Open Surrogacy
What is open surrogacy?
Open surrogacy — also known as communicative surrogacy, relational surrogacy, transparent surrogacy, or connected surrogacy — is a gestational surrogacy arrangement where the gestational carrier and intended parents (IPs) maintain direct, ongoing communication before, during, and sometimes after the pregnancy. Unlike closed surrogacy, it fosters a personal relationship, with varying levels of contact based on mutual agreement, enhancing trust and collaboration throughout the surrogacy journey.
How does open surrogacy work?
In open surrogacy, the matching process — often guided by a surrogacy agency — prioritizes carriers and IPs who desire interaction, detailed in their profiles. After signing a gestational carrier agreement (GCA) costing $5,000-$10,000, parties communicate via calls, emails, or in-person meetings, coordinated by a journey coordinator. During the pregnancy, the carrier shares updates (e.g., ultrasounds), and IPs may attend key moments like embryo transfer or delivery. Contact levels — from regular texts to lifelong bonds — are outlined in the GCA, with funds for medical and compensation ($100,000-$200,000 total) managed via escrow. Post-birth, relationships may continue or taper off as agreed.
What’s its role in surrogacy?
Open surrogacy plays a significant role in gestational surrogacy by building emotional connections between the carrier and IPs, fostering transparency and mutual respect. It allows the carrier to feel valued beyond her physical role and gives IPs a sense of involvement in the pregnancy, despite no genetic link to the carrier. This approach aligns with modern surrogacy’s emphasis on ethical, client-centered journeys, reducing misunderstandings and enriching the experience for all parties.
What are common features?
- Direct communication: Includes texts, calls, or visits, tailored to comfort levels.
- Shared milestones: IPs may join appointments or delivery, per GCA terms.
- Flexible boundaries: Contact ranges from frequent to minimal, set mutually.
- Emotional support: Counseling often supports open dynamics, costing $500-$5,000.
- Post-birth contact: May involve updates or friendships, agreed pre-pregnancy.
What is the history of open surrogacy?
Open surrogacy gained traction in the 1990s as gestational surrogacy grew, moving away from the anonymity of early arrangements post the 1986 Baby M case in New Jersey. Agencies in San Diego, California, pioneered open models, inspired by open adoption practices in Los Angeles, California. By the 2000s, Canada’s Toronto emphasized communicative frameworks under regulated laws, while the UK’s London integrated openness into altruistic surrogacy. India’s New Delhi briefly offered open options for international clients until 2018, shaping today’s preference for transparent, relational surrogacy globally.
Who uses open surrogacy?
- Gestational carriers: Choose openness for emotional connection and acknowledgment.
- Intended parents: Seek involvement and trust through direct carrier relationships.
- Surrogacy agencies: Facilitate open matches, ensuring aligned expectations.
- Counselors: Support communication dynamics, enhancing the journey’s success.
What are benefits and considerations?
- Benefits: Builds trust, enriches emotional experiences, and clarifies intentions for carriers and IPs.
- Challenges: Requires clear boundaries to avoid overstepping; differing expectations need mediation.
- Emotional impact: Openness fosters joy and gratitude but may complicate post-birth separation, needing support.
What about legal and financial aspects?
Open surrogacy costs align with standard surrogacy ($100,000-$200,000), including agency fees ($15,000-$30,000) and GCAs ($5,000-$10,000) detailing contact terms. States like California and Illinois uphold open arrangements with pre-birth orders, while the UK requires parental orders post-birth. Internationally, Ukraine supports open communication in commercial surrogacy. Disputes — rare with clear GCAs — may involve contact breaches, managed by escrow and legal oversight.
Why does it matter?
Open surrogacy weaves connection into gestational surrogacy, empowering carriers with meaningful relationships and engaging IPs in their child’s journey. For potential surrogates, understanding openness highlights their valued role, building confidence. By detailing this approach, agencies establish authority, guiding clients with empathy and clarity toward a collaborative family-building experience.
Related terms
- Gestational Surrogacy
- Gestational Carrier
- Intended Parents
- Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA)
- Closed Surrogacy
Synonyms
- Communicative surrogacy
- Relational surrogacy
- Transparent surrogacy
- Connected surrogacy
Open surrogacy nurtures bonds, blending trust and shared purpose to create families with heart.
