Hi Nona,

My husband and I looked into it too. There are several ways to do it. There is "traditional surrogacy" as you mentioned where the surrogate is impregnated with the intended father's sperm and "gestational surrogacy" where the embryo from the intended parents is carried by the surrogate mom and surrogacy using an egg donor where the surrogate mom carries the embryo formed by the intended father and an egg donor.

Depending on the Country or State, the intended mother may or may not need to do a "step-parent adoption". In California, the intended parent's names go right on the birth certificate regardless of how the baby is concieved. You would need to check the laws of your particular state. It's not usually too difficult to find out. When I was looking, I just went to www.google.com and keyword "surrogacy laws in "state".

As for the cost. It really depends on how you go about this. If you can find a relative or friend who is willing, then your costs will be limited to legal fees surrounding finalization of the birth certificate or step parent adoption. If you use an agency, they will charge a fee but it's usually the safest route. A reputable agency will have very high standards for accepting potential surrogate moms and will screen couples as well. It takes a few months to be "matched" but they will most likely also provide a "counselor" who acts as a liason between you and your surrogate. You want a surrogate who has had children before so you have an OB history to look at. And you want someone who's motives are not just financial. If you use an agency, it's the most secure but also the most expensive way to go.

Esther