What Couples Need To Know About Gestational Surrogacy

Surrogacy has allowed many couples to create and expand their families. Gestational surrogacy, in particular, is an exciting option for addressing infertility because it permits couples to have biological children of their own.

Gestational surrogacy involves carrying and birthing a child by a third party for another couple or individual. The third party who carries the pregnancy is known as the gestational surrogate or carrier. The couple or individuals intending to raise the child are called the intended parents or parents.

In most cases, the gestational surrogate becomes pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF). This entails creating an embryo in a laboratory, utilising an egg and sperm from the intended parents or donated eggs and sperm. Following this, the embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. Because the gestational carrier doesn’t provide the egg, there’s no biological relation between the surrogate and the child.

Here are a few things couples need to know about gestational surrogacy.

Financial And Legal Representation Are Crucial

Although gestational surrogacy can simplify some of the challenges associated with traditional surrogacy, it’s still important to engage the services of an assisted reproduction lawyer. The lawyer will adequately address all legal and financial matters concerning the gestational carrier. This includes negotiating compensation and determining the level of contact the carrier will have with the child after delivery.

A contract must be drafted by a lawyer and signed by all parties involved, clearly outlining these arrangements before the pregnancy. Moreover, it’s also crucial to know your area’s applicable laws. Employing a lawyer who specialises in reproductive law can simplify the process significantly. If you choose to use a surrogacy agency, it can connect you with a lawyer.

Furthermore, careful evaluation of costs in gestational surrogacy is crucial. Although some insurance providers might cover a significant portion of IVF costs, medical insurance typically doesn’t cover additional expenses, such as legal fees, compensation for the gestational carrier, and screening and testing costs.

The Difference Between Gestational Carrier And Traditional Surrogate

Although the terms ‘gestational carrier’ and ‘surrogate’ are sometimes interchanged by many, they have distinct meanings. Traditional surrogacy entails the surrogate mother being artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father or a donor. The surrogate mother provides her egg, which means that any children born due to the pregnancy will be biologically related to her. The surrogate mother then carries and gives birth to the child. This practice was more prevalent before the advent of IVF, but it’s now viewed as more controversial and can give rise to emotional and legal complexities.

‘Gestational surrogate’ is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘gestational carrier.’ In gestational surrogacy, the intended parents (or donors) provide the sperm and the egg. The intended mother or an egg donor undergoes an IVF cycle to retrieve eggs, which are then fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The embryos are then placed in the uterus of the gestational carrier, who carries and gives birth to the baby. A gestational carrier can be someone known to the intended parents, such as a close friend or relative, or you can find one through a surrogacy agency.

All Parties Must Go Through A Screening

In gestational surrogacy, every individual involved must undergo some form of assessment, with the carrier herself being subject to the most rigorous screening. Intended parents may opt to use a surrogate who is a relative or a trusted friend, or they may acquire a surrogate through an external agency. Regardless of the source, the surrogate will be meticulously evaluated for her physical, emotional, and psychological well-being to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

The extent of screening required by surrogacy agencies can vary. However, in all cases, both the gestational carrier and intended parents must be educated on the surrogacy process’ social and emotional implications.

Gestational Surrogacy Can Be Complicated

In essence, gestational surrogacy is a complex process. It doesn’t necessarily imply that the procedure is stressful or unpleasant, but all individuals involved must understand the related dynamics involved in the process.

In situations when the intended parents can’t provide healthy eggs or sperm, there may be up to five parental relationships involved in the birth of a child, including the gestational carrier, the egg donor, the sperm donor, and the two intended parents. However, such occurrences are infrequent. Typically, one or both of the intended parents will provide the necessary gametes, with the mother contributing eggs while unable to carry a pregnancy. Although rare, it’s possible to have five distinct individuals involved in bringing one baby into the world.

Conclusion

Gestational surrogacy can be an excellent option for couples with infertility issues. However, it’s essential to understand the process and legalities involved before deciding. Couples should prepare to undergo a rigorous screening process, be aware of the financial and legal responsibilities involved, and consult an experienced lawyer to ensure they comply with all legal requirements. Ultimately, gestational surrogacy can be a rewarding experience for both the intended parents and the surrogate mother, resulting in the birth of a healthy child.