How Does The Process Of Surrogacy Work? A Step-By-Step Guide
Surrogacy is a deeply personal and transformative journey that enables individuals and couples to build families when carrying a pregnancy themselves is not an option.
The question often arises, how does the process of surrogacy work? This blog post offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to understanding the entire process, providing insight into each stage from preparation to parenthood.
Whether you’re an intended parent considering surrogacy or someone interested in becoming a surrogate, this guide will clarify the intricate steps involved.
What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where a woman, known as a surrogate, carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple, referred to as the intended parents.
This arrangement is often pursued by individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term due to medical reasons, or by those who choose surrogacy for other personal or social reasons, such as single men or same-sex couples wishing to have a child.
There are two primary types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is fertilized, making her the biological mother of the child. This type of surrogacy is less common due to the legal and emotional complexities it can introduce.
Gestational surrogacy, which is more widely used, involves the implantation of an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. In this case, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.
Surrogacy can be either altruistic or commercial. In altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate does not receive any financial compensation beyond reimbursement for medical and other reasonable expenses.
In contrast, commercial surrogacy involves monetary compensation for the surrogate, recognizing the significant commitment and responsibility she undertakes.
The process of surrogacy is governed by legal agreements that clearly outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. This includes financial arrangements, parental rights, and what will happen in various scenarios that could arise during the pregnancy.
Overall, surrogacy is a complex and deeply personal journey that allows individuals and couples to achieve their dream of parenthood when other options are not viable. It requires careful consideration, legal safeguards, and emotional support for both the surrogate and the intended parents.
Step One: Preparation and Screening
Before embarking on the surrogacy journey, both intended parents and surrogates must undergo thorough preparation and screening. This initial phase is critical to ensuring that everyone involved is physically, emotionally, and legally ready for the journey ahead.
For Intended Parents
The first step for intended parents is to decide whether surrogacy is the right path for them. This often involves researching the differences between gestational and traditional surrogacy.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries a baby created from the egg of the intended mother or an egg donor, while traditional surrogacy, on the other hand, involves the surrogate’s egg, making her the genetic mother of the child.
Once the decision is made, intended parents typically engage a surrogacy agency or professional to guide them through the process. These agencies offer invaluable services, including matching intended parents with surrogates, facilitating legal agreements, and coordinating the various steps involved.
For Surrogates
Women who wish to become surrogates undergo a comprehensive screening process to ensure they are suitable candidates.
This screening includes medical evaluations to confirm they are physically capable of carrying a pregnancy to term, criminal background checks as well as psychological assessments to ensure they are emotionally prepared for the demands of surrogacy.
In addition to health evaluations, surrogates are also thoroughly informed about the commitment involved, including the time, energy, and emotional investment required. This step ensures that surrogates enter the process with a clear understanding of what lies ahead.
Step Two: Matching and Legal Process
Once the preparation and screening are complete, the next phase is the matching process, followed by the legal steps necessary to protect all parties involved.
Matching
Matching is a critical step where intended parents are paired with a surrogate whose values, expectations, and goals align with theirs.
This process is facilitated by the surrogacy agency, which uses detailed profiles and interviews to create the best possible matches. The goal is to find a surrogate who not only meets the intended parents’ criteria but also feels a genuine connection to their journey.
Legal Process
After a match is made, the legal process begins. This involves drafting and reviewing a surrogacy contract that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both the surrogate and the intended parents.
This contract is crucial as it covers important aspects such as financial compensation, medical expenses, parental rights, and procedures in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Both parties are represented by their own attorneys to ensure that their rights are protected and that they fully understand the legal implications of the agreement.
In many jurisdictions, a pre-birth order is obtained, which legally establishes the intended parents as the child’s parents before birth. This order simplifies the process of transferring parental rights after the baby is born.
Step Three: IVF and Embryo Transfer
With the legalities settled, the focus shifts to the medical procedures that are central to the surrogacy process: in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a process where eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor and fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm in a laboratory.
The resulting embryos are cultured for several days before being assessed for quality. This step is critical as it directly impacts the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer
Once viable embryos are available, they are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. This is a relatively simple medical procedure that involves placing the embryo directly into the surrogate’s uterus through a catheter. The procedure is typically painless and does not require anesthesia.
Approximately two weeks after the transfer, a blood test is performed to confirm whether the surrogate is pregnant. If the pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate will receive a confirmation of heartbeat via ultrasound and begins receiving regular prenatal care and monthly compensation as agreed upon in the surrogacy contract.
Step Four: Pregnancy and Birth
Once the surrogate is confirmed pregnant, the journey continues with regular monitoring and medical care until the baby is born. This stage involves a blend of medical oversight and emotional support to ensure the surrogate’s well-being and the healthy development of the baby.
Pregnancy Care
Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate attends regular prenatal visits, just as any expectant mother would. These visits ensure that the pregnancy is progressing smoothly and that the surrogate is healthy.
Intended parents may also attend some of these appointments, depending on their location and the agreements made in the surrogacy contract.
Emotional Support
The emotional aspect of surrogacy is significant for both the surrogate and the intended parents. Open communication is encouraged throughout the pregnancy to foster a strong relationship between both parties.
Many surrogacy agencies provide counseling and support groups to help surrogates and intended parents navigate the emotional challenges that may arise during this time.
Birth
The birth is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of the surrogacy journey. Depending on the arrangements and local laws, the intended parents may be present in the delivery room to witness the birth of their child.
After the baby is born, the surrogate completes any necessary postpartum care, and the intended parents typically take immediate custody of their newborn.
Step Five: Finalization and Parenthood
The final step in the surrogacy process is the legal finalization of parental rights and the beginning of the intended parents’ journey into parenthood.
Legal Finalization
Although the pre-birth order often establishes the intended parents as the legal parents, there may still be some final legal paperwork to complete after the birth. This might include obtaining a birth certificate with the intended parents’ names and finalizing any other legal details related to parental rights.
Beginning Parenthood
With the legalities settled, the intended parents bring their baby home and embark on their new role as parents. This moment is often filled with joy and relief, as the long and complex surrogacy journey reaches its successful conclusion.
Surrogacy is a multi-faceted process that involves careful planning, legal preparation, medical procedures, and emotional support.
Understanding how the process of surrogacy works can empower intended parents and surrogates alike, ensuring that they approach the journey with confidence and clarity.
Each step, from the initial preparation and matching to the birth and finalization of parental rights, plays a crucial role in making the dream of parenthood a reality.
Let Carrying Dreams Help You On Your Journey
At Carrying Dreams, we understand the intricacies of surrogacy and are here to support you every step of the way. Our personalized approach, industry expertise, and compassionate care set us apart as a trusted partner in this life-changing journey.
Whether you’re considering surrogacy or are ready to start, our dedicated team is here to provide the guidance, resources, and emotional support you need. Let us help you turn your dreams into reality. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
