#Surrogacy and Insurance

[surrogacyglobal]

Surrogacy & Insurance: The Impact of Health Coverage on Costs

[coochiequeens]

No where in this article do they refer to the gestational carrier as a birth mother

PUBLISHED FRI, JUN 23 20239:54 AM EDTUPDATED FRI, JUN 23 20231:18 PM EDT by Courtney Reagan@COURTREAGANWATCH LIVEKEY POINTS

Almost two-thirds, 63%, of LGBTQ+ people plan to use assisted reproductive technology, foster care, or adoption to become parents, according to a survey by Family Equality. Gay male couples typically face a more expensive journey, as surrogacy or adoption are their primary choices. While more employers are offering fertility benefits, many of these packages are limited when it comes to covering surrogacy. Gay men face more challenges and higher costs to start family.

Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna knew from early on in their relationship they wanted to raise a child together. But the married couple didn’t think a biological child was a possibility. As freelancers in the creative arts, Shuford and Hanna don’t always see steady income, even when working on Broadway. The Houston-based couple, known as the “Broadway Husbands,” thought having a child with a donor egg and gestational carrier “seemed like it was something that was only available to people who were very wealthy,” said Shuford, 44.

It’s a safe assumption that having a child with a surrogate, now most often called a gestational carrier, is cost-prohibitive. While expenses vary widely due to a number of medical and legal factors, “the average cost of surrogacy in America has gone from $75,000 five years ago, to anywhere between $150,000 and $250,000 today,” according to Dr. Brian Levine, a reproductive endocrinologist who founded surrogacy matching platform Nodal.

In the U.S., there are only about 5,000 successful surrogacy journeys per year, Nodal estimates.“That’s only about 8% of met need,” Levine said. “In plain English, 92% of the people that dream of starting or growing or completing a family with surrogacy will not be able to do so in America due to the sheer time and cost constraints that are there today.”

Why gay male couples face higher costs

Alon Rivel always wanted to be a father. “As I grew up, I realized I was gay,” said Rivel, 34. “So I thought, this will never happen for me. I don’t have the money, but I wanted it desperately.” "We were shocked when we started to look into [having a biological child] and realized nothing is covered by insurance unless you can prove that you’re infertile,” said Rivel, who lives in Arlington, Massachusetts. He and his husband believed that “this is complete discrimination on the insurance company’s part because we are gay men.” “It is not a choice,” Rivel added. “We were born this way and, thus, we are actually infertile.” Experts say the demand for surrogacy relationships has grown since same-sex marriage became legal in the U.S. in 2015. Gay male couples typically face a more expensive journey, as surrogacy or adoption are their primary choices. In contrast, same-sex female couples are often able to carry pregnancies to term on their own, though they may possibly have to pay for donor sperm and fertilization.

"Sadly, we do see in some states that there are laws that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community". Betsy Campbell CHIEF ENGAGEMENT OFFICER FOR RESOLVE: THE NATIONAL INFERTILITY ASSOCIATION

Donor eggs are exponentially more expensive than donor sperm largely because the egg retrieval process is more invasive and complicated. While costs, again, vary wildly, donor eggs and the associated costs can range between $20,000 and $60,000, according to fertility marketplace GoStork, while donor sperm can be from as little as several hundred dollars to around $1,000. Donor eggs, meanwhile, are only one of many expenses.

Shuford and Hanna’s health insurance covered only the tests done on their sperm samples. Their remaining expenses, they estimate, ran between $150,000 and $180,000. That included around $40,000 for donor eggs, the medical costs to create, store, test and freeze embryos, medical insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs for their gestational carrier, her compensation, and other expenses. The couple used savings, credit cards and high-interest loans to cover that tab. Rivel and his husband’s journey to parenthood ultimately cost $220,000.

“We’re taking money away from our child’s college fund,” he said. “We’re taking money away from our mortgage.”

“Compared to [many of] our friends, our baseline is $200,000 below where they started,” Rivel added.

Employer fertility benefits offer limited help

More employers are starting to offer fertility benefits, often through a specialized fertility benefits manager such as Kindbody, Carrot, Progyny or Maven. In 2022, 40% of U.S. employers offered some type of fertility coverage, up from 30% in 2020, according to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. Fertility IQ, which keeps a workplace index of employer fertility benefits, found the average amount of fertility coverage in 2021 was $36,000 per lifetime, flat from the year before. But while more companies are offering fertility benefits, many of these packages are limited when it comes to covering what’s needed to build families using non-traditional methods. Almost two-thirds, 63%, of LGBTQ+ people plan to use assisted reproductive technology, foster care or adoption to become parents, according to a survey by Family Equality. Yet fewer than half of employers offering fertility benefits provided any benefits for adoption, and only about 10% provided benefits related to surrogacy, according to a 2021 survey from Resolve: The National Infertility Association and health-care consultancy Mercer. And state laws requiring employers of a certain size to offer fertility benefits often leave out coverage for third-party reproduction such as a gestational carrier or the purchase of donor eggs or donor sperm.

“I honestly believe that employers don’t realize there is a gap in their benefits. And they often don’t know this until an employee points that out,” said Betsy Campbell, chief engagement officer for Resolve.

She said many employers she speaks to have “the best intentions” but don’t understand how gestational surrogacy works or how family building benefits fall short.

Will Porteous, 39, became a father through gestational surrogacy before joining Maven as its chief growth officer. He and his husband tabulated their parenthood path cost at close to $175,000. “No employer in the entire country that I’m aware of offers anything greater than $75,000 a year, and so that only covers a portion.” 

But Porteous, who lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, said full coverage isn’t necessarily what LGBTQ+ couples want to see. “The expectation is to have equitable support to your other co-workers and seeing that your employer cares about that journey,” he said.

That employer support, Porteous said, “really means a lot and it shows that you as an employer care about your employee, regardless of how they’re going to build their family.”

Fertility benefits can help recruit, retain talent

While fertility benefits manager Progyny’s first clients were largely West Coast “Silicon Valley-type” businesses, according to CEO Pete Anevski, it now works with employers in 40 industries.

“There’s a flywheel effect happening,” he said, with more companies realizing benefits need to include family-building coverage “to be competitive, to attract and retain talent in what is still a tight labor market, an inflationary economy, even with concerns around a looming recession.” 

Fertility benefits manager Carrot said it has around 800 corporate clients and 80% of those offer their employees a benefit for surrogacy. “We have seen an increase in surrogacy claims year over year at about 250%,” said CEO Tammy Sun. 

Offering these types of benefits can be key factors for a company when job candidates are making decisions about employment, said Taryn Branca, chief revenue officer at Kindbody.

“I can’t tell you how many of our clients will call us, we will get on the phone with potential candidates that they’re recruiting, or we will provide information to support that recruit coming there because they are asking for very specific information before they’ll accept the offer: if they have surrogacy benefits, if they have donor benefits,” she said.

More than half of respondents in a new Progyny survey of LGBTQ+ community members said they are actively looking to build their families. Of that population, 79% would consider leaving their current job for one that offers better fertility and family-building benefits, and 80% would consider taking a second job to receive those benefits.

“This is not a ‘nice to have,’ this is a ‘need to have’ benefit,” Anevski said.

Rivel’s husband is an early employee at Massachusetts-based Beam Therapeutics. At Rivel’s insistence, he asked his human resources department to look into including surrogacy benefits. Eventually, the company added a surrogacy reimbursement benefit, which at the time Rivel and his husband used it was worth $10,000. 

While $10,000 was a small dent in the couple’s $220,000 surrogacy journey, Rivel said it’s better than nothing. “It’s really admirable that they have it,” he said. “I think it’s a really smart benefit for recruiting more people.”

Adoption also comes with high costs, risks

Adoption is certainly another family-building option. “It’s not for everyone ... it’s not without its costs, and the laws vary by state,” Resolve’s Campbell said. “Sadly, we do see in some states that there are laws that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, so that’s definitely a consideration.”

The average nonfoster-system adoption costs between $25,000 and $60,000, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. As with surrogacy relationships, the adopting parents cover related expenses for all parties, from medical to legal, plus living expenses if a match is made in advance of a birth. And, of course, there are no guarantees.

Shuford and Hanna decided adoption wasn’t a path for them. “There’s a lot of risks involved that we weren’t willing to take,” Hanna said. “We had heard of stories involving birth mothers changing their minds, and children having birth defects that without [genetic embryo testing] weren’t known.”

Like many gestational carrier stories, Shuford and Hanna’s was far from easy or straightforward.

Their first carrier dropped out of the process shortly before the embryo transfer was scheduled to take place but well after contracts had been signed and medical assessments and travel had occurred. The Covid-19 pandemic delayed the process with their second gestational carrier; then, after the first embryo transfer, the pregnancy ended in a devastating miscarriage. The second embryo transfer worked, and their surrogate gave birth to their son, Maverick, in 2022.

“So many times, we felt very excluded,” Shuford said. “We want to be able to have a family and raise our child and have that child be biologically related to us, and we have a right to do that, and we have a right to feel seen and validated in that process.”

But for Shuford, “in the end, it was totally worth it.”

“I mean, Maverick is amazing,” he added. “And we’re so lucky to have a healthy baby and also having someone like Crystal, our surrogate who carried our child.”

“I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced that kind of love in my life,” Shuford said. “So it’s really a powerful experience.”

[nivabupa]

How Surrogacy Can Be Covered in Health Insurance

Understanding how surrogacy can be covered in health insurance is crucial for managing costs. Some policies may include surrogacy-related medical expenses, such as prenatal care or delivery, but coverage varies by provider and location. Explore specific plans and add-ons to ensure comprehensive protection for all parties involved in the surrogacy process.

[mprgz]

Help, I'm a Man who Recently Got a Woman Pregnant Unexpectedly, and She Wants Me to Carry It, What should I do?

There are a lot of myths surrounding pregnancy in males, especially outside of marriage. To begin with, the health risks in pregnancy are about the same between the genders. So, unless one partner has a specific health issue affecting her ability to carry a child to term, this shouldn't be a major issue of consideration.

Deciding which parent should carry the baby is a personal issue between the couples. You are well within your rights to refuse to carry the baby. Unless the mother has a major health issue, you shouldn't feel pressured to carry it. Deciding to get pregnant is a personal decision, and you shouldn't feel undo pressure to do so.

This article aims to answer common questions and misconceptions about male pregnancy in that situation.

Will people think I'm gay if I'm pregnant?

Although being pregnant for the first time can be an embarrassing experience as a man, the majority (up to 70%) of pregnant men are heterosexual. Although heterosexual pregnancy is less common in some regions, any social stigma is a minor issue compared to the other difficulties of pregnancy and childbirth.

I've heard that I can't terminate the pregnancy if I'm a man?

This is false. However, you will likely legally be classified as a "surrogate" in your situation: if the fetus was first gestated by someone else and you are not married, even if you are the biological father. In many states, there are laws against 'surrogacy extortion', in which a surrogate would threaten to terminate a pregnancy in bad faith. Only a few cases of surrogacy extortion have been recorded, but it caused a moral panic, and over-zealous laws preventing a largely imaginary problem.

In order to terminate a surrogate pregnancy, you will generally need permission from the mother or a valid health concern. If you want to terminate the pregnancy, you should talk to her about it directly, not try to do on a technicality. However, the law is fairly generous on the definition of a "Valid health concern" for the purpose of terminating a pregnancy. The law exists to prevent men from accepting the fetus transfer as a way to terminate the pregnancy in bad faith. Bear in mind that this only applies to to cases of embryo/fetus transfer. If you are pregnant from IVF, with the intent of bearing your own child, the surrogacy extortion laws can not apply to you.

But if I'm legally a surrogate, what are the implications of that?

The law is a bit double-minded on this point. With respect to employment rights and insurance, as long as you are carrying a pregnancy that is yours, you think is yours, or you at least have, "a reasonable belief that you may be the father," you have all the rights of parenthood toward everyone except the mother.

This may be confusing or nonsensical, but the law's position is that no one besides the mother has an interest in your pregnancy. So, no one else has 'standing' to question if you really are the father or not.

What happens if I'm not the father?

Legally, you would be consenting to a surrogacy in most states. Accurate DNA testing is difficult at that stage, and there is a risk of carrying someone else's child. If you are not comfortable with that risk, you should not consent to pregnancy transfer.

In the eyes of the law, since you have no obligation to carry the child, you aren't getting pregnant because you are the father, but because of a mutual agreement between two people. The mother doesn't have a legal obligation to disclose cheating, so you are assumed to take that risk.

However, if you are not the father, the actual parents will be responsible for your medical bills. To avoid any legal trouble, if you have doubts, have per specify on the medical paperwork that you are the father or the supposed father. Likewise, a notarized statement that you are the father, supposed father, or most likely father will stand up in court. If you are the father, she shouldn't have an objection to declaring so.

Will carrying the baby help in custody disputes?

Technically it is not a legal consideration, but the courts generally look favorable on fathers who help out during pregnancy. If you are concerned with custody issues, it is generally advised to carry the pregnancy.

But it is often more important to consider how you carry the pregnancy than that you carry the pregnancy. Illegal drug use, alcohol, and tobacoo should be obviously avoided during pregnancy. Likewise, you should keep all your wellness visits and medical checkups. A record of irresponsible behavior during pregnancy often outweighs any sympathy the court has for decision to carry the baby.

She says that she is not allowed to carry the baby for work or legal reasons. Is this true?

Generally no, work contracts can not forbid pregnancy. If she is a freelancer or independent contractor, she might mean that she will have trouble finding work. If you are planning on marrying or otherwise forming a permenent relationship, you may want to consider if her work situation makes it more reasonable for you to carry the pregnancies. Additionally, if she does take a significant income loss due to maternity reasons, that may increase your child support.

There is one exception: during wartime or other recruitment services, it may be illegal for people in the millitary to become pregnant. In that situation, you may want to consider carrying the baby. The courts can not retaliate against you for refusing to carry the pregnancy, but if you desire any relationship with the mother at all, you should carry the pregnancy or agree to a termination.

I might or might not be the father. Should I still carry the baby?

Again, this is a personal decision. Ideally, you should not let yourself get into such situations. In cases with disputed paternity, it is common for all potential fathers to believe that they 'just can't' be the father. Often, this is wishful thinking. If you had relations in the correct timeframe and she thinks that you are the father, odds are that you are as likely as anyone to be the father.

You need to balance your concerns with not carrying your child (which you would have if you as asking this question) against your concerns with carrying a child that isn't yours. If she can carry the baby, maybe its more fair is she does it, since she is 100% the mother, while you might have a 50% or 33% chance that you are the father.

But conversely, if she is asking you to carry the baby, and 'thinks' you are the father, the odds of being the father are closer to 90% than 50%. It is very unlikely that she is tricking you into carrying someone else's baby. She, may, however, be hiding unfaithfulness if you are in a committed relationship. So ironically, she's less likely to be lying if the baby was concieved outside of the relationship.

Final Remarks

If you are seriously considering this question, the answer is probably 'yes' you should carry the baby. Ask yourself if you have good reasons not to do it, if not, you probably just need to convince yourself. And remember that communication with the mother is one of the most important aspects of pregnancy.

[hlficlibrary]

HL FIC LIBRARY ✤ AUTHOR REC

AO3: jaerie

Tumblr: @jaerie

STATS:

✤ Number of fics: 162

✤ Posting Since: 2014

TOP 5 FICS:

1️⃣ come on over, we've got something to share (E, 12k)

Even as an unbonded omega with a four year old, Harry had everything he needed. His beautiful son, a nice apartment, money to pay the bills -- oh, and an alpha next door always willing to knot his brains out.

2️⃣ Where Do We Go Now (E, 10k)

Louis goes off to college ready to start a fresh life away from the oppressive alphas of his pack. The odds aren't in his favour when his new dorm mate turns out to be an alpha. Louis hates alphas.

3️⃣ Just Jump (E, 9k)

Finally, after years of suffering alone, the insurance plan at Harry's new job covered omega heat services. As a grown omega adult, it finally felt like the right time to try it out. And, since taking an entire week of heat leave would really put him behind at work, using a service to shorten it seemed like a responsible decision. At least that’s how he rationalized it. He was nervous about his decision but it was too late. The doorbell rang.

“Hi!” The alpha said again and Harry took the hand he offered and shook it firmly. “I’m Louis from Omega Services. It’s nice to meet you.”

4️⃣ I Think You're Already Home (E, 38k)

Seeing Louis Tomlinson today, it would be hard to guess that he was ever once a member of the world's most famous boyband. These days he doesn't even the leave his own house. The truth is he can't leave his own house. He can't even remember the last time just standing at an open door didn't send him into a debilitating panic attack. But, against his friend's advice, Louis is ready to add meaning to his life again. He's ready to start a family. So what if he doesn't have an omega? There are plenty of surrogacy services just waiting to help the rich and famous become parents. He just has to find the right one for the job.

5️⃣ Woke Up Feeling Knotty (E, 7k)

Beta Louis has a kink for knotting and the secret aesthetic porn blog he runs about it is more than proof. When he accidentally finds out his alpha best friend Harry is one of his biggest fans, he knows he has to come clean after everything that has already happened between them. Harry just might be willing to help him out anyway.

HIDDEN GEM:

💎 Old Photographs & Times I'll Remember (E, 53k)

Carefully he set that negative down and lifted the paper to see there was another beneath. This one again was a young man, this time posed against an antique car. He lifted a few more negatives out one by one, each a portrait of the same man with various backdrops. The man in a meadow, in an office, leaning against a doorframe — even one in his underwear grinning at the camera. On the edge of each negative printed in slanted, handwritten characters were the initials and date. H.S. 1924.

He quickly but carefully packed them back into the box and buzzed with excitement. He couldn’t wait to develop them to see exactly what had been captured in the images. It was a find that felt like a puzzle to piece together.

H.S. was likely the man in the photographs as well as the owner of the suitcase. Who was he? Why had his suitcase found its way into Niall’s attic? Was he still alive and well somewhere in the world?

A camera, a suitcase, and a relationship forged through time.

[mariacallous]

Following the legalization of same-sex civil marriage in Greece in February, the head of the left-wing SYRIZA party, Stefanos Kasselakis, exchanged vows on Friday with his American partner Tyler McBeth at a ceremony in Chania on the island of Crete.

Kasselakis and McBeth are the first openly LGBTQ+ couple in Greek politics. They first married in October 2023 in New York but decided to also marry in Greece following the legalisation of civil marriage for same-sex couples earlier this year.

The marriage took place at 5 pm local time at the Botanical Garden, amid fruit trees, herbs, spices and medicinal and ornamental plants gathered from all over the world. Over the previous four days, the couple organised various events for their guests. A farewell party is planned at a beach bar on Saturday.

Greece’s parliament, despite strong opposition, recognised same-sex civil marriages in February, granting full parental rights to same-sex couples that already have children and allowing such couples to adopt. It stopped short of allowing same-sex couples to have children via surrogacy in future.

Surrogacy is currently allowed only for single or married women who are unable to have children on health grounds. Heterosexual couples and single men and women are allowed to adopt.

Opponents of the bill gathered at Athens’ Syntagma Square ahead of the passing of the law, holding crosses, Orthodox icons and placards with the slogan “Homeland – Religion – Family” written on them.

The Greek Orthodox Church criticised the law change, claiming it was step towards the abolition of traditional perenting and the “disappearance” of gender roles.

Kasselakis, in a TV interview in October 2023, said he and his partner wanted to have two children with a surrogate mother.

In 2015, the then SYRIZA-ANEL government brought in civil partnerships for same-sex couples. The bill extended civil partnership rights to same-sex couples, expanding their rights concerning the family, inheritance and insurance. The earlier lack of legal provision for same-sex couples had resulted in Greece being condemned in 2013 by the European Court of Human Rights.

Kasselakis’ marriage has taken place during a turbulent period for his SYRIZA party. On Friday, the party announced the exclusion of MP Athina Linou and asked her to resign from her parliamentary seat, which she has refused to do. Linou, founder of Prolepsis, a non-profit organisation active in medical research, health promotion and environmental and occupational health, is accused of involvement in murky funding.

Earlier, Sokratis Famellos, former president of SYRIZA’s parliamentary group, was replaced in an attempt to overcome the internal feuding. Another faction, “the group of 87”, supporters of the previous SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras, is calling for internal presidential elections in the party to defuse the crisis.

[weezly14]

so i'm not going to respond to any individual asks - this is the blanket response to all the asks i've gotten in the past few weeks asking me when i'm going to update my WIPs, if i've abandoned them, etc. i appreciate the love, i do. i miss dust to dust, and something good and right and real, and i wanna be your boyfriend, too.

i might regret being this honest later, but fuck it, it's my blog and not enough people talk about this shit.

i'm struggling with infertility. emphasis on the struggle. i'm weepy from fertility meds, in the midst of my first treatment cycle, half hope and half fear. we're "unexplained infertility," so there's no reason why it shouldn't work, except it hasn't so far, so hope feels like a dangerous thing.

for anyone who hasn't experienced this, it's a complete and total mindfuck. i don't feel like the same person i was a year ago, before all those negative pregnancy tests. i thought i'd have a baby by now, or at least be pregnant. instead, i have a shitty not even diagnosis, and Options that are both a blessing but also invasive, and expensive, and in no way a guarantee. every month i calculate when the due date would be; think about the events we have planned for next year in terms of where i could be in a pregnancy; and every month, my period arrives right on schedule, if not a day early. i have yet to see a positive pregnancy test. it's "only" been a year, and i'm "so young," but it feels like it's been ages and like i'm running out of time.

we've been forced to have conversations about money, about how far we want to go with treatment, about when we might call it. "it's too early to think about that," you might say, but one cycle of ivf could cost $16k. we have good insurance, but are we willing to undergo more than one egg retrieval? how many failed transfers before we decide the emotional toll is too high? it's better to have those conversations now, before we have to, when we can maybe make clearer decisions. would we consider donor eggs or sperm? surrogacy? what about adoption?

meanwhile, i'm watching friends and acquaintances get pregnant with no problem, as i try not to completely isolate myself and try to track ovulation, as though timing might be the problem.

(it's not.)

i'm not the person i was before all of this, and it sucks. i'm a sadder, smaller person, i think. i'm trying my best. i'm "practicing hope" or some shit, i'm doing my best to keep my head up and stop isolating, stop avoiding my pregnant best friend, stop wallowing in the grief. because it is grief. if i get pregnant, it will be because of fertility meds and doctors, it will happen in a sterile exam room, hopefully with my husband holding my hand, if he can get the time off work. there will be no spontaneous pregnancy, no surprise. there's grief in that, in letting go of what i thought this might be like, how i thought it might go.

so yes, writing fic has fallen by the wayside. not because i want it to. i just have a hard time finding the energy to do even fun things. i miss the person who could write a lot in short spans of time, who had the energy for fic. i'd like to believe i can still be that person again. i don't consider any of those fics abandoned. i've written, i've worked on things.

but, right now, it feels like my entire life, my entire being, is consumed with this struggle to get pregnant. like my life is measured by where i am in my cycle. i look at my calendar and think, that's when i'll get my period or a positive test, so i should be mindful in what i plan. i might be very happy, or i might have a very bad day.

sometimes, the bad days feel eternal.

but i'm doing what i can. i'm trying, anyway. my therapist said i should practice hope, and i'm trying to. i'm trying to let myself believe things might work out. even though the fucking meds have made me weepy as hell, i'm trying to stay positive, and envision that this cycle could work. that on christmas day, instead of my period, i'll get a positive pregnancy test.

(because going home for christmas isn't loaded enough.)

there's an old wives tale that if you wrap a baby blanket and put it under the tree, you'll have a baby by next christmas. i'm jewish, but we're an interfaith household, so we bought a baby blanket, and we're going to wrap it in hanukkah paper, and put it under the tree. we have a hope basket in the nursery - because when we moved into this house we set aside a bedroom to be the nursery, and it's empty except for that little basket of baby things we've collected over the months, in the hopes that one day we'll have a baby to dress in the little onesies or socks. we have a running list of names. this is our version of practicing hope.

this is only our first treatment cycle. things could work. or maybe the next cycle. and then, there's always ivf. some days, i feel like it'll work for us, and we will have a baby, one way or another. other days, i wonder if i shouldn't just spare myself the pain and call it now. it's exhausting, infertility.

so, to everyone who misses my writing, and wonders when i'll update again - i don't know. i miss my writing, too. i miss being the person who wasn't so consumed by fertility shit, who could indulge in hobbies. i'd like to believe i can get back to that. but not this week.

the holidays are joyous but they're also really fucking hard, so let me be your friendly reminder not to ask people when they're having kids, or why they aren't pregnant yet, and to not tell people struggling with infertility to "just adopt" or "just relax."

happy holidays.

[philosophicalconservatism]

hi, how are you? 😊 just for the fun of it, i'm throwing a random question at you: are there things which you think people shouldn't be able to buy or sell or do you think there should be no restrictions? like buying/selling e.g. organs, babies, weapons, drugs, sexual favors, etc. i follow some radical feminist blogs who are very much against surrogacy and oppose people (mainly sexual minorities) who say they have a right to surrogates and that it should be covered by insurance. i was wondering what a conservative thinks about these issues. i'm just curious & eager to hear different perspectives.

Thanks for the question, and once again for following.

The phrasing of your question cries out for drawing a basic distinction between Conservatism and Libertarianism. Yet the very moment we proceed to do so we come to an initial realization. If Libertarianism is only distinguishable from other ideas of government by the fact that it embraces an “absolute” ethos of liberty, then the only genuine Libertarianism is something called Anarcho-Capitalism. This is a scenario within which every voluntary transaction is permissible, which necessarily means that there can be no political state. Every element of order within such a society is to come about as a consequence of voluntary contracts between individuals at specific moments in time (including policing and enforcement).

Any professed Libertarian that adheres to anything less than this standard does not in fact embrace a genuine Libertarianism but some specific shade of Conservatism. How can I say this? Well, let us consider why someone who calls himself a Libertarian would reject an Anarcho- Capitalist model. How would he explain himself? In explaining himself he would begin to sound very much like a passage from an Edmund Burke pamphlet. He would begin to talk about abstract ideological speculation having to give way to practical human realities, and concrete social precedent. He could not exclude something like Anarcho-Capitalism in principle, as a future possibility, but he would insist that human societies as we presently know them cannot practically assume this form.

Now once he begins to reason in this way on political matters he cannot later on decide to appeal to some “absolute” Liberal ethos to settle every political question. He must continue in his confessed understanding of the fact that politics is actually a convergence of abstract ideals and (historically grounded) practical social realities. Without abstract ideals politics is morally blind, but without practical consideration and historical orientation, it is in applicable and useless. Attempt to establish a Jeffersonian Democracy overnight in a place like Saudi Arabia much less Afghanistan and see how far it gets you. On the other hand, you can take small practical steps toward gradually liberalizing such countries over time. The Conservative is a believer in freedom, but freedom is a thing into which societies must continually grow and develop.

So this brings us to your question of exactly what should and should not be permitted within the so called ”liberal” societies of the West. The answer is that we must determine on a case by case basis what we can realistically sustain as individual societies in this stage of our growth and development. We must carefully examine each issue with a close eye on the law of unintended consequences. Some professed Libertarians for example, like to talk about the legalization of drugs; but what would absolute drug legalization mean? It would consist of the right to freely dispense and use for recreational purposes, every single pharmaceutical and street drug in existence. We have absolutely no idea what an America like that would even look like.

We presently have a nationally crippling epidemic that revolves around a single strictly controlled substance (Fentanyl). One could not even begin to predict the vast sea of long term social consequences that would be created by the kind of policy referred to here. It would not even be guaranteed to eliminate the black market sale of these drugs. For example, there is still a multi-billion dollar international black market in tobacco, a legal drug. Now I made reference specifically to America here for a reason. Because in the end, every individual society must assess these issues for itself, on the basis of its own unique characteristics and national experience. Prostitution may be handled in one way by one legislature but differently by another (including within the same nation, as it is in the U.S.). One of the unintended consequences we must always consider is how the legalization of something complicates the prosecution of the illegal (or unregulated) versions of that thing.

The issue of surrogate motherhood could potentially yield some unique unintended consequences which cause it to stand apart. I do not have a problem with it in principle, but I think it must retain a certain character. If surrogate motherhood becomes a market exactly like any other market, then childbearing becomes the production of a commodity, and human beings can become articles for sale. But a child is not the “possession” of their parent, and therefore an unfettered market model is wrong for this kind of issue. There is a vast difference between parental discretion, and property rights. This topic is somewhat different from the others we have discussed so far. Those issues had to do only with how human beings dispose of their own person and property. This issue has to do with one party’s (or more than one party's) power over another (the future baby). For this reason it must be regulated even in the freest context.

In conclusion, the approach that I take on most of these question is to outline how we need to think about them rather than to try to answer them directly. Some of them are tremendously complex questions that do not necessarily have any uniform answer that is fit for every single society. We should act in a way that tends toward the maximization of freedom within the constraints of the present development of each society.

[surrogacyagencykenya]

Why Surrogate mother cost in Kenya is lower than other countries?

Surrogacy in Kenya is quite popular among all the intended parents looking for an affordable surrogacy program. While cost is always lower than many other countries like USA and UK, the quality of care is on par with the best in the world. 

On the other side, the surrogate mother cost in Kenya is way lower than other nations and this is that one thing that always comes surprising for many. In the coming parts of this article, we will discuss regarding the key points in the same regard.  While doing that, we will also talk about various elements that come crucial in deciding the surrogacy cost in Kenya. 

1. Humble family backgrounds

Most of the surrogate mother in Kenya comes from humble family backgrounds. Moreover, they will not have huge demands from their role of the surrogate mother in Kenya. Also, they won’t prefer living in surrogate accommodation offered by the surrogacy agency. At the same time, these surrogates would come with a greater character and compassion towards the intended parents. Hence as an intended parent, you can always expect a noble person for your service rather than someone simply looking to earn some money.

2. Financial Components

The cost of living in Kenya is way lower than most of the western nations. This implies that in general costs, including medical care, are for the most part less costly. Also, for surrogate moms, this interprets to lower charges for their services related to surrogacy in Kenya. In nations with higher living costs, surrogate moms regularly charge more to cover their own living costs.

3. Healthcare Costs

On the other hand, the cost to healthcare in Kenya is altogether lower than in numerous Western nations. This incorporates the medical strategies included in surrogacy in Kenya, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-birth care. In nations just like the United States, these strategies can be exceptionally costly, which increments the in general surrogacy cost in Kenya.

3. Lack of legal regulations 

Kenya has a lack of surrogacy related regulations compared to numerous Western nations. In places with strict surrogacy laws, there are extra legal costs. These can incorporate legal expenses for drafting contracts, parental rights agreements, and other procedures. In Kenya, where there are no surrogacy laws, this can potentially lower the surrogate mother cost in Kenya.

4. Bigger supply than the demand 

In Kenya, you will find numerous women willing to become surrogate mothers. This can be due to financial reasons, where they see surrogacy as a way to earn some good money to improve their financial situation. When there's a huge supply of surrogate moms, the cost tends to be lower. In differentiate; in nations where less women are willing to be surrogates, the overall cost is higher due to restricted availability.

5. No Insurance coverage 

In numerous Western nations, insurance companies don't cover the costs of surrogacy. This implies expecting guardians must pay all costs out of their pocket, which can include to the overall cost structure. In Kenya, where surrogacy is less directed and not ordinarily secured by insurances, the costs are more specifically related to the genuine medical and living costs of the surrogate mother in Kenya

6. Financial motivation 

For numerous Kenyan women, becoming a surrogate can be a way to earn money that they won’t get from something else. This financial inspiration can lead to more ladies advertising surrogacy services at competitive costs. In wealthier nations, where citizens have more earning options, women may not be as persuaded by the money related aspect of surrogacy.

7. Rising international demand 

Kenya has ended up a hotspot for international surrogacy. That said, individuals from nations with higher surrogacy costs look to Kenya as a more reasonable choice. Also, this worldwide request has created a situation where surrogacy services are advertised at competitive costs.

8. Overall lower cost of surrogacy services 

The amount charged by experts such as specialists, legal counselors, and agencies included within the surrogacy process are for the most part lower in Kenya. In nations with higher wage levels, experts regularly charge more for their services, which includes to the by and large cost of surrogacy.

9. Healthy and simplified lifestyle 

The lifestyle of surrogate mother in Kenya may be less complex compared to surrogate moms in wealthier nations. This implies their living costs amid pregnancy, which are regularly secured by the expecting parents, are lower.

10. Cultural aspects

In some Kenyan communities, there's a social eagerness to assist others, including through surrogacy in Kenya . This social angle can impact the choice to turn up as a surrogate without requesting higher fees

Final words

Hence, we can say that the lower surrogate mother cost in Kenya is due to a combination of economic, legal, and social variables. Whereas it offers a more reasonable choice for many intended parents trying to find surrogacy services, it's imperative to consider the moral suggestions and guarantee that surrogate mothers are treated decently and with regard. As surrogacy gets to be more global, understanding the distinctive components that impact its cost in different nations is pivotal for those considering this path to parenthood.

[coochiequeens]

An organization called Men Having Babies boasted that the bill will "remove financial barriers" for gay men who wish to rent a woman's womb to have a child who has the DNA of one of the males in the relationship.” Leave it to California for trying to make it easier to exploit women sound progressive.

Co-author of the bill Senator Caroline Menjivar (D) said the bill "will ensure that queer couples no longer have to pay more out of pocket to start families than non-queer families."

California Bill SB 729 seeks to redefine "infertility" to be a status, as opposed to a medical condition. Changing the definition to "a person’s inability to reproduce either as an individual or with their partner without medical intervention" would classify gay men as infertile. 

The bill, which passed the Senate last month, would require insurance companies to cover in-vitrofertilization procedures. With the change in definition, this would also include forcing the firms to cover surrogacy for gay males. 

Co-author of the bill Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D) said the bill "will ensure that queer couples no longer have to pay more out of pocket to start families than non-queer families." She continued, "This bill is critical to achieving full-lived equality for LGBTQ+ people, as well as advancing well-rounded and comprehensive health care for all Californians."

An organization called Men Having Babies boasted that the bill will "remove financial barriers" for gay men who wish to rent a woman's womb to have a child who has the DNA of one of the males in the relationship. 

The group states on its website, "Central to our fight for more equitable access to parenting options is what we know from our combined experiences: The anguish and yearning that same-sex couples and singles feel due to their inability to reproduce without medical intervention is equal to the anguish of heterosexual couples who suffer from 'medical infertility.'" 

According to the Free Beacon, the opposition to SB 729 comes from California business and insurance groups who claim that it will raise insurance premiums by more than $330 million a year. Others point to the erosion of the traditional family structure. 

"Under this bill, most insurance plans would be required to provide in vitro fertilization services based on someone’s relationship status or sexual orientation," said Emma Waters with the Heritage Foundation. "For single men or male same-sex couples, this means they would need to access a surrogate to carry their child. So the bill is outlining what adults have the right to, but nowhere does it address the needs of the child or safety concerns regarding the child either in IVF or in gestational surrogacy."

"This bill seeks to further erode the father, mother, and child nuclear family and make everyone in society pay for it to further a make-believe cause named 'fertility equality,'" said Greg Burt, director of the California Family Council. "The reason healthy singles and same-sex couples can't reproduce has nothing to do with infertility; it has to do with biology."

SB 729 would not affect any "entity that enters into a contract with the State Department of Health Care Services for the delivery of health care services pursuant to specified provisions." By Sara Higdon

In the meantime California has 60,000 kids in foster care

[jaydeemainmansblog]

Bring us your hungry bring us your tired what is it the Uncle Sam bring us all your Chinese girls here to this country for us to cut their eyes out because it's 2/3 not 3/4 or 5/3....

Also there's no there's no reason to cut out all your satellite Maker's eyes you know if we have to continue repeating the division cycle of getting rid of the last New York on Earth of cutting out all the Chinese girls and boys eyes brought here then then obviously it's not worth it again to bring me here to to Pensacola or or to bring me here to baton rouge okay and it says our satellite makers attacked you and they have their ice cut out and they need them to cut your eyes out... And I insisted I have a few other cities of surrogates here as an insurance policy I didn't think I needed it but again in the other country I have more insurance policies of cities that I will die for that people that I will die for again you can cut out my eyes but I'm not die for this b******* f****** family in Pensacola or baton rouge you guys can suck my a******

And also I found a better surrogacy I found a better city of girls in this country and I have I have a whole bunch of them and in the other country

[abhishekhospt]

Key factors to consider the infertility Treatment in Jaipur

Infertility is such a personal and emotionally draining journey. Fortunately, modern medical science provides hope for many couples today, and Jaipur is now one of India's leading centers for high-standard fertility treatment. If you are newly exploring your choices or looking to take the leap, keeping the most important factors in mind that will decide your mind can be the clinching factor. Following is what you must keep in mind while choosing infertility treatment in Jaipur, with a special focus on Abhishek Hospital, a trusted name infertility treatment.

1. Reputation and Experience of the Fertility Center

When it comes to fertility treatment, you need to have trust and credibility. You require a high success rate of the clinic and happy patients. Abhishek Hospital is one of the safest bets in Jaipur for infertility treatment due to its vast experience and consistently high success rate.

With highly experienced personnel fertility specialists and the latest technology, Abhisek Hospital has helped many couples to become parents. Openness of operations, patient-care orientation, and ethical handling of patients have all contributed towards maintaining Abhisek Hospital as a favourite among those willing to solve issues related to infertility.

2. Scope of Services Provided

Treatments for infertility are all individualized depending on diagnosis and personal medical condition. Seek out a clinic that provides the whole spectrum of services—from standard checkups and pills to more complicated procedures like IUI, IVF, ICSI, egg donation, and surrogacy.

Abhishek Hospital offers end-to-end fertility treatment in one place. In case you are looking for hormone tests, laparoscopy, or assisted reproductive technique, this hospital is equipped with all to walk you through every stage of the treatment.

Not only that, it saves time and effort, as well as continuity in your line of treatment, which is more than required to deliver better results.

3. Medical Team Expertise

With each successful treatment of infertility in Jaipur, there is a dedicated team of professionals—gynecologists, embryologists, endocrinologists, and counselors. Your success rate depends directly on the professionalism and experience of these experts.

At Abhishek Hospital, not only are the doctors and medical professionals well trained but also patient-friendly and compassionate. They take their own time listening to your issue, understanding your history, and providing a tailored plan according to your requirement. Their entire holistic package gives both psychological and physical support throughout the treatment.

4. Application of Advanced Technology

Current fertility treatment is based to a great extent on advanced technology. From embryo freezing to genetic testing and high-tech imaging, technology plays an important part in ensuring high success rates and low risks.

Abhishek Hospital utilizes the most modern equipment and metro-standard lab facilities to provide the most accurate and efficient infertility treatment in Jaipur. The investment in technology provides patients with world-class treatment without having to travel to metros such as Delhi or Mumbai.

5. Affordability and Transparency

Price is usually the most serious problem with fertility treatment. Sure, you do want the best, but it is also important to get a center that offers fair prices and is clear about money matters.

One of the most sought-after reasons Abhishek Hospital is so recommended is because it is affordable. They have transparent pricing without any extra charges, and there are a variety of different payment plans one can choose according to one's budget. The hospital even provides financial planning and insurance consultancy, so treatment for infertility in Jaipur becomes available to more couples.

6. Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Before making any medical decision, particularly one as significant as fertility treatment, it's advisable to go through genuine patient reviews and testimonials. These first-hand experiences provide an idea about the quality of service at the hospital, the attitude of the staff, and overall patient satisfaction.

Abhishek Hospital has always received positive feedback from previous patients, citing their professional but compassionate demeanor, favorable results, and responsive post-treatment care. 

7. Emotional and Psychological Support

Infertility is not just a physical problem—it gets into your head as well. A good clinic should offer counseling and emotional support throughout the process.

With this understanding, Abhishek Hospital provides in-house counseling sessions to assist you in coping with stress, anxiety, and emotional intricacies of treatment. Their staff makes sure that you are well cared for not only physically but also emotionally during the entire process.

Conclusion

Selecting the best center for infertility treatment in Jaipur is a life-changing decision. Abhishek Hospital is a source of inspiration for prospective parents, offering you top-notch treatment with that special touch. If you are ready to take the next step towards parenthood, it may be where it all begins.

[nursingwriter]

Surrogate Parents For many infertile couples, the assistance of a surrogate mother represents one last hope for becoming a genetic parent. They thus turn to surrogate mothers, or women who bear children for couples who cannot become parents through normal pregnancy and childbirth (Gentry). With careful preparation on both sides, surrogate parenting can be a viable option for couples to conceive a child and add to their family. For many critics, the concept of a surrogate parent still retains the tinges of the 1986 Baby M. case, where the surrogate mother refused to give the baby to the intended parents. Others charge that this practice provides another opportunity for couples to exploit poor women. However, statistics show that the practice of surrogacy is steadily growing. Figures from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that there were 1,210 attempts at surrogacies in the year 2000, doubling the figure from 1997 (Hamilton). Since 1976, experts estimate that from 15,000 to 16,000 babies have been born through surrogate mothers in the United States alone (Kornreich). The rising popularity of surrogate parenting stems in part from new technology. In the Baby M. case, the surrogate mother was also the biological mother, because she was artificially inseminated with the intended father's sperm. Today, however, 95% of these types of pregnancy involve "gestational surrogacy," where the intended parents sperm and egg are used to create an embryo, that is then implanted into the surrogate's uterus. Though more expensive than traditional surrogacy, this type also insures that the intended parents are genetically related to their child (Gentry). For many surrogate mothers, the fact that the baby they are carrying is not their genetic child makes it easier to think of themselves as helpers or "aunts." Though many people worry of another Baby M. case, statistics show that out of 15,000 to 16,000 surrogate births, there were only 23 cases where the surrogate mother refused to relinquish the baby. Most of these cases were largely attempts to negotiate better payment terms. Reproductive law specialist Andrew Vorzimer adds that in most cases, the courts ruled in favor of the intended parents (Katz). New techniques of matching a surrogate mother and the intended parents have also given surrogates a more respected role in the process. After all, despite the compensation package, surrogate mothers rarely agree simply because of the money. Instead, they are women who have had children of their own, and are motivated by a desire to help other, childless couples. As a surrogate mother states, "those children needed me to walk them across a bridge to their parents" (Glazer). Other critics charge that couples who opt for surrogate mothers are merely selfish people who do not want to face the inconvenience or discomforts of a pregnancy. Such criticism, however, is unfounded. Most couples that opt for this technology have already been trying for years to get pregnant, through a variety of means. This includes Marla Cullington, who could not get pregnant due to fibroid tumors in her uterus. Like most mothers, Cullington declares that she "would give anything to be carrying (her) babies" (cited in Glazer). Also, the vast majority of physicians who specialize in reproductive endocrinology would not work with intended parents unless there is a clear evidence of medical need (Glazer). The cost alone is enough to discourage all but the most motivated parents. Though the expenses vary, many specialists agree that a couple could spend up to $65,000 in surrogate fees, hormone treatments, agency/lawyer fees and other related expenses (Kornreich). Also, in addition to infertile couples, the technique of surrogate parenting helps other people have families as well. Gay couples and single women are among the other people who have used surrogacy to become parents. Finally, a study by British psychologists has shown that couples who achieve parenthood through surrogacy exhibit better parenting skills than many parents who have children on their own. The study, the first scientific research on the effects of surrogacy, found that such families "are generally closer and better adjusted than those begun in conventional fashion" (cited in Gardner). Conducted by the Family and Child Psychology Research Center at London's City University, the study found that "surrogate" families rated higher that traditional families in indicators such as the mother's warmth and enthusiasm in talking about their children, the quality time spent by the mother and father with their child and the emotional attachment between mother and child. Experts ascribe this to the fact that many such couples have been waiting for years to become parents (cited in Gardner). In conclusion, despite popular fears and a well-publicized court case, the practice of surrogacy continues to thrive. New reproductive technologies as well as more compassionate and cooperative agreements between both sides have helped to address the previous problems associated with the surrogate process. Many infertile couples that cannot have genetic children any other way thus see surrogacy as a last chance to travel the road to parenthood. Works Cited Gardner, Marilyn. "Love, not a laboratory, makes a good parent." Christian Science Monitor. July 10, 2002: 20+. ProQuest Database. Glazer, Ellen. "Sharing a Pregnancy Society." Boston Globe, June 10, 2001: C1+. ProQuest Database. Gentry, Carol. "Surrogate Firm May Link Up with Yale." Wall Street Journal. February 3, 1999: NE1. ProQuest Database. Hamilton, David P. "She's Having our Baby: Surrogacy is on the Rise as In-Vitro Improves." Wall Street Journal, February 4, 2003. ProQuest Database.  https://www.paperdue.com/customer/paper/surrogate-parenting-148853#:~:text=Logout-,SurrogateParenting,-Length3pages Katz, Debra. "Womb for rent." Parenting. December 2001/January 2002: 86-93. ProQuest Database. Kornreich, Jennifer. "Whatever happened to surrogate motherhood?" Redbook. October 2002: 182-192. ProQuest Database. Read the full article

[medfertility]

Surrogacy Cost in Georgia: Everything You Need to Know

Surrogacy has become an increasingly popular choice for couples and individuals looking to expand their families. Among the many international destinations offering affordable and legally secure options, Georgia stands out for its well-regulated surrogacy programs, experienced professionals, and comparatively lower costs. If you’re considering this route, understanding the Surrogacy Cost in Georgia is crucial for financial and emotional planning.

Why Choose Surrogacy in Georgia?

Georgia, a country located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, has become a sought-after destination for international intended parents due to its favorable laws, well-established medical infrastructure, and ethical practices in assisted reproduction. Unlike some countries where surrogacy is either banned or heavily restricted, Georgia permits gestational surrogacy for heterosexual married couples, offering a clear legal framework that ensures the rights of the intended parents.

In addition to legal safety, Georgia offers access to highly qualified fertility specialists and modern clinics, all at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the United States, Canada, or the UK.

What is Included in the Surrogacy Cost in Georgia?

The Surrogacy Cost in Georgia typically includes several essential services, such as:

Medical Procedures: This includes IVF treatment, embryo transfer, and prenatal care.

Surrogate Compensation: A fixed amount paid to the surrogate for her time, effort, and commitment.

Legal Fees: Costs related to contracts, parental rights, and other documentation.

Screenings and Medications: Psychological and medical evaluations, as well as medication for both the egg donor (if needed) and surrogate.

Accommodation and Travel: For international couples, packages may include local support, translator services, accommodation, and airport transfers.

Maternity Care and Delivery: Hospital delivery charges, neonatal care (if necessary), and postnatal support for the baby.

For detailed consultation and a personalized quote for your surrogacy journey, Contact Us:- +91–701669315 Email us:- info@medfertility.com

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Georgia?

On average, the total Surrogacy Cost in Georgia ranges between $35,000 and $50,000, depending on the clinic, package inclusions, surrogate availability, and any additional medical needs that may arise during the process. This makes Georgia one of the most cost-effective options for surrogacy worldwide.

Looking for a Reliable Partner in Your Surrogacy Journey?

When choosing a surrogacy program, partnering with experienced professionals is key. Our team is dedicated to providing transparent, ethical, and personalized services to intended parents around the globe. With a deep understanding of the process and a network of trusted fertility experts in Georgia, we ensure a smooth and legally sound experience.

Factors That Can Affect Surrogacy Cost in Georgia

Several elements can influence the overall cost of your surrogacy program:

Use of Egg Donor: If the intended mother cannot use her eggs, an egg donor will be required, which adds to the cost.

Multiple IVF Cycles: Some intended parents may need more than one IVF cycle to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Medical Complications: Unexpected medical needs for the surrogate or baby can increase the total expense.

Travel and Legal Expenses: International couples might need to account for visa, accommodation, and other logistical costs.

Insurance and Postnatal Care: Though basic care is included in most packages, comprehensive insurance may be an optional add-on.

The Legal Process in Georgia

Surrogacy laws in Georgia ensure that the intended parents are recognized as the legal parents of the child from birth. The birth certificate is issued in their names, and there’s no need for court processes or adoption procedures. This clarity significantly reduces legal complications, making the country a reliable option for surrogacy.

Final Thoughts

If you are exploring options for surrogacy abroad, Georgia provides a compelling combination of affordability, legal protection, and high medical standards. The Surrogacy Cost in Georgia offers excellent value without compromising on quality, making it a smart choice for many international couples.

Whether you are just beginning to explore the possibility or are ready to take the next step, we are here to support you. Our goal is to make your journey to parenthood as smooth, safe, and successful as possible.

For further information, support, or to start your surrogacy journey in Georgia today: Contact Us:- +91–701669315 Email us:- info@medfertility.com

[vishvajit123]

IVF Services Market Outlook by Technology: Global Size, Segment Analysis, Regional Insights, Company Share Breakdown, Key Player Profiles, and Forecast 2025–2035

IVF Services Market Overview (2025–2035)

The global IVF Services Market was valued at USD 22.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 51.7 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of approximately 7.9% during the forecast period. IVF services encompass assisted reproductive technologies provided through fertility clinics, hospitals, and specialized centers offering treatments like embryo transfer, egg and sperm donation, genetic testing, and surrogacy.

Key market drivers include increasing infertility rates, delayed parenthood trends, and the rising adoption of advanced reproductive technologies. Innovations in AI-assisted embryo selection and enhanced cryopreservation methods are further accelerating market growth, although affordability remains a concern in regions with limited insurance coverage.

Get free sample Research Report - https://www.metatechinsights.com/request-sample/2198

Market Drivers

Increasing Infertility Rates and Urban Lifestyle Shifts

Infertility rates are climbing globally, especially in urban centers of both developed and developing countries. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and environmental pollution are contributing to this trend. Growing public awareness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has led to a surge in IVF treatment demand.

Technological advances like AI-based embryo selection and improved cryopreservation methods are significantly enhancing IVF success rates. Delayed parenthood, particularly among career-focused individuals, has further boosted demand for egg freezing and IVF options.

Technological Innovations Improving IVF Success and Affordability

Advancements in time-lapse imaging, AI-assisted selection, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), and Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) are increasing the accuracy and success of embryo implantation. These innovations reduce the need for multiple IVF cycles, improving both cost efficiency and treatment effectiveness.

Automation, robotic surgical assistance, and microfluidic sperm sorting technologies are helping clinics enhance operational efficiency while reducing human error and costs. Government subsidies and competitive clinic offerings are also making IVF treatments more affordable and accessible globally.

Market Restraints

High Treatment Costs and Inadequate Insurance Coverage

IVF treatment involves high costs, including medications, advanced screenings, and laboratory services. In many regions, the lack of government support or comprehensive insurance coverage places a financial burden on patients, leading to delays in treatment or decisions to seek more affordable care abroad.

In several countries, insurance providers classify IVF as elective, limiting reimbursement options. This financial challenge disproportionately impacts patients in low- and middle-income regions, limiting the market’s overall growth potential.

Emerging Opportunities

Growth in Fertility Tourism Across Emerging Markets

Emerging countries such as India, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico are becoming prominent destinations for fertility tourism, offering advanced IVF treatments at significantly lower costs. These regions provide high-quality services, shorter waiting times, and personalized care, attracting international patients from North America and Europe.

Public and private sector investment in medical tourism, along with government support in the form of medical visa programs and incentives, is helping these markets grow rapidly. Technological advancements and expanding infrastructure are positioning emerging economies as global fertility hubs.

Rising Investments in Fertility Clinics and Expanding Services

Fertility clinics are receiving increased investments to expand their infrastructure and adopt cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-based genetic screening and embryo selection. Collaborations between hospitals and IVF centers are improving patient access and treatment outcomes.

Service providers are diversifying offerings to include egg freezing, surrogacy programs, and holistic fertility wellness plans incorporating lifestyle and nutrition counseling. These expanded services are enhancing patient experiences and contributing to sustained market growth.

Expert Insights on IVF Market Trends

Urjitha Rajagopalan, Director at MGM Healthcare, emphasized that IVF is now openly discussed and accepted:

“As more and more couples choose assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, conversations around infertility have become more open. Seeking infertility treatment is no longer a taboo but rather a courageous step towards fulfilling the dream of parenthood.”

Dr. Dina Radenkovic, CEO and Co-founder of Gameto, highlighted Australia’s leadership in IVF innovation:

“Australia has long been at the forefront of IVF innovation… Our partnership with Virtus and IVFA broadens access to Fertilo for patients worldwide, beginning with one of Australia's most respected fertility networks.”

Segment Analysis

By Technology

Conventional IVF remains the most widely used due to its proven effectiveness.

IVF with Genetic Testing (PGD/PGS) is rapidly gaining traction due to its ability to detect genetic abnormalities and improve implantation success rates.

Egg Freezing continues to grow in demand among women postponing parenthood.

IVF with Egg/Sperm Donation is increasing, driven by infertility and demand from same-sex couples.

IVF with Surrogacy benefits from rising awareness and supportive legislation.

By Procedure Type

Fresh IVF Cycle dominates the market, preferred for its high fertilization success and immediate embryo transfer.

Frozen IVF Cycle is expanding due to improved cryopreservation, resulting in higher survival and success rates.

IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is widely used for male infertility cases.

Natural Cycle IVF is gaining interest for being low-intervention and medication-free.

Regional Insights

North America

North America leads the global IVF Services Market due to advanced healthcare systems, high infertility rates, and favorable reimbursement policies. The U.S. market is driven by innovative clinics utilizing AI and genetic testing to enhance treatment success. Companies such as Prelude Fertility and CARE Fertility are investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies and insurance-backed treatments.

Read Full Research Report https://www.metatechinsights.com/industry-insights/ivf-services-market-2198

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by high infertility prevalence and increasing access to affordable treatments. Countries like India, China, and Japan are investing in AI-based diagnostics and robotic IVF systems. Government initiatives and rising awareness of ART have positioned the region as a major growth hub in the IVF market.

Competitive Landscape

The IVF Services Market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on technological innovation, service expansion, and strategic collaborations. Major players include:

Virtus Health

Indira IVF

NMC Healthcare

Prelude Fertility

CARE Fertility

Genea Pty Limited

Theramex

Fertility First

Ballarat IVF

CARE Fertility's AI-driven embryo selection and advanced imaging systems are setting industry benchmarks. Strategic mergers, such as NMC Healthcare’s acquisition of Eugin Group, are expanding global reach. The growing trend of fertility tourism is pushing companies to improve affordability and treatment success.

Buy Now https://www.metatechinsights.com/checkout/2198

Recent Developments

Gameto & Virtus Health Partnership (December 2024): Gameto’s Fertilo product launched at IVFAustralia clinics to enhance global IVF access.

MGM Healthcare Launch (September 2024): Varam IVF Centre opened with cutting-edge facilities and integrated fertility services, offering advanced personalized care.

[surrogacycostivf]

The Rising Demand for Surrogacy in India: A Comprehensive Guide

India has emerged as a prominent destination for surrogacy, attracting couples from around the world seeking affordable and legal surrogacy solutions. The increasing demand for surrogacy services in India is driven by factors such as advanced medical facilities, cost-effectiveness, and a supportive legal framework. In this article, we explore the cost of surrogacy in India and the various aspects involved in the process.

Why Choose India for Surrogacy?

Surrogacy in India has gained popularity due to its affordability compared to Western countries. The country offers world-class fertility clinics equipped with state-of-the-art technology and experienced medical professionals. Moreover, India has a well-regulated surrogacy process that ensures ethical and transparent treatment for intended parents and surrogate mothers alike.

About Vinsfertility

Vinsfertility is one of India's leading platforms that provides comprehensive fertility and surrogacy services. It connects intended parents with top fertility clinics, experienced doctors, and legal advisors to ensure a seamless surrogacy journey. The organization offers personalized support, from initial consultation to post-surrogacy care, making the process hassle-free and reliable. With a strong network of certified fertility specialists, Vinsfertility aims to provide affordable and high-quality surrogacy solutions in India.

Cost of Surrogacy in India

One of the primary reasons couples choose India for surrogacy is the cost factor. The overall expenses for surrogacy in India are significantly lower than in countries like the USA or Canada. To get a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, you can check out this comprehensive guide on surrogacy costs in India.

Types of Surrogacy Available in India

India offers two primary types of surrogacy:

Gestational Surrogacy: The most common type, where the surrogate mother carries an embryo created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) without any genetic link to the child.

Traditional Surrogacy: Less common and legally restricted in many parts of the world, where the surrogate mother is also the biological mother of the child.

Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in India

The Indian government has implemented various regulations to ensure ethical surrogacy practices. According to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, only altruistic surrogacy is permitted, meaning surrogate mothers cannot be compensated beyond medical expenses and insurance coverage.

Conclusion

For couples facing infertility challenges, surrogacy in India presents a viable solution that is both cost-effective and medically advanced. If you are considering surrogacy, it is essential to consult with legal and medical professionals to navigate the process smoothly. For a detailed cost analysis and further insights, visit this guide on surrogacy costs in India.