Ten weeks ago, Growing Families discovered a longtime colleague in the fertility sector – Florian Joos – who had a story to tell.
Florian’s Story
Based in Germany, and trained as a social worker, Florian has been helping intended parents to create family for more than six years – a job he loves. For him, countries which have clear legislation regarding surrogacy is critical. Florian initially referred intended parents to USA, then to Canada. Later on, he started sending cases to Mexico.
Florian admits that “In recent years, while the US has remained popular, costs there have increased substantially to around US$200,000, particularly if you also require egg donor IVF processes. US success rates remain very good and with the right agency, surrogate matches can occur within 4 months”.
Why Mexico?
But Mexico was also becoming increasingly popular, given its acceptance of gay singles and couples and provision of a court order naming both intended parents. While prices are much lower compared to the US, Mexico costs have increased, with US$69,000 now being the entry point for egg donor surrogacy programs, including legal and insurance support. The exit process can also be prolonged, requiring a month to obtain a birth certificate and up to another six to eight weeks for travel documents.
Though he has a cat named Tristan, a turkey named Gottfried and two tortoises Wilma and Fred – Florian never partnered. Nonetheless, eight years ago, he too decided one day he would father a child.
By the time he was 44, Florian had saved enough to embark on surrogacy. Attracted by the same elements as his clients, he also chose Mexico, selected a donor, made embryos and was matched with a surrogate. Unfortunately, three embryo transfers were unsuccessful.
As many intended parents have learned – IVF success rates in Mexico are far poorer than in the US, meaning more embryo transfers, more IVF cycles and hence extended surrogacy journeys. But for Florian, now aged 46, he was running out of time and money.
It was time to ‘switch horses.’
24/10/19 Webinar: Exploring Surrogacy in Ghana & Uganda
As surrogacy programs in these countries continue to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about the opportunities and challenges they present. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of surrogacy …
Register for freeWhy Ghana?
Ghana has a legal framework which allows foreign intended parents to be listed as the only parent(s) on the child’s birth certificate. This process is completed as a pre-birth order, providing more certainty. The problem is, there are significant differences in the prices and quality of agencies and clinics.
Discovering a reputable and cost-effective Ghana surrogacy program, Florian chose a local donor, had embryos created and was matched with a surrogate in a matter of weeks. The first embryo transfer was successful.
“Overall,” admits Florian “it was the best decision I could take. The whole process was, from the beginning, very transparent and clear. The agency took my hand and guided me through. Even after the birth, I had a midwife beside me the whole time while I was in Ghana. The exit process was easy”.
Doing Due Diligence
Five months before Florian’s child was born, Growing Families was in Ghana, meeting with IVF clinics, lawyers, surrogates and surrogacy agencies involved in the processes of family building. We were able to identify two reputable providers who provide excellent surrogate screening and care, along with transparent and clear communication to intended parents.
Exploring New Horizons in Surrogacy
Growing Families is committed to guiding intended parents through the complex world of surrogacy. Florian’s journey illustrates how diverse options around the globe can meet varying needs, from established programs in the US and Mexico to emerging opportunities in Ghana.
For those considering international surrogacy, understanding the range of costs and services available is crucial. In Ghana, surrogacy programs offer competitive pricing with costs ranging from US$33,000 to $60,000, depending on individual circumstances. With guarantee programs starting from US$46,000, Ghana is becoming an increasingly attractive option as other countries face rising demand and higher costs.
Florian will join the parent panel at our London conference on September 14, 2024. If you’re in London and want to meet Florian, connect with other intended parents, surrogates, and providers, and learn about international surrogacy, register for the conference here.
At Growing Families, we provide comprehensive advice on reputable programs in various countries, ensuring that singles and couples can make informed decisions on their family-building journey. For more details on our services, contact us or join one of our upcoming in-person events or webinars here.
