Surrogacy in Washington: A Complete Guide

The Surrogacy Process in Washington

Surrogacy in Washington is a well-regulated process that allows intended parents and surrogates to create families through legal and medical assistance. The process involves several key steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Intended parents consult with a surrogacy agency or attorney to understand their options and requirements.
2. Finding a Surrogate: Agencies help match intended parents with a qualified surrogate who meets legal and medical criteria.
3. Legal Agreements: A surrogacy contract is drafted, outlining responsibilities, compensation, and parental rights.
4. Medical Screening and IVF: The surrogate undergoes a thorough medical evaluation before embryo transfer via in vitro fertilization (IVF).
5. Pregnancy and Monitoring: The surrogate receives prenatal care, and both parties stay in regular communication.
6. Birth and Parental Rights: Intended parents secure legal parentage before or after birth, depending on the legal framework.

Eligible Intended Parents in Washington

Washington allows surrogacy for various types of intended parents, ensuring inclusivity. Surrogacy agencies in the state can work with:

• Heterosexual couples struggling with infertility
• Same-sex couples looking to expand their families
• Single parents who wish to have a biological child
• International intended parents who seek surrogacy in the U.S.

Surrogacy Laws in Washington

Washington has legalized compensated gestational surrogacy under the Uniform Parentage Act, ensuring clear legal guidelines. Key legal aspects include:

1. Gestational surrogacy is permitted, meaning the surrogate has no genetic link to the child.
2. Traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate provides the egg) is not recommended due to potential legal complications.
3. A legal contract is mandatory, outlining compensation, responsibilities, and parental rights.
4. Pre-birth orders allow intended parents to establish legal parentage before the baby is born.

Surrogacy in Washington for Intended Parents

Intended parents benefit from a structured and legally secure surrogacy process in Washington. They must:

1. Meet medical requirements for using IVF
2. Work with a surrogacy agency or attorney to ensure compliance with state laws.
3. Provide financial support for the surrogate’s medical expenses and compensation

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Washington?

The cost of surrogacy in Washington varies based on factors like agency fees, legal expenses, and surrogate compensation. On average, intended parents can expect to pay $100,000 – $150,000, which includes:

1. Agency fees: ($20,000 – $40,000)
2. Surrogate compensation: ($40,000 – $60,000+)
3. Medical expenses: ($20,000 – $30,000)
4. Legal fees: ($8,000 – $15,000)
5. Insurance and miscellaneous costs: ($10,000 – $20,000)

Finding a Surrogate in Washington

Surrogates can be found through:

• Surrogacy agencies: Professional matching services with legal and medical support.
• Independent searches: Intended parents may find a surrogate independently but must still secure legal contracts.
• Known surrogates: A family member or friend may serve as a surrogate.

For more information, visit: https://www.hca.wa.gov

Surrogacy in Washington for Surrogates

Women who choose to become surrogates play a crucial role in helping others build families. Washington ensures surrogates are protected legally and medically throughout the process.

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Washington?

Surrogates in Washington receive competitive compensation, which can range from $40,000 – $70,000+, depending on experience, the agency they work with, and the specific arrangements in their contract. Compensation can vary based on the following factors:

1. Base pay: Typically, first-time surrogates receive between $40,000 – $50,000, while experienced surrogates can earn $55,000 – $70,000+.
2. Multiples pregnancy bonus: If the surrogate carries twins or more, an additional $5,000 – $10,000 may be added.
3. Monthly allowances: Surrogates receive $200 – $300 per month for miscellaneous expenses such as prenatal vitamins, transportation to appointments, and childcare.
4. Maternity clothing stipend: A lump sum payment of $500 – $1,000 is provided for maternity wear.
5. Medical insurance coverage: If the surrogate's insurance does not cover surrogacy-related expenses, intended parents must purchase a suitable policy, which can cost $10,000 – $20,000+.
6. Lost wages compensation: If the surrogate is employed and needs to take time off work due to pregnancy-related issues or medical appointments, she will be reimbursed for lost income.
7. Spouse compensation: If the surrogate's spouse or partner must take time off work to assist, they may receive $1,500 – $3,000 in compensation.
8. C-section or medical complications compensation: If a surrogate requires a C-section or experiences other medical complications, she may receive an additional $3,000 – $5,000.
9. Travel and lodging expenses: If the surrogate needs to travel for medical procedures, intended parents will cover costs for flights, hotels, and meals.
10. Emotional and psychological support: Many agencies provide surrogates with therapy and emotional support throughout the process.

Experienced surrogates or those carrying for international intended parents may earn significantly higher compensation due to additional requirements and travel needs.

For official guidelines, check: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov

The Process for Surrogates in Washington

The surrogacy process for women who wish to become surrogates includes:

1. Application and screening: Background checks, medical exams, and psychological evaluations.
2. Matching with intended parents: Agencies facilitate a suitable match based on preferences and compatibility.
3. Legal contract signing: Ensures surrogate rights, responsibilities, and compensation are secured.
4. Medical procedures: IVF and embryo transfer process begins after legal clearance.
5. Pregnancy and support: Surrogates receive prenatal care and emotional support throughout the pregnancy.
6. Birth and post-birth process: Intended parents take custody, and surrogates recover with continued support.

How to Become a Surrogate in Washington

Becoming a surrogate in Washington involves meeting specific criteria:

• Age 21–40 with a healthy pregnancy history.
• No significant medical conditions that could affect pregnancy.
• Non-smoker, drug-free lifestyle.
• Stable home environment.
• Previous successful pregnancy preferred.
• Willingness to undergo medical and psychological screening.

Steps to apply:

1. Submit an application with a surrogacy agency.
2. Attend medical evaluations to confirm eligibility.
3. Undergo psychological screening to ensure emotional preparedness.
4. Complete a background check to verify personal history.
5. Sign a legal agreement to outline compensation and responsibilities.
6. Proceed with embryo transfer and begin the journey.

Benefits of Being a Surrogate in Washington

Surrogates in Washington enjoy various benefits, including:

• Financial compensation that can support personal and family goals.
• Health care coverage during the pregnancy.
• Legal protections ensuring fair treatment.
• Emotional fulfillment from helping intended parents achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Conclusion

Surrogacy in Washington is a legally protected and financially rewarding process for both intended parents and surrogates. With a structured legal framework and comprehensive support systems, Washington provides an excellent environment for surrogacy journeys.

For official information, visit: https://www.atg.wa.gov