Gestational Surrogacy: A Family Building Option
Gestational surrogacy is a family building option for couples who cannot conceive or carry a child of their own. The intended parents use sperm from a sperm donor or egg from an egg donor to create an embryo that is then transferred to a gestational carrier.
The Responsibilities of a Surrogate
The surrogate is then responsible for carrying the baby to term. This involves a number of medical procedures and monitoring appointments throughout the pregnancy.
The Lengthy Process of Becoming a Surrogate
It is a lengthy process to become a surrogate, and it can be difficult for a woman to find the time to commit. Between completing the online application form, delivering the baby, and finalizing the legal contract, it can take over a year or longer.
Reasons for Pursuing Surrogacy
Many people are drawn to surrogacy for the following reasons: A desire to help others, the experience of being pregnant again, a desire to be financially compensated, and the satisfaction of bringing life into the world.
The Screening Process for Intended Parents
For Intended Parents: In order to make the process as smooth as possible, it is essential for the Intended Parents to undergo the screening process with a licensed surrogacy agency. During the screening, they will meet with an experienced professional and discuss their options.
Matching Intended Parents and Surrogates
The screening will include questions on the health, financial status, family history and previous experiences with fertility treatment. In addition, the Intended Parents will be asked to sign a legal agreement that confirms their rights, the risks of surrogacy, and the compensation that they are willing to pay.
The Match and the Physical Examination
Once the screening is completed, the Intended Parents and the surrogate will be matched. This can take a long time as it is important for both parties to feel emotionally comfortable with the match.
When a match is made, the Intended Parents and the Surrogate will meet with fertility experts to undergo a physical examination. This includes a blood sample from each person, a sex examination, and a hormone evaluation.
Verifying the Surrogate's Health
If the Intended Parents and the Surrogate are a good fit, they can then move into the next phase of the process. This phase will involve the Intended Parents providing a blood sample and sperm from a donor to their Surrogate.
This step is important as it allows the Intended Parents to verify that their Surrogate is healthy and capable of carrying a pregnancy to term. It is also the time for the Intended Parents to decide if they are ready to begin the pregnancy.
Qualifications of a Surrogate
A surrogate should have a healthy, stable relationship with her family and be in a good place professionally. She should also have a healthy support system of friends and family.
Ideally, a surrogate should be in her mid-twenties to early-forties and have finished growing her own family. She should be mentally and physically healthy and motivated by a desire to help others.
The Importance of Support from Intended Parents
It is important for the Intended Parents to be supportive of their surrogate through all phases of the surrogacy journey, including the medical process and birth of the baby. It is important for them to communicate with the Surrogate about their concerns and feelings, as well as to encourage her to be open with them about the entire situation.
