Why altruistic surrogacy and not adoption?

We are often asked why we would not try adoption. We are not against adoption it is just extremely hard.  

The counselor we were required to meet with before our IVF cycle told us IVF was more likely to be successful than adoption. This made me cry. After knowing the statistics for IVF cycles (in WA low), adoption must be close to impossible.

We have started to look into the figures to ensure we had a good idea of the chances.

The ability to adopt a child in Australia has become increasingly more difficult.  Some statistics might show you how it is getting harder.

In 1971 – 1972, in Australia there were 9,798 children that were adopted locally and internationally. Across the years the number of children have declined:

• 1991 – 1992, there were 1,052 children
• 2005 – 2006 there were 576 children
• 2008 – 2009 there were 441 children
• 2012 – 2013 there were 339 children

In SA, there are 3-4 young infants a year put up for adoption over the last few years. It is stated that this is indicative of all states in Australia.

In 2008-2009, of the 441 children, 68 children were local, 269 children from overseas, and the other 104 are “known child adoption” that is adoption when a family member adopts.

We are looking at international adoption and it is 5-7 years before a child is able to be adopted and brought home to Australia. There are so many couples wanting to adopt.

In Australia, for every 1,000 children born, there are two children that are put up for adoption. In the UK the ratio is 1000:7 and in America it is 1000:30.

There are obviously different policies across those countries that impact the figures.

Nonetheless, surrogacy or adoption it is difficult to finally be able to make a beautiful little family.

Stay hopeful!