What is A Surrogate Mother and Who Needs Surrogacy?

An image illustrating Surrogate Mother — Surrogate Mother/PHOTO: Files

Surrogacy is when a woman (a surrogate) carries and gives birth to a baby for someone else who can’t have children.

There are two types:

Surrogacy can be a lifeline for couples or individuals who can’t have children due to certain medical treatments or conditions.

It offers hope and a way to fulfil their dream of becoming parents.

In the U.S., gestational surrogacy has become more common because both intended parents have genetic ties to the baby, making the legal process simpler.

Around 750 babies are born each year through gestational surrogacy in the country, highlighting its growing importance in helping families grow.

Table of Contents

What is a Surrogate Mother?

A surrogate mother is someone who carries and gives birth to a baby for people who can’t have children on their own.

There are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational.

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is inseminated with the father’s sperm, so she’s the biological mother of the baby.

But in gestational surrogacy, an embryo made from the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus.

The baby isn’t genetically related to the surrogate in gestational surrogacy.

In the U.S., gestational surrogacy is more common and legally simpler because both intended parents have a genetic connection to the baby.

surrogate mother

The Surrogacy Process

Consideration and Decision

The surrogacy journey begins with careful consideration.

Both prospective parents and surrogates weigh the emotional and practical aspects, pondering whether surrogacy is the right path.

It’s about understanding the commitment, exploring laws, and chatting with experts to make an informed choice.

Planning and Preparation

Once committed, it’s time to plan and prepare.

This involves defining goals, choosing between traditional or gestational surrogacy, and deciding on the type of professional assistance needed.

Surrogates craft preferences and goals for the journey ahead.

Intended parents outline their needs and aspirations for the process.

Matching

Next comes the step of finding the perfect match.

Surrogacy professionals work their magic, helping to pair surrogates with intended parents who share similar visions.

It’s about compatibility, understanding, and forming a bond that will guide them through the journey together.

Legal Formalities

Legal experts step in to draft contracts, ensuring that everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clearly outlined and protected.

It’s about transparency, fairness, and setting the stage for a smooth journey ahead.

Medical Procedures

Surrogates and intended parents embark on a series of procedures, from fertility treatments to embryo transfers.

It’s a collaborative effort, with each party playing a vital role in bringing new life into the world.

Welcoming the Baby

Finally, the moment arrives.

With the birth of the baby, dreams are realized, and hearts are filled with joy.

Surrogates and intended parents come together to celebrate the miracle of life, forever connected by the journey they’ve shared.

It’s a moment of pure happiness, marking the beginning of a beautiful new chapter for all involved.

Who Uses Surrogacy?

Surrogacy can be chosen by different people for various reasons.

Some folks might turn to surrogacy if they can’t have a baby the usual way.

This could happen if a woman had surgery to remove her womb or other parts needed for pregnancy.

Or if a lady has a health problem that makes carrying a baby risky.

Same-sex couples can also opt for surrogacy.

Let’s say two guys want to have a baby. They can use the sperm from one of them to make it happen.

Even a single man might think about surrogacy if he wants to be a dad using his own sperm.

Sometimes, sad things occur, like when a woman who saved embryos for later passes away.

In such cases, her partner may decide to use those embryos to have a child.

Surrogacy offers hope for many people dreaming of becoming parents when things don’t work out as planned.

Becoming a Surrogate Mother

To become a surrogate mother, you must discuss the process with family and friends, and meet qualifications like:

good health BMI, and successful pregnancies
undergo screening
undergo medical and psychological assessments.

Discuss your reasons for wanting to be a surrogate and what you hope to gain from the experience, matching you with intended parents with similar goals.

This is a significant decision that requires careful consideration.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Legal considerations are involved with surrogacy, such as a rights and obligations contract between the intended parents and the surrogate.

Usually, it takes four to six weeks to complete.

Among the ethical factors to be taken into account are:

The payment of surrogate mothers
Maintaining justice,
Guaranteeing the welfare of all parties—the surrogate, the intended parents, and any future offspring.

Keeping one’s mental and emotional well-being intact is essential at every stage.

Conclusion

Surrogacy involves a surrogate carrying and giving birth to a child on behalf of someone unable to procreate.

There are two varieties: traditional and gestational.

Gestational surrogacy involves implanting an embryo from the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs into the surrogate’s uterus, while traditional surrogacy involves inseminating the baby’s sperm.