Gestational surrogacy has become increasingly popular in the last few years, offering those with fertility challenges a chance to have their own biological child and experience the joy of parenthood.
It’s an inspiring medical breakthrough which brings together several parties – intended parents, surrogate, and medical/legal professionals – all working together for a successful outcome.
And while gestational surrogacy can give couples a much-needed option for growing their family, it requires considerable research and understanding of the process before jumping right in.
What is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is when a woman carries a baby for another person or couple who will become legal parents of the baby once it’s born.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate does not use her own eggs during the pregnancy. Instead, either donor eggs or the intended parents’ eggs are used.
The embryo(s) created from these eggs is then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus and she carries it until birth.
Who Is Eligible for Gestational Surrogacy?
The eligibility criteria for gestational surrogacy vary by state and country.
For a stronger success rate, gestational surrogates must be at least 21 years old, physically and emotionally healthy, financially stable, willing to undergo drug testing, and have already given birth to at least one child.
Intended parents undergo a thorough selection process to ensure they’re well prepared for the journey of surrogacy; such as being in sound health, emotionally and legally prepared to be parents, as well as financially stable.
How Does the Process Work?
Gestational surrogacy involves two distinct phases: the legal phase and the medical phase.
During the legal phase, both parties will sign contracts stating their expectations, responsibilities, rights, compensation, insurance coverage, prior to any medical procedures commencing.
This is very important to make sure there is no miscommunication from the beginning.
In the medical phase, fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate egg production in the intended mother or donor.
Afterward, eggs are harvested from either party in order to be fertilized with sperm from either partner or donor. The embryo(s) will then be transferred into the surrogate’s uterus for gestation.
Are there risks involved?
Unfortunately, as with anything in life, yes.
These include potential complications during egg retrieval or embryo transfer such as infection or bleeding; potential risks associated with taking fertility medications; psychological risks associated with putting your trust in another person; financial risks associated with IVF treatments not being successful; legal risks if contracts are not properly drawn up or if there is disagreement between parties (which is why the legal phase is extremely important).
It’s crucial that all parties involved discuss these risks prior to beginning a gestational surrogacy journey so they can make an informed decision about what’s best for them and their families.
Gestational surrogacy can be an incredibly rewarding experience for all parties involved but it’s important to understand all aspects before embarking on this type of journey.
Knowing about gestational surrogacy including eligibility requirements, how it works, and potential risks involved beforehand will help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you or not.
If you have more questions, reach out to our team today to get more information specific to your situation before making any decisions!
Recent Comments