Surrogacy in Wisconsin

Most importantly, surrogacy in Wisconsin is a complex and beautiful process for both intended parents and surrogates alike. In this process, there are a series of steps that are clearly defined to make sure that the process is smooth and legally sound for both parties involved. Here’s what the surrogacy process looks like in Wisconsin:

Initial Consultation:
A surrogacy agency or attorney who specializes in Wisconsin’s surrogacy laws will begin with a consultation for both intended parents and potential surrogates. This process helps clarify the rights, responsibilities and legal context for everyone involved.

Matching Process:
Intended parents are matched with a surrogate who has aligned values and expectations. There has to be a good compatibility because both sides will work together very closely.

Screening, Medical And Psychological:
Surrogates receive extensive medical evaluations to ensure they are physically able to carry a pregnancy. Both surrogates and intended parents may also receive counseling to address the emotional side of surrogacy.

Legal Agreements:
Legal contracts are established before any of these medical procedures take place. Surrogacy contracts are legal documents that specify the rights and obligations of both parties involved in the surrogacy arrangement, ensuring that all parties comply with Wisconsin's surrogacy laws.

Fertility Treatments:
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is usually used for the medical side. An embryo formed of the intended parents’ or donors’ DNA is implanted in the surrogate.

Pregnancy and Birth:
If the pregnancy is successful, the surrogate will receive standard prenatal care. Intended parents are usually active participants in this journey attending medical appointments and preparing for the baby’s arrival.

Post-Birth Legal Steps:
Depending on the circumstances, once the baby is born, additional legal steps may be required to establish the legal rights of the intended parents.

Surrogacy costs in Wisconsin can range widely depending on the services used and the complexity of the case. Here’s how the average costs break down:

Agency Fees:
Surrogacy agencies take fees for the matching, case management, and support throughout the process. The fees can range from $15,000 to $30,000.

Legal Fees:
Legal costs cover drafting and reviewing contracts and post-birth legal administration. That can run $5,000 to $10,000.

Medical Expenses:
Medical costs cover fertility treatments, prenatal care, and delivery expenses. The complexity of the underlying IVF process may make those cost range anywhere from $20,000 to over $40,000.

Surrogate Compensation:
Surrogates are paid for their time, work, and the physical toll of pregnancy. In Wisconsin compensation usually falls between $30,000 to $50,000.

Additional Costs:
Travel, insurance and psychological support can rack up another $10,000 to $20,000 in bills.
In general, the cost of surrogacy in Wisconsin tends to range from $80,000 to $150,000.

One of the most significant parts in the surrogacy process is finding the perfect surrogate. Here are some of the most common ways intended parents can find a surrogate in Wisconsin:

Surrogacy Agencies:
Agencies focus on connecting intended parents with surrogates, helping both parties along the way. They make sure that surrogates fulfill all medical and legal criteria.

Independent Matching:
Intended parents may also find a surrogate on their own, through personal networks or websites. Although this would be a way of saving on agency fees, but it requires more effort in screening and legal procedures.

Support Groups:
Some local and online-surrogacy support groups can help you find a surrogate as well.

Referrals:
A friend, family member or health care professional might be able to recommend a reputable surrogate.

Wisconsin has relatively permissive surrogacy laws, but does not have specific statutes expressly addressing the practice. Rather, surrogacy agreements are largely governed by case law and court precedents. Here's what you need to know:

Enforceability of Surrogacy Agreements:
Although Wisconsin courts have historically upheld surrogacy agreements, they are determined on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to enlist the help of an experienced attorney to create a clear, thorough contract.

Pre-Birth Parentage Orders:
Intended parents can usually secure a pre-birth order, outlining their parental rights before the child’s birth. This process can vary by county and the particular details of the case.

Eligibility for Surrogacy:
Surrogacy may take many forms, but as with the requirements to be an egg donor or sperm donor, there are no hard rules about what kind of person can become a surrogate, aside from the requirements set out in the surrogacy agreement itself.

Types Of Surrogacy: Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy (in which the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child) is more common and legally straightforward in Wisconsin. Traditional surrogacy (in which the surrogate is also the egg donor) may also bring added legal complications.

Same-Sex Couples:
Wisconsin generally is supportive of surrogacy arrangements for same-sex couples as long as legal parentage is properly established.

If you choose to become a surrogate in Wisconsin, you are making a big and generous decision. Here are the main steps and considerations for surrogates:

Surrogates must meet certain qualifications, including:

• Either in the 21 to 40 range.
• Having a healthy BMI.
• Having had at least one child.
• Clearing medical and psychological screenings.

The Process of Matching with Intended Parents:
Surrogates typically partner with an agency or work directly to match with intended parents who have the same values and expectations.

Legal Protections:
Surrogates also need independent legal counsel to protect their interests.

Medical Process:
Surrogates go through fertility treatments and regular prenatal visits. Intended parents and a team of medical professionals support them.

Emotional Support:
Agencies typically offer counseling and support groups for surrogates to help them handle the emotional side of surrogacy.

Wisconsin surrogate compensation varies depending on experience, location, and agreement specifics. Here’s a look at typical payments:

Base Compensation:
First-timers often earn $30,000 to $40,000; veteran surrogates may command $40,000 to $50,000 or more.

Surrogates might be paid additional amounts for:
Embryo transfer: $500 to $1,000 per transfer.
Maternity clothing allowance: $500 to $1,000.
Cost of carrying multiples: $5,000 to $10,000 for each additional baby.

Reimbursement for Expenses:
The intended parents cover all pregnancy-related expenses, including medical bills and travel expenses, as well as childcare.

Benefits:
Many surrogates also receive life insurance, counseling or a recovery allowance as part of their surrogacy agreements.

Wisconsin surrogates will receive a complete compensation package considering their dedication and work.

Wisconsin Surrogacy: A journey of a lifetime whether you are a biological parent or surrogate, it is important to be fully informed about the process, the law and the financial components to ensure a successful experience.