What Is A Surrogate? Definition And Facts
In a world where family-building often presents challenges, surrogacy offers a viable option for those who dream of becoming parents but are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. Surrogates, the women who carry and deliver a child for another individual or couple, play a crucial role in this process.
But what is a surrogate, and what does surrogacy entail? This blog post will explore the definition, types, and essential facts about surrogacy, providing a detailed overview of this journey.
What Is a Surrogate?
A surrogate is a woman who agrees to carry and deliver a child for another person or couple, referred to as the intended parents. This arrangement is typically formalized through a legal agreement, ensuring all parties understand their rights, responsibilities, and expectations.
Types of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is not a one-size-fits-all process; two primary types intended parents can consider are:
- Traditional Surrogacy: In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor. As a result, the surrogate is the genetic mother of the child. This type of surrogacy is less common today due to the legal complexities and emotional considerations involved.
- Gestational Surrogacy: In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF), using the egg and sperm from the intended parents or donors. The surrogate has no genetic link to the child, making this the more popular and legally straightforward option.
Who Might Consider Surrogacy?
Surrogacy provides a solution for a diverse range of people who dream of parenthood but face significant barriers to achieving it naturally.
Women with Uterine Conditions
Some women cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical conditions, such as the absence of a uterus, severe uterine abnormalities, or health risks that make pregnancy dangerous.
Male Same-Sex Couples
Surrogacy allows male couples to have biological children, with one partner contributing sperm for fertilization.
Single Men
Single men who wish to have a biological child can also turn to surrogacy.
Couples with Repeated IVF Failures
Couples who have experienced multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts may choose surrogacy as an alternative path to parenthood.
The Role of the Surrogate in the Surrogacy Journey
The surrogate’s role involves more than just carrying the pregnancy. From the initial agreement to the birth of the child, surrogates commit to a journey that requires physical, emotional, and psychological dedication.
Pre-Screening and Matching
Before becoming a surrogate, a woman undergoes a rigorous pre-screening process to ensure she is physically and mentally prepared for the journey. This screening typically includes medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and a thorough review of her medical history.
Pregnancy and Delivery
During the pregnancy, the surrogate is responsible for maintaining her health and attending regular prenatal appointments. She receives support from medical professionals, the intended parents, and, often, a surrogacy agency.
Legal Considerations in Surrogacy
Surrogacy is governed by a complex legal framework that varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction. Intended parents and surrogates must navigate these legalities with experienced attorneys’ guidance to protect all parties’ rights.
Surrogacy Agreements
A surrogacy agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms of the surrogacy arrangement. It includes details about the surrogate’s responsibilities, the intended parents’ obligations, and the financial compensation involved (if any).
Parental Rights
One of the key legal aspects of surrogacy is establishing the parental rights of the intended parents. In many cases, intended parents must obtain a court order to be recognized as the legal parents of the child, especially in gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate is not genetically related to the child.
Commercial Vs. Altruistic Surrogacy
Surrogacy arrangements can be categorized as either commercial or altruistic:
- Commercial Surrogacy: Involves monetary compensation for the surrogate. This type of surrogacy is legal in some jurisdictions but heavily regulated or prohibited in others.
- Altruistic Surrogacy: The surrogate receives no financial compensation beyond reimbursement for medical and related expenses. Altruistic surrogacy is often seen as more ethically straightforward, though it may be less accessible due to the lack of financial incentives for potential surrogates.
The Surrogacy Process: Step by Step
Surrogacy is a detailed process that requires careful planning and coordination. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved.
Initial Consultation
Intended parents begin their surrogacy journey by consulting with a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic. During this consultation, they discuss their goals, expectations, and concerns.
Matching with a Surrogate
The next step is finding a suitable surrogate. This matching process is crucial, ensuring that the surrogate’s values, lifestyle, and expectations align with the intended parents’ expectations.
Legal Agreements
Once a match is made, both parties enter into a surrogacy agreement. This legal contract covers all aspects of the surrogacy arrangement, including financial compensation, medical procedures, and the surrogate’s role.
Medical Procedures
For gestational surrogacy, the process involves IVF to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate undergoes medical procedures to prepare her body for pregnancy and ensure the best chances of success.
Pregnancy and Monitoring
Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives regular prenatal care and monitoring to ensure the health and well-being of both herself and the baby. The intended parents are often involved in these appointments, strengthening their connection to the pregnancy.
Delivery and Birth
When the time comes, the surrogate delivers the baby, and the intended parents assume their roles. The legal transfer of parental rights is completed.
Challenges and Considerations in Surrogacy
While surrogacy offers a path to parenthood, it is not without challenges. Both intended parents and surrogates must be prepared for the emotional, physical, and financial demands of the process.
Emotional Impact
Surrogacy is an emotionally charged journey for all involved. Intended parents may experience anxiety and stress throughout the pregnancy, while surrogates must navigate the complex emotions of carrying a child for someone else.
Financial Considerations
Surrogacy can be expensive, particularly in commercial arrangements where the surrogate receives compensation. Intended parents must consider the costs of medical procedures, legal fees, and agency services, which can add up quickly.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The legality of surrogacy varies widely across jurisdictions, and some countries have banned commercial surrogacy altogether. Ethical considerations, such as the exploitation of surrogates in economically disadvantaged areas, also play a significant role in shaping the surrogacy debate.
At Carrying Dreams, we understand the challenges and joys of the surrogacy journey. With over 10 years of experience, we are here to provide personalized support with our US-based carriers and donors to help build families across the world.
