ALL

Gestational Surrogacy: What Is It, Process, Risks & Benefits

Featured image for post: Gestational Surrogacy: What Is It, Process, Risks & Benefits

Gestational surrogacy is a type of surrogacy in which a woman (the surrogate) carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple, called the intended parents. In this form of surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child, as the embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. Do you want to know more details? We will break down the details:

1. What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

OK, you may ask what is gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy involves implanting an embryo created through IVF into the uterus of a surrogate. The key aspect is that the surrogate does not use her own eggs; instead, the genetic material comes from the intended parents or donors. This makes it different from traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s egg is used, making her genetically related to the baby.

2. The Process of Gestational Surrogacy

The process of gestational surrogacy involves several steps:

2.1 Initial Consultation and Evaluation

  • The intended parents consult with a fertility clinic or surrogacy agency to understand the process.
  • Both the surrogate and intended parents undergo medical, psychological, and legal evaluations to ensure they are suitable candidates.

2.2 Legal Agreements

  • Legal contracts are essential to outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, including parental rights and financial compensation.
  • Each party usually has their own lawyer to ensure their interests are protected.

2.3 IVF Procedure

  • Ovarian Stimulation: The intended mother or egg donor undergoes hormonal treatment to produce multiple eggs.
  • Egg Retrieval: The eggs are collected from the intended mother or donor.
  • Fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with the sperm of the intended father or a donor in a lab to create embryos.

2.4 Embryo Transfer

  • One or more embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
  • The surrogate takes medication to prepare her body for pregnancy.

2.5 Pregnancy and Prenatal Care

  • If the transfer is successful, the surrogate becomes pregnant and carries the baby to term.
  • She receives regular prenatal care, and the intended parents often stay involved throughout the pregnancy.

2.6 Delivery and Legal Steps Post-Birth

  • The surrogate delivers the baby, and the intended parents take immediate custody.
  • Legal paperwork is completed to establish the intended parents as the legal parents of the child, which varies depending on local laws.

3. Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy

There are several benefits. Here we list some:

  • Biological Connection: The intended parents can have a biological connection to their child, which is often not possible with adoption.
  • High Success Rate: Advancements in IVF technology have improved the success rates of gestational surrogacy significantly.
  • Control Over Genetics: The intended parents can choose the genetic material, allowing for control over certain genetic factors.
  • Ideal for Infertility Issues: It’s a good option for those who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves due to medical reasons or other complications.
  • Flexibility with Donor Material: Gestational surrogacy allows for the use of donor eggs or sperm if necessary, increasing the chance of a successful pregnancy.

4. Risks and Considerations of Gestational Surrogacy

You have to know there are always risks and considerations. Some are as blew:

  • High Costs: The financial costs can be significant, often ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 or more, covering medical procedures, surrogate compensation, legal fees, and agency fees.
  • Legal Complexities: Surrogacy laws vary widely by country and even by state within countries, which can complicate the process if the parties are not fully informed.
  • Medical Risks: Like any pregnancy, there are risks to the surrogate, including complications from IVF treatments, pregnancy complications, and the delivery process.
  • Emotional Challenges: Both the surrogate and the intended parents may face emotional challenges. For surrogates, the challenge is often around parting with the baby; for intended parents, it may involve anxiety about the pregnancy outcome.
  • Ethical Issues: Some people have ethical concerns about surrogacy, including issues related to the exploitation of women, especially in cases where surrogates come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

5. Comparing Gestational Surrogacy to Traditional Surrogacy

OK, let’s compare gestational surrogacy to traditional surrogacy.

Aspect Gestational Surrogacy Traditional Surrogacy
Genetic Relationship No genetic link between surrogate and child Surrogate is the biological mother of the child
Method Uses IVF and embryo transfer Often uses artificial insemination
Complexity More complex legally and medically Less complex but legally more challenging
Emotional Factors Usually less emotional attachment for surrogate Higher emotional stakes due to genetic link

6. Who Should Consider Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is often considered by individuals or couples who:

  • Have medical conditions that make pregnancy impossible or risky.
  • Are in a same-sex male couple and need a surrogate to carry their child.
  • Have had multiple failed IVF cycles or pregnancy losses.
  • Wish to have a biological child but cannot do so through traditional methods.

Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy

7. Final Thoughts Of Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is a highly structured and well-regulated process that offers a valuable path to parenthood for those who cannot conceive or carry a child on their own. It is essential to consider the medical, emotional, ethical, and legal aspects thoroughly and to seek the guidance of professionals to navigate the complexities involved. Acorn Surrogacy Center is a surrogacy agency based in Los Angeles offering the entire services of surrogacy process.