Must adoptions be handled through an adoption agency? The biological parents of a child can deal directly with the adoptive parents, in a case such as one in which an adoption occurs among families and friends. Private adoptions can be facilitated by attorneys, doctors or other intermediaries.

Does adopting a foreign-born child make him a U.S. citizen? No. The child must go through the naturalization process.

Can I adopt if I’m not married? Yes. Single people, gays and lesbians, people with moderate incomes – just about anyone can adopt. Courts today will permit adoptions as long as they are believed to be in the best interest of the child to be adopted.

How long does it take to adopt? It varies. For people related by blood, or a step-parent adoption, the time period can be very short, especially if there is no other parent involved. Agency and international adoptions can take longer periods because there usually is a home study performed, a probationary period and petitions.

What if I change my mind after the adoption, or the birth parent changes her mind? There is usually a court-mandated waiting period before adoptions become final. In most states, the biological mother can revoke her consent between 48 and 72 hours after birth. A handful of states follow the Uniform Adoption Act, under which the biological parent is allowed eight days from birth to revoke consent.

Why choose surrogacy? Couples who experience infertility problems or difficulty with conception choose surrogacy as a way to realize their dreams of parenting.

Will insurance cover any of the expenses? Usually no, but check with your carrier. Insurance coverage is usually limited to covered obstetrical expenses of the surrogate. In some instance, if pre-approved by your insurance company, certain fees related to the establishment of your embros (ie; in vitro fertilization) may be covered. However, it is best not to expect any major insurance assistance with surrogacy expenses.

Who can be a surrogate? In general, a surrogate should be a healthy woman capable of a safe pregnancy and delivery.

What if the child is born with birth defects? The responsibility and care will be with the intended parents, as is the case with traditional pregnancy and birth. The surrogate has no responsibility after birth, even if the birth defects are found to have been caused by something the surrogate mother did during the pregnancy.

What happens if the surrogate does not get pregnant, or if there is a miscarriage? Both parties can try again, as often as they agree.