Things to Consider About Assisted Reproduction (IVF, Surrogacy, Egg or Sperm Donation)
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has enabled many people to grow the family of their dreams. However, the process of assisted reproduction can be confusing and overwhelming. Here is some information to help demystify and simplify the process.
Financial implications
The price of assisted reproductive technology (ART) varies depending on what kind of ART you require. For example, Intrauterine Inseminations (IUI)-where the sperm is placed directly into the uterus are usually much less expensive than In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – where egg and sperm are united in a lab to form embryos, which are then transferred to the uterus. In the event that you require a gestational carrier, or surrogate, there is cost related to her medical care, insurance, and compensation. If you need donor eggs or sperm, there can be cost related to purchasing gametes from a national bank (anonymous donor) or drafting a donor contract (known donor).
Success rates
Another important consideration for any person considering ART is how successfully the treatment has worked in the past, and how likely it is that the treatment will work for you. It is important to listen to your doctor (even if the information is painful to hear) about what he/she believes will be the most successful path for you. It can be emotionally and financially draining to repeatedly try processes that have a low chance of success.
Relationship and emotional considerations
There is often a lot of sadness, sense of failure or inadequacy, embarrassment, and grief associated with an infertility diagnosis or multiple miscarriages. It is important that you build your support system, and work with your partner, to address all of the feelings about the inability to grow your family without assistance before embarking on the journey of assisted reproduction. After all, the goal here is to have a baby. If you’re already emotionally exhausted before your baby is even born, you won’t have the capacity to deal with all of the responsibilities (and joys) of new parenthood.
Different types of ART
There are many different types of ART, and they each have their own benefits and risks, both medically, psychologically, and legally. We can help you build a village of professionals to advise and support you through these complex decisions.
Alternatives to ART
Of course, ART isn’t the only way for you to become a parent, and looking into alternatives such as adoption is also essential to take into account before a final decision regarding ART is made. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand all of your parentage options.
Once you have considered all of the above, you may be able to better understand which route makes the most sense for you and your family. If you are considering ART, understanding the legal implications of your decisions is extremely important. The lawyers at Haas & Associates can give you advice on your rights and obligations under various agreements, facilitate communication between parties, and help with administrative functions of your ART journey. If you would like a confidential consultation, call us today at 919-783-9669.