Sometimes, even though it is a big dream of ours to have a child, there can be various obstacles to it. Some people are unable to bear a baby of their own due to health reasons, while others are unable to bear one due to other reasons. One way to help in such a situation is through 'surrogate motherhood'. Simply put, it is to have someone else carry the baby in your womb and give birth to it for you.
What is Gestational Surrogacy?
Simply put, this is a method in which a couple or an individual wants a child to be carried and born by another woman. The important thing here is that the woman who carries the child, that is, the gestational surrogate or gestational carrier , has no genetic relationship to the child. That is, the baby's egg does not come from the surrogate mother. We call the parents who want to adopt the child the Intended Parents .
In most cases, a surrogate mother becomes pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) . This involves taking an egg from the intended mother and sperm from the intended father (sometimes from a donor), fertilizing them in a laboratory to create an embryo. The embryo is then implanted into the surrogate mother's uterus . Since the surrogate mother does not provide an egg, there is no genetic link between her and the baby.
What is the difference between a surrogate and a gestational surrogate?
There are two types of surrogacy. One is the uterine surrogacy that we are talking about ( Gestational Surrogacy . The other is Traditional Surrogacy .
Gestational Surrogacy:
In this case, as mentioned earlier, the surrogate mother who carries the child has no genetic connection to the baby. Because the egg used for fertilization is not hers. It can be from the intended mother or an egg donor. The surrogate mother only carries the child in her womb and gives birth to it. This method is currently the most widely used in the world. In this case, there are fewer legal problems because at least one of the intended parents is genetically related to the child, and the surrogate mother is not genetically related.
Traditional Surrogacy :
In this case, the surrogate mother who carries the child is also genetically related to the baby. That is, the surrogate mother's own egg is used for the pregnancy . She carries the child in her womb and gives birth to it. She then becomes the biological mother of the child. Later, she has to transfer the parental rights of the child to the intended parents. This method is prohibited by law in many countries, because it can cause many legal complications.
Who chooses this surrogacy?
Many people use this method to add another person to their family. Consider these situations:
- If an expectant mother is unable to conceive a child due to a problem with the uterus .
- If an expectant mother has a serious physical or mental illness that could make carrying a pregnancy or giving birth to a child dangerous to her life or the life of the baby.
- If a person has undergone a hysterectomy and does not have a uterus, or if there is a congenital deformity of the uterus.
- This method can be useful if the intended parents are biologically unable to conceive or bear a child. For example, for a single person or a gay male couple.
How does the process of using a surrogate mother work?
This is a bit of a lengthy process. In surrogacy, an embryo is created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents (or donors) through in vitro fertilization (IVF) . That embryo is then implanted into the uterus of the surrogate mother. The process begins with the selection of a surrogate mother. Next, the surrogate mother and the intended parents sign legal contracts and undergo a series of medical and psychological tests. Only after all of that is completed does the (IVF) treatment begin.
How to find a surrogate mother?
Often, those interested in this process learn about the process and its costs by talking to a specialized organization that coordinates surrogacy agencies. This agency is the one who helps you find a suitable surrogate mother. They also help draw up legal contracts between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. Simply put, these agencies act as intermediaries between the two parties.
Some couples or individuals choose a family member or friend as a surrogate mother . This is usually not a problem, but choosing someone they know can sometimes be a little emotionally complicated.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) , here are the qualifications to be a good surrogate mother:
- You must be healthy, between the ages of 21 and 45 (preferably under 35).
- At least one delivery and a maximum of five deliveries must have been completed at term, without any complications.
- It is not good to have had more than three cesarean sections (C-sections) .
- He should have a healthy weight that suits him.
- Other requirements set forth by the agency coordinating surrogacy must also be met.
It is also important that the surrogate mother has a stable family environment and adequate emotional support to help her cope with the additional stress of pregnancy. Surrogates undergo a thorough background check. Intended parents are also usually required to disclose some of their financial information to ensure they can afford the costs of the process.
Medical tests for uterine surrogacy
Both the intended parents and the surrogate mother must undergo a medical examination. They must also see a psychologist to check for any mental health conditions, such as depression .
According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) , a surrogate mother should undergo a complete medical examination to ensure that she is healthy enough to carry a pregnancy. They also suggest blood tests for the following conditions:
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- HIV
- Hepatitis B and C
The surrogate mother should also be up to date with vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (Tdap) . Sometimes, the COVID vaccine may also be required. Intended parents (or egg or sperm donors) undergo genetic testing to assess the risk of the child having birth defects such as Down syndrome .
The legal process of surrogacy
Before starting IVF treatment, you should have a legal agreement in place. This agreement covers many things. For example:
- The surrogate mother agrees to hand over the child to the intended parents after the birth.
- The surrogate mother's role and responsibilities during pregnancy. This includes things like going for regular medical checkups and not using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.
- Compensation payments and other payments.
- Sensitive matters like termination of pregnancy and fetal death.
- All risks and responsibilities associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) , pregnancy, and childbirth.
- There are many other situations and possible outcomes that could have legal implications.
Important: Surrogacy laws vary from country to country, and sometimes even state to state. Your surrogacy agency or a lawyer can help you navigate this legal process. This can be a bit complicated. Using an experienced legal team and signing contracts will ensure that the process is done legally.
How does a surrogate mother get pregnant?
Your doctor will take your eggs and fertilize them with your partner's sperm in a lab. In some cases, donor eggs or donor sperm are also used. If the intended mother is using her own eggs, she will be given fertility medication to help produce as many eggs as possible for fertilization. After one or more sperm fertilize the eggs, an embryo is formed.
The surrogate mother is also given fertility drugs to prepare her uterus to receive an embryo. Once the embryos are formed, they are implanted into the surrogate mother's uterus.
Who is involved in this uterine replacement process?
This is not something that can be done by one person. It involves several people:
- The gestational carrier.
- The intended parent(s).
- Egg or sperm donors (if necessary).
- Surrogacy agency.
- Fertility center.
- Lawyers or legal counsel.
- Pregnancy care providers , for example , obstetricians or midwives .
- Mental health providers.
- Genetic counselors.
Are there any risks in using a surrogate mother?
In fact, there are some risks for couples or individuals who use a surrogate mother. Here are some of the most common risks:
- There is no guarantee that the pregnancy will be successful or that the baby will be delivered on time.
- Risks that fertility treatments and medical procedures may pose to the intended parents or surrogate mother.
- The financial risks associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) , medical procedures, legal proceedings, and compensation paid to the surrogate mother.
- Emotional risks that can arise from miscarriages, complications, and other health conditions.
- The frustration that can arise from losing control over the surrogate mother, pregnancy, and other factors.
Also, there are risks for the surrogate mother. She will need to continue to receive medical care throughout the pregnancy. The surrogate mother is also at risk for all the complications that can occur during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure , diabetes , and infections. Carrying someone else's child can be emotionally, time-consuming, and challenging for the surrogate mother's partner or children. While many surrogates are happy to help a couple or individual become parents, they may also develop an emotional bond with the baby after the baby is born.
What are the advantages of using a surrogate mother?
Surrogacy is an option for couples or individuals who are biologically or physically unable to have children, to expand their family, or to start a new one. For those who cannot become parents in any other way due to uterine problems , medical or psychological conditions, or marital status, it is truly a dream come true.
Can a surrogate mother keep the baby?
No , a surrogate mother cannot keep the baby. Before fertility treatment begins, the intended parents and the surrogate mother sign a legal agreement. This document clearly states that the surrogate mother must hand over the baby to the intended parents after the baby is born. Also, since the surrogate mother has no biological relationship with the baby, she has no parental rights over the baby.
How much does a surrogate mother cost?
The cost of this depends on a number of factors. Legal fees, medical expenses, agency fees, compensation paid to the surrogate mother, location, and many other additional costs affect this. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from US$50,000 to $150,000 or more (in Sri Lankan currency, this amount may vary). Keep in mind that IVF is not always successful the first time. So, you may have to repeat the process.
Final Things to Know (Take-Home Message)
So, now you know what gestational surrogacy is. In this, the surrogate mother has no genetic connection to the child she is carrying. This is the most commonly used surrogacy method today. This method has helped thousands of people who are biologically or physically unable to have a child to start their own families.
This process involves several steps, including finding a surrogate mother, completing legal agreements and paperwork, and transferring the embryo to the chosen surrogate mother. While this can be a lengthy and challenging process , for some people it may be the only way to become parents.
If you're interested in surrogacy, talk to your doctor about the process, costs, and how to get started. They can usually refer you to a surrogacy agency for more information.
` Surrogacy, IVF, Intended Parents, Surrogate Mother, Uterus, Fertility Treatment, Childbirth
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