**Regulations Governing the Hiring of a Surrogate:**
1. **USA:** The laws regarding surrogacy vary from state to state. Some states have laws that regulate the process, while others do not. In 2018, six states banned surrogacy agreements, and several other states have proposed legislation to ban or restrict the practice.
2. **Europe:** Most European countries do not permit commercial surrogacy, but some allow altruistic surrogacy (where the surrogate bears no fee). Countries that permit altruistic surrogacy include the UK, Germany, France, and Sweden.
3. **Asia:** Regulations regarding surrogacy vary across countries. Some countries like Thailand banned surrogacy in 2014, while others like India permit commercial surrogacy, albeit with restrictions.
**Factors to Consider When Selecting a Surrogate:**
1. **Medical History:** The surrogate's medical history, including any health conditions that may affect her ability to carry a pregnancy.
2. **Pregnancy History:** The surrogate's previous pregnancy experiences, including any complications or births.
3. **Age:** The surrogate's age and how it may affect her ability to carry a pregnancy.
4. **Lifestyle:** The surrogate's lifestyle, including her diet, exercise habits, and exposure to toxins.
5. **Emotional Maturity:** The surrogate's emotional maturity and ability to navigate the complex emotional aspects of surrogacy.
6. **Support System:** The surrogate's support system, including her family and friends.
7. **Agreement Terms:** The terms of the surrogacy agreement, including payment, responsibilities, and expectations.
8. **Psychological Evaluation:** A psychological evaluation to assess the surrogate's mental health and ability to cope with the emotional demands of surrogacy.
**Cost of a Surrogacy in the USA:**
1. **$60,000 to $150,000:** The average cost of a traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate is the egg donor).
2. **$100,000 to $200,000:** The average cost of a gestational surrogacy (where the surrogate carries a fertilized embryo).
3. **$20,000 to $40,000:** The average cost of IVF (in vitro fertilization) per cycle, which may be required in addition to surrogacy costs.
4. **$20,000 to $50,000:** The average cost of transferring embryos to the surrogate.
**Cost of a Surrogacy in Europe:**
1. **£15,000 to £30,000 (approximately $20,000 to $40,000):** The average cost of a gestational surrogacy in the UK.
2. **€20,000 to €40,000 (approximately $22,000 to $45,000):** The average cost of a gestational surrogacy in Germany.
3. **€30,000 to €60,000 (approximately $35,000 to $70,000):** The average cost of a gestational surrogacy in France.
**Cost of a Surrogacy in Asia:**
1. **$20,000 to $50,000:** The average cost of a gestational surrogacy in India.
2. **$30,000 to $60,000:** The average cost of a gestational surrogacy in Thailand.
3. **$50,000 to $100,000:** The average cost of a gestational surrogacy in the Philippines.
Please note that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the surrogacy arrangement.