Surrogacy in Louisiana: A Comprehensive Guide

Surrogacy is becoming a more common alternative for many individuals and couples who cannot conceive. However, it is important to understand that there is a unique set of laws and regulations in Louisiana that allow intended parents and surrogates to navigate this process legally and safely. In this article, we will go over the entire surrogacy process in Louisiana, how to find a surrogate, and what the laws and costs of surrogacy are. We’ll also explain surrogate compensation and how to become a surrogate in Louisiana.

Louisiana Surrogacy Process

That's why it's important to understand how surrogacy works in Louisiana. Below is a general outline of what the surrogacy process looks like in practice:

1. Step 1: Choose An Agency – The first step is to choose a licensed surrogacy agency. This agency will help to connect intended parents with a surrogate, mediate the legal process, and provide ongoing support.
2. Legal Agreement – A contract, which is legally binding, to be drawn between the surrogate and intended parents. This contract ensures that both parties understand their roles, what is expected of them, and what the compensation is for each party.
3. Medical Screening — All parties involved, namely the surrogate and any egg or sperm donors, will be medically screened to confirm their suitability for the procedure.
4. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Once cleared on the medical front, IVF is used to create an embryo that will be implanted into the surrogate’s uterus.
5. Pregnancy and Birth – If implantation is successful, the surrogate will carry the pregnancy to term. Legal parenthood will be established for the intended parents after birth.

It is no easy task that involves careful and deliberate legal and medical obligations throughout to guarantee a smooth process.

Types of Parents Surrogacy Agencies Can Work With in Louisiana

Using Louisiana law, a surrogacy agency can help many types of individuals or couples seeking surrogacy, which means surrogacy is accessible to a wide range of the population. Surrogacy is allowed for:

• Married Couples – Couples struggling with fertility issues or medical conditions that prevent conceiving.
• Single Parents – People who want to have children but don’t have a partner.
• LGBTQ+ Couples – Same-sex couples that might have biological difficulties while attempting to conceive.

Louisiana’s statutory regime imposes no restrictions on surrogacy based on marital status or sexual orientation, meaning that it is available to all who may need it.

Surrogacy Laws in Louisiana

Although surrogacy is allowed in the state, there are stringent requirements that must be followed. These include:

• Gestational Surrogacy – Louisiana only allows gestational surrogacy, where a surrogate carries an embryo that is not genetically related to her.
• Surrogacy Contracts – All surrogacy agreements need to be legally formalized. Surrogacy agreements are also legally binding and help protect both the surrogate and intended parents by outlining compensation, medical procedures, and parental rights.
• Parental Rights – In Louisiana, intended parents must obtain a pre-birth order to establish their parental rights before the baby’s birth. This process often requires the expertise of reproductive law experts.

For more information, visit Louisiana Department of Health.

Surrogacy in Louisiana for Intended Parents

Intended parents in Louisiana experience security with the legally guided surrogacy process. The process includes:

• Matching with a Surrogate – Intended parents are matched with a surrogate through a licensed agency. This is why agencies typically use psychological screening to ensure compatibility.
• Contract and Legal Process – A legal contract is established detailing the parental rights of the intended parents, as well as the surrogate.
• Medical Procedures – Once the legal groundwork is completed, the IVF process begins. If needed, an egg or sperm donor may be part of the process.
• Comprehensive Parental Rights Establishment – Obtain a pre-birth order to ensure the intended parents are legally recognized as the parents when the child is born.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Louisiana?

The average cost of surrogacy in Louisiana ranges from $90,000 to $130,000. This includes:

• Agency Fees – A fee for pairing you with a surrogate and supporting you through the process.
• Legal Fees – Legal costs for drafting contracts, pre-birth orders, and other legal processes.
• Medical Expenses – All costs related to IVF procedures, medical checkups, and health insurance for the surrogate are covered under this category.
• Surrogate Compensation – The surrogate is compensated for her time, medical procedures, and the emotional and physical effort of carrying the child.

Medical and legal costs typically account for the largest portion of the overall cost, followed by surrogate compensation.

Finding a Surrogate in Louisiana

The first step in finding a surrogate in Louisiana is to choose a trustworthy surrogacy agency. Agencies handle the screening of potential surrogates, ensuring they meet medical and psychological requirements. The agency will also assist intended parents in finding a surrogate whose values and expectations align with theirs.

Louisiana Surrogacy for Surrogates

Women in Louisiana considering becoming a surrogate must follow these steps:

• Application and Screening – Surrogates must apply through an agency and undergo thorough medical, psychological, and background screenings.
• Legal Agreement – After selection, a legal agreement is created that establishes compensation, expectations, and legal safeguards.
• Pregnancy and Birth – The surrogate will carry the pregnancy and give birth to the baby with medical oversight.

Throughout the process, surrogates receive comprehensive medical, emotional, and financial support.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Louisiana?

Surrogates in Louisiana typically receive between $35,000 and $50,000. This payment can vary depending on the surrogate’s previous experience, the complexity of the pregnancy, and any additional procedures (such as C-sections or multiple births).

The payment is structured in installments according to the various milestones of the surrogacy process. The surrogate may also be reimbursed for travel, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the pregnancy.

Maximizing the Payment for Surrogates

Compensation can vary based on the surrogate’s experience and any special medical circumstances that arise during the pregnancy. Surrogates may also receive bonuses for carrying twins or having a cesarean section.

For more information, visit Louisiana Department of Health.

The Process for Surrogates in Louisiana

Steps in the surrogacy process for surrogates:

• Initial Screening – To become a surrogate, women must submit an application with a licensed agency and undergo medical, psychological, and background screening.
• Contract – A legal contract is created between the surrogate and the intended parents.
• Medical Procedures – After the surrogate is approved, she undergoes IVF and any other necessary medical procedures.
• Pregnancy and Birth – The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the baby under the guidance of health professionals.

Surrogacy agencies provide full support to surrogates, including counseling, medical care, and compensation.

How to Become a Surrogate in Louisiana

Women who want to become surrogates in Louisiana must meet certain criteria:

• Age: Generally between ages 21 and 40.
• Health: Must have had at least one healthy pregnancy and be in good physical and emotional health.
• Emotional Preparedness: A surrogate must be emotionally ready to carry a child for someone else.

Every year, thousands of women choose to become surrogates, helping many parents achieve their dream of having a child.

Surrogacy Benefits in Louisiana

There are many benefits to being a surrogate in Louisiana, such as:

• Payment: Surrogates are compensated for their time, medical procedures, and the emotional and physical effort they contribute.
• Emotional Satisfaction: For many surrogates, the experience is fulfilling as they help a family.
• Financial Support: The agency provides financial support, covering medical expenses and compensation for surrogates.

Conclusion

For those struggling with infertility, medical issues, or barriers to conception, surrogacy in Louisiana is a great way for individuals and couples to expand their families. Thanks to strong legal protection and licensed agencies that guide every step of the process, Louisiana is among the best states for surrogates and intended parents. Surrogacy compensation is competitive, and the experience is designed to benefit all parties involved.

Visit Louisiana Department of Health for more information on surrogacy laws and processes in Louisiana.