[Susan]

Hi Anna,

I agree, there is very little awareness of this surrogacy option. I speak with women who were never aware that this was an option. I try so hard to get the word out and educate couples. Surrogacy is certainly not the right option for everyone, the same with Ukrainian surrogacy, but it is valuable to have all the information to make an informed decision.

To try to educate even better, I just finished a free book: Successful Surrogacy: Your Guide to Realizing Your Dreams of Parenthood Through Ukrainian Surrogacy. I am hoping it will reach couples and help them make a more informed decision about how they pursue parenthood in the face of infertility, and reach doctors so they are more aware of this option.

It is coming out in July. If you know of anyone it could help, you can order it for them for free at https://international-surrogacy.com/free-book

I hope it will spread awareness and educate.

[Susan]

Thank you Chicago.

This is a major personal issue for me and something I am extremely passionate about. If an agency or clinic does not know the cost of a standard pregnancy (complication free), they don’t know what they are doing, and there probably will be hidden costs. When your surrogate is pregnant What choice do you have but to pay more if the agency or clinic says there are more expenses. This is taking advantage of intended parents at the most vulnerable time in their lives. I have met couples that ended up paying almost twice what they contracted. When you think about it, what recourse do they actually have.

I find this totally unethical. It exploits the intended parents. This is why we offer guaranteed not to exceed pricing on most aspects of the surrogacy process. We know what it will cost for a standard healthy pregnancy. With 19 years of our clinic experience – we better! lol So, we will pay the difference if expenses go over the contracted amount. We think that is only fair.

Lack of transparency in pricing protocols is common. And the thing is, many parents don’t know what to look out for – what is necessary for any IVF treatment, pregnancy, and delivery, so they don’t know the questions to ask. It is easy to assume that basics are always included. Yet, many price sheets do not include all medicine, testing and bank fees. It all adds up quickly. This is one reason I feel it is important to have an independent agency – not a clinic or clinic owned agency. Entering into a surrogacy agreement is extremely stressful and complicated. How can intended parents know everything? Impossible. You need someone independent who has your back and always your best interest at heart. This is an issue around the world. Some us surrogate agencies have price sheets that are extremely confusing.

I hate to say this about something so personal and emotional. But buyer beware and if it seems to good to be true, sadly, it probably is.

[Susan]

Dear Ezabel,

Surrogacy is a big decision. I think you are doing exactly the right thing taking your time.

In terms of general education on surrogacy in Ukraine:

Yes, in Ukraine the price of surrogacy is about a third of that in the US. There are other advantages as well. We are able to test surrogates and donors much more than in financially feasible in the US because of the high cost of health care. With over 50 tests, we have a higher success rate. We can also be extremely choosy in our surrogates and donors, and there are screened candidates available without a wait.

The law in Ukraine is unique. It provides intended parents custody of their child from conception, the birth certificate has the intended parents’ names on it (of course with the name you choose for you child!), with no mention of a surrogate or donor. The child is a US citizen.

I hope this is informative to anyone considering international surrogacy in Ukraine. I have a book that will be published soon and anyone who writes, I would be happy to send a free copy. (info@delivering-dreams.com) It takes you through the process, important issues to consider before you even start, and hopefully will answer a lot of questions you may have.

Ezabel, let’s take our discussion offline so I can address your personal situation and questions. My email is susan@delivering-dreams.com and you can reach me by phone at 908-386-3864.

I look forward to speaking with you and answering yours and anyone’s questions. Knowledge and education is power.

[Susan]

Akira,

I think I actually deleted the first and most important part of my reply. Darn technology!

I am so sorry that you have had such a bumpy ride. I really hope Ukraine works for you.

Before you do anything make sure that your clinic has worked with your nationality and where you reside to check if they know how to file all the necessary documents and take all the required steps to get your child home. This is the first thing you need to know. They should know exactly what has to be done, what steps need to be taken, how long it will take and how much it will cost. Some clinics include exit documentation and some do not. Make sure to double check this with a lawyer. Each nationality and country of residency has a completely different time frame and process. I only work with US and UK couples, but they are night and day. You must be sure you have someone taking care of this before you start. Some countries require documentation before the process begins. Some countries require steps not only in Ukraine, but in the home country.

Be sure to check this out very carefully and multiple times.

S

[Susan]

Akira,

Sorry, I pressed something in the middle of writing to you!

I would suggest considering and agency. They will provide you with an extra layer of protection and make sure there is conflict of interest on behalf of the clinic – for example wanting to cut corners on treatment. Working through an agency should not be much more expensive. The best agencies have agreements with the clinics so they get discounted rates. The agency can add a lot if it is good.

Please be wary of all contracts. Most of them are not up to international standards and the English can be poor. Make sure you have a lawyer checking them very carefully especially as Ukrainian will be the recognized language in court and legal proceedings if there is a misunderstanding.

If you want to be super safe, see if you can find an international surrogacy agency that works with both your home country and Ukraine. Some (like us) conclude contracts in your home jurisdiction and language.

Again, I can’t stress enough that you need to make sure before you do anything that you can legally and in a realistic period of time, get your child home.

Other than that, feel free to bounce the names of any of the clinics you are thinking of and I will share my experience if I have had any.

I hope I have helped. Susan

[Susan]

Hi Stormi,

Well said. You are so right. Research and asking lots of questions is essential. If they are offering services at a lower price, ask why. Make sure you are not getting smoke and mirrors but really answers than make sense. As you say, this is one of the most significant decisions you will make. If an agency is not able to answer these questions before you sign with them, imagine what would happen afterwards.

If the price of an agency is significantly lower than others, it should be a serious red flag. Budget concerns are a consideration. Be sure to examine what the implications might be. Are they cutting corners? Surrogate screening? supervision and support? compensation? Are there costs that are not listed up front?

Also, I would be careful if budget is the top consideration. Our bodies are not predictable machines, and neither are surrogates’ bodies. Pregnancies are not 100% predictable ever. Agencies should also discuss potential situations/complications and their cost implications.

Basically, if you feel at all uncomfortable asking questions and researching, listen to your gut instinct.

And of course – if it is too good to be true…

[Author]

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