Introduction
For many couples, the ability to have and raise a child is a very important aspect of the quality of life. However, more than 186 million people worldwide suffer from infertility.
One way to solve this problem is to use assisted reproductive technologies. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) – methods of infertility treatment in which manipulations with reproductive cells, some or all stages of preparation of reproductive cells, fertilization, and development of embryos before their transfer to the patient’s uterus are carried out in vitro.
Surrogacy is a form of ART that allows those who have serious reproductive health problems (absence of the uterus, deformity of the uterine cavity or cervix, severe somatic diseases, etc.) to have a genetically native child. In this article, we will consider the specifics of surrogacy in Michigan, based on information provided by the World Center of Baby agency.
History of the Development of Surrogacy in Michigan
Surrogacy as such appeared at the end of the last century – in 1976 in the United States. In the first experiment, the specialists used a surrogate mother’s egg fertilized with the biological father’s sperm. This experience was a success.
The world’s first agency to provide surrogacy services was founded by Michigan lawyer Noel Keane in 1976. The first programs were exclusively traditional. The professionals of the World Center of Baby indicate that 302 babies were born by 1988 thanks to this surrogacy agency in Michigan. This agency marks the beginning of a new perfect stage in the development of legal regulation of surrogacy – the first agreement on commercial surrogacy was concluded. It involved a traditional surrogacy program between a surrogate mother who was both a genetic mother and potential parents (and not only traditional married couples, but also gay men, lesbians, etc.).
Implementation of the Surrogacy Program in Michigan at the Present Stage
World Center of Baby states that surrogacy laws in Michigan provide for the possibility of implementing gestational surrogacy programs in this state of the USA. However, in this case:
- Surrogacy is fully legal in Michigan on an altruistic basis. Paid services are prohibited by law and considered illegal;
- The parties to surrogacy are required to draw up a written contract;
- The state pays maternity benefits;
- A clinic that plans to carry out activities in this area must obtain a state license;
- Surrogate mothers do not have any rights over the children they carry and are obliged to give them to their genetic parents.
What is the Cost of Surrogacy in Michigan?
As noted above, altruistic surrogacy in Michigan is encouraged by law. Paid services are not considered legal and are, therefore, prohibited.
But if we talk about the price of such services, then it usually varies from 50 to 80 thousand dollars. The cost is fully determined by the parties to the contract.
Look for more information on the forum of the best surrogacy agency World Center of Baby or contact its specialists directly.
