these considerations before committing to this wonderful, life-changing journey to parenthood.

GETTING STARTED

Choosing to grow your family through surrogacy as a single parent is a significant decision, with both challenges and rewards. By understanding the process, planning carefully, and surrounding yourself with the right support, you can navigate the journey successfully and welcome your new child with joy and confidence. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to realizing your dream of parenthood—and the first step begins with completing your application.