Pregnancy is a process filled with medical risks. Women who have already given birth at least once before are well aware of the challenges that come with carrying a child to term. Those who choose to serve as surrogates may hope that their pregnancy involves minimal complications and ends with the healthy birth of an infant.
However, things can go wrong with little warning during pregnancy. Significant prenatal and delivery complications and more than double the average medical expenses associated with childbirth. In some cases, the medical costs generated can add up to tens of thousands of dollars when there are complications during pregnancy or delivery.
Can surrogates protect themselves from crippling medical debt while assisting others with reproduction?
Contracts help protect surrogates
Generally speaking, surrogates and the parents relying on them for reproductive assistance sign thorough contracts. Those contracts ensure the termination of the surrogate’s parental rights, as well as her parental responsibilities, such as financial support obligations.
Surrogacy contracts also outline the responsibilities of the parents. Typically, those responsibilities include covering all of the necessary medical expenses of the surrogate. Often, surrogates cannot use their own health insurance coverage to pay for their medical expenses. They rely on the support of the aspiring parents to ensure that they have the care they need for their health and the safety of the baby they carry.
Women hoping to help others grow their families may need support as they negotiate contract terms that adequately protect them from financial exposure. Reviewing personal concerns with a skilled legal team and securing support while negotiating a surrogacy contract can help to protect women who choose to use their health and fertility for the benefit of others.