I have been thinking of becoming a surrogate for years, and now that my husband and I are done having children - I think now is the time.
My sister went through years of infertility treatment before turning to adoption. Surrogacy was not an option for her - but if I can help end the heartache for another family who is going through something similar - it would be well worth it.
There are a few questions I have:
If I decide to go without an agency - what is the best way to find a reputable and knowledgeable lawyer?
I live in Rhode Island. Do you know if that is a surrogate friendly state?
I am overweight - is that a deal-breaker? I've lost 50lbs and have about 50lbs left to go. Keep in mind - I have had two successful and very healthy pregnancies at a heavier weight than I am now - including carrying twin babies to term (38 wks, 4days) with no bed rest, no complications, no gestational diabetes.
I am on a very small dose of Synthroid for hypothyroidism - which I took safely during my twin pregnancy. Would that be something that would eliminate me?
Thank you so much for your site. It's very informative.
Reply by Rayven
Let me answer your questions.
If you decide not to go through an agency, you find a lawyer by looking for those that deal with adoption, and asking for a referral. I don't recommend going with an attorney who has no experience with surrogacy, but an adoption attorney might know who deals with it in your area.
Since you are in Rhode Island, and its, well, SMALL, you should be able to explore the laws in your state, as well as all the neighboring states. I do not know the laws for RI, but if they are not friendly to surrogacy, one of the surrounding states should be. You might expand your lawyer search to the surrounding states as well. Remember, the laws in the state the baby is BORN in are the ones to follow with surrogacy.
Being overweight is pretty common in surrogacy. After all, most of us have given birth to a bunch of kids by now, and that does have a tendency to add weight! 50 lbs is not excessive. If your doctor clears you to get pregnant again at your weight, you should be fine.
You would need to speak with the clinic about your medication. That may or may not affect your ability to be approved for surrogacy.
