Understanding Surrogacy: A Comprehensive Guide
Surrogacy is a method where someone else carries and delivers a child for intended parents. Learn more about why people choose surrogacy, the qualifications needed, the benefits, costs, and more.
When someone cannot conceive on their own, they still have options for becoming parents, including using a surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier. This involves finding someone else to carry and deliver the child.
Surrogacy Process Explained
There are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. While gestational surrogacy is more common today, each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Traditional Surrogacy: In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is used, mixed with sperm, and inserted into the surrogate’s uterus using intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). The surrogate is the biological mother of the baby.
Gestational Surrogacy: In gestational surrogacy, the intended parents use their own egg and sperm, or donor eggs and/or sperm, to create embryos. These embryos are then carried by a surrogate who has no genetic link to the baby.
Reasons for Choosing Surrogacy
There are various reasons why people opt for surrogacy:
Infertility: Couples struggling with infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or implantation failure may turn to surrogacy, especially if they are using donor eggs or sperm.
Medical Conditions: Surrogacy may be chosen if the intended parent has a medical condition that makes pregnancy unsafe, such as severe heart or kidney disease.
Prior Pregnancy Complications: People who have had complications in previous pregnancies, such as postpartum hemorrhage requiring a hysterectomy, may opt for surrogacy.
Same-Sex Couples or Single Parents: Surrogacy provides an opportunity for single males or same-sex couples to become parents.
Genetic Disorders: Surrogacy with a donor egg can help prevent the transmission of genetic disorders if one partner is a carrier.
Advanced Maternal Age: People over 35 may choose surrogacy due to an increased risk of genetic abnormalities and diminished ovarian reserve.
Finding a Surrogate
There are several ways to find a surrogate:
Independent Surrogacy: This involves using a trusted friend or loved one as a surrogate. While less expensive, it can lead to complications in the relationship if issues arise.
Agency Surrogacy: Many surrogacy agencies exist, providing a range of services and candidates. Agencies conduct thorough screenings to ensure suitability.
Social Media or Online: Platforms like GoStork or social media can connect intended parents with potential surrogates, but caution is advised due to potential risks.
Surrogate Qualifications
Surrogates must meet certain qualifications, which may vary depending on the agency or clinic. These typically include:
Age between 21 and 45
Healthy BMI
Successful prior pregnancy with no major complications
Passing psychological and medical screenings
Residing in a surrogacy-friendly state
How Surrogacy Works
The surrogacy process involves several steps:
Preparation: Intended parents meet with agencies, lawyers, and counselors to discuss options and make informed decisions.
Screening: Surrogates undergo comprehensive screenings to assess their suitability for the process.
Agreement: Legal agreements are drafted between the surrogate and intended parents, mapping out various scenarios and expectations.
Fertilization: Embryos are created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm and transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
Pregnancy: The surrogate carries the pregnancy under medical supervision, maintaining contact with the intended parents.
Cost of Surrogacy
The cost of surrogacy varies widely, ranging from $60,000 to $170,000, covering surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal fees, agency fees, and other costs.
While expensive, surrogacy offers hope to individuals and couples seeking to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. It’s essential to research thoroughly and consider all factors before embarking on the surrogacy journey.
