An Exploration of Surrogacy: How Does it Work?

Introduction

Surrogacy is a reproductive technology that has been used for decades to help couples and individuals with fertility issues have children. It involves one woman carrying a pregnancy for another person or couple. Surrogacy is a complex topic that requires a thorough understanding of the process, the roles of the intended parents and surrogate mother, and the legal implications. This article will explore how surrogacy works, examine the pros and cons of the process, look at the steps involved in a surrogacy journey, and discuss the various types of surrogacy arrangements.

Exploring the Basics of Surrogacy: How Does it Work?

Surrogacy is a process whereby a woman—known as the surrogate mother—carries a baby for another person or couple. In order for a successful surrogacy process to take place, there must be a full understanding of the process and the roles of both the intended parents and the surrogate mother.

Understanding the Process

The intended parents are the people who will eventually become the child’s parents. They may be a heterosexual couple, a single woman, or a same-sex couple. The surrogate mother is the woman who carries the child in her womb until birth. She may be a family member or friend of the intended parents, or she may be a stranger they have found through a surrogacy agency.

The Role of the Intended Parents

The intended parents are responsible for providing the necessary financial and emotional support throughout the surrogacy process. This includes covering all medical expenses, providing emotional support to the surrogate mother, and ensuring that the surrogate mother is comfortable and well cared for during the pregnancy.

The Role of the Surrogate Mother

The surrogate mother plays an important role in the surrogacy process. She is responsible for carrying the baby in her womb and delivering the baby at the end of the pregnancy. She may also provide emotional support to the intended parents throughout the pregnancy.

Looking into the Legal Implications

Surrogacy is a legally complex process and it is important for all parties involved to understand the legal implications. Laws vary from state to state and country to country, so it is important to consult with a lawyer to make sure everything is done correctly and legally. In addition, a surrogacy contract should be drawn up between the intended parents and the surrogate mother before the process begins.

Examining the Pros and Cons of Surrogacy

Surrogacy can be a rewarding experience for all parties involved, but it does come with some potential risks and drawbacks. It is important to consider the pros and cons of surrogacy before embarking on a surrogacy journey.

Benefits for Intended Parents

For intended parents, the most obvious benefit of surrogacy is the ability to have a biological child. According to Dr. Vicken Sahakian, a fertility specialist at Pacific Fertility Center in Los Angeles, “Surrogacy offers hope to couples and individuals who have struggled with infertility or other medical issues that prevent them from having a child in the traditional way.” Other benefits include avoiding the physical toll of pregnancy, having more control over the pregnancy and delivery, and being able to form a close bond with the surrogate mother.

Benefits for Surrogate Mothers

For surrogate mothers, the primary benefit of surrogacy is the opportunity to help someone else have a family. As Dr. Sahakian explains, “Surrogacy is a selfless act that allows a woman to give the gift of life to someone else.” Other potential benefits include financial compensation, the chance to form a close bond with the intended parents, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped someone achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Potential Risks for All Parties

While surrogacy can be a rewarding experience, there are potential risks for all parties involved. These include the risk of medical complications, the potential for legal disputes, and the emotional strain that can come with the surrogacy process. It is important to understand these potential risks before embarking on a surrogacy journey.

The Steps Involved in a Surrogacy Journey

A successful surrogacy journey requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the steps involved. Here is an overview of the steps involved in a surrogacy journey.

Before the Journey Begins

Before beginning a surrogacy journey, it is important to understand the legal implications and ensure that all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. A surrogacy contract should be drawn up between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. Additionally, the intended parents should conduct a thorough screening of the surrogate mother to ensure she is physically and emotionally capable of carrying a baby to term.

During the Pregnancy

During the pregnancy, the intended parents and surrogate mother should remain in close contact with each other. The intended parents should provide emotional and financial support to the surrogate mother, while the surrogate mother should keep the intended parents updated on the progress of the pregnancy. Regular medical checkups should be scheduled to monitor the health of both the surrogate mother and the baby.

After Birth

After the baby is born, the intended parents will become the legal parents of the child. The surrogate mother will no longer have any legal rights or responsibilities towards the child. It is important for all parties to remember that the surrogate mother is still a part of the baby’s life, and the intended parents should maintain a relationship with her if possible.

Examining the Various Types of Surrogacy Arrangements

There are three main types of surrogacy arrangements: traditional surrogacy, gestational surrogacy, and partial surrogacy. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand the differences before deciding which type of arrangement is right for you.

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is also the biological mother of the child. The sperm of the intended father (or a donor) is used to fertilize the surrogate mother’s egg, and the embryo is then implanted into the surrogate mother’s uterus. Traditional surrogacy has the potential to be more complicated legally, as the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the child.

Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother is not the biological mother of the child. An embryo created from the intended parents’ eggs and sperm (or donated eggs and/or sperm) is implanted into the surrogate mother’s uterus. Gestational surrogacy is often the preferred option for many intended parents, as it eliminates the potential legal issues associated with traditional surrogacy.

Partial Surrogacy

Partial surrogacy is a combination of traditional and gestational surrogacy. In this arrangement, the surrogate mother provides either the egg or the uterus, but not both. Partial surrogacy is less common than traditional and gestational surrogacy, but it can be a viable option for some intended parents.

Conclusion

Surrogacy is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of the roles of the intended parents and surrogate mother, the legal implications, and the various types of arrangements. While there are potential risks and drawbacks to surrogacy, it can be a rewarding experience for all parties involved. With careful planning and a clear understanding of the process, intended parents and surrogate mothers can embark on a successful surrogacy journey.