Gay surrogacy is a term used when an individual, either male or female, agrees to have a baby for another couple, in exchange for payment, as opposed to straight surrogacy. This article discusses the legality of gay surrogacy and how it is regulated across Europe. Check out the diversity in neighboring countries Bulgaria and Romania! Introduction The legalization of gay surrogacy in the European Union has led to an increase in demand for these services. Gay couples can now utilize surrogates who are unrelated to them to create children, affording them the opportunity to have a child without parental involvement. Surrogacy is not only an option for same-sex couples, but also for heterosexual couples who want to conceive a child through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Surrogacy is a complex and expensive process that involves hiring a surrogate mother or father. Prospective parents must first decide which type of surrogacy they would like to pursue: traditional surrogacy, which involves the transfer of embryos from one woman to another; gestational surrogacy, in which embryos are transferred directly into the uterus of the surrogate; or womb transplantation, in which a woman’s uterus is removed and replaced with an artificial one. Traditional surrogacy is by far the most popular form of surrogacy in Europe. In traditional surrogacy, a woman who is not related to either parent agrees to be pregnant for someone else and give birth to their child. The surrogate typically receives financial compensation for her services, although some agencies offer housing and other benefits as well. Gestational surrogacy is becoming increasingly popular because it’s less expensive than traditional surrogacy and it allows couples more control over their child’s genetics. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate provides her eggs cells and carries the baby until completion of delivery. Womb transplant Gay Surrogacy in Europe Surrogacy is increasingly becoming a popular way for same-sex couples to conceive children. There are many clinics around the world that offer surrogacy services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples. In some countries, such as the United States, surrogacy is considered a legal option for same-sex couples. There are many reasons why same-sex couples might choose surrogacy. Some may want to have a child without having to go through the process of fertility treatments. Others may want to find a surrogate who has similar genetic characteristics to their own. Surrogacy can be an extremely cost effective way for same-sex couples to conceive a child. For example, in America, it can cost upwards of $40,000 per pregnancy (excluding medical costs). By contrast, using a surrogate in Europe can cost as little as €4,000 per cycle (excluding accommodation and travel costs). This means that surrogacy could be an affordable option for some LGBT+ couples who are looking to conceive a child. There are also many benefits associated with surrogacy for same-sex couples. For one thing, it allows them access to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) – which can help them become pregnant – that would not be available to them if they were trying to conceive naturally. It also offers them the opportunity to create a genetic legacy, something that many parents might desire when they have children. Despite the growing popularity of surrogacy amongst LGBT+ people in Europe Who is Eligible to be a Surrogate? Surrogacy is an immensely popular and growing practice in the LGBT community. It allows couples to have children who would not be able to have children of their own due to medical reasons. Surrogacy is also often used by same-sex couples, as well as heterosexual couples who are unable to conceive naturally. There are a few requirements that must be met in order for someone to become a surrogate. First and foremost, the surrogate must be able to provide a healthy pregnancy for the intended parents. Secondly, the surrogate must be mentally and emotionally prepared for this process. Thirdly, the surrogate must be physically able to carry a child for nine months. Finally, the couple seeking surrogacy must have at least one child who is available to serve as a gestational carrier. The average cost of surrogacy varies depending on where you live and what services are provided. In some cases, agencies will charge an upfront fee as well as ongoing fees based on how many months into the pregnancy the surrogate is when she delivers the baby. How much does it cost? The cost of surrogacy in Europe varies depending on the country, but rates generally fall between €15,000 and €25,000. Surrogacy is not covered by health insurance in most European countries, so patients may need to cover some of the costs themselves. What are the Risks of Surrogacy and Gay Surrogacy? There are a few risks associated with surrogacy, but the most common is that the surrogate may not be able to provide a healthy child. Other risks include transmitting infection to the intended mother and father, miscarriage, and health problems for the surrogate. Gay surrogacy is also riskier than traditional surrogacy because of the increased chance of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. There have also been cases of gay men contracting hepatitis C through their surrogate partners. Overall, however, risks associated with gay surrogacy are relatively small when compared to those associated with traditional surrogacy. Conclusion Surrogacy is a process where one woman provides eggs or sperm to be used by another person in order to create a child. Surrogates can come from any country, and international surrogacy has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek ways to have children that are not biologically their own. Gay couples and single women are increasingly turning to surrogacy as an option, because it allows them access to fertility treatments that they may not be able to afford on their own.