Reasons to Adopt vs. Surrogacy

Adoption and surrogacy are both viable choices for individuals or couples looking to add to their family. In adoption, a person or couple assumes the parental role for another (typically a baby or child). Adoption varies from guardianship in that it is formally recognized through a legal sanction. Surrogacy is when a mother carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple. A surrogate mother can be the baby's biological mother, or she can carry the egg and sperm of another couple.

  1. Money

    • Adoption is, for the most part, more cost-efficient than surrogacy. According to the website Adoption.com, adopting from the U.S. Foster Care System requires little to no cost. Other forms of adoption, including private and international, range from $5,000 to $30,000, which covers travel, birth mother and state expenses. Surrogacy expenses typically are around $60,000, which includes administrative fees, health insurance premiums and other surrogate fees, such as a maternity clothing stipend.

    Ethical Considerations

    • Many people, including religious groups, view surrogacy as immoral because it separates procreation from marital sex. In cases where a surrogate mother profits from carrying a baby to term, surrogacy can be viewed as "baby selling." In some countries -- such as Sweden, France and Germany -- surrogacy has been rejected by voters for ethical reasons. In 1991, France's higher court ruled that "The human body is not lent out, is not rented out and is not sold" with regards to surrogacy. Adoption, on the other hand, is accepted in most countries and and garners fewer ethical objections.

    Legal Issues

    • Surrogacy law is complicated and varies from state to state in the United States. Many states require contracts between the receiving adult(s) and the surrogate mother, which detail specific terms and conditions relating to the surrogacy. Unlike adoption, legal complications can ensue if a surrogate mother experiences complications during pregnancy or has a change of heart about keeping the baby or being a surrogate mother. According to research conducted by Georgetown University, surrogacy contracts may not always be legal or enforceable under U.S. law.

    Adoption Options

    • Another advantage of adoption over surrogacy is the option to adopt a child from another nation. Many overpopulated countries such as China have babies and children who are up for adoption to international parents. Adoptive parents will need to contact an "adoption facilitator," who helps arrange legal papers and applications necessary for adoption. International adoptions are useful when the number of domestic children up for adoption is low or to add diversity to a family -- and to give a loving home to a child in need.

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