The Importance of Vaccinations During the Surrogacy Process and After

The decision to require surrogacy patients to be vaccinated is likely driven by several factors related to the health and well-being of both the gestational surrogate and the intended parents, as well as the overall success of the surrogacy process. Here are some reasons why clinics, staff, and doctors may advocate for vaccination in surrogacy cases:

Health and Safety of Surrogates

• Pregnancy can impact the immune system, making pregnant individuals more susceptible to certain illnesses.
• Vaccination helps protect the surrogate mother from potentially serious infections that could pose risks to her health and the health of the developing fetus.

Protection of the Fetus

• Vaccination during pregnancy can provide passive immunity to the fetus, helping protect the baby from certain diseases in the early months of life.
• Some illnesses that vaccines prevent can have severe consequences for the developing fetus, including birth defects.

Prevention of Complications

• Certain infections can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth or low birth weight. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of these complications.

Reducing Transmission Risk

• Vaccination helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reducing the risk that the surrogate may contract an illness and inadvertently transmit it to the fetus or the intended parents.

Protecting Intended Parent

• Intended parents often invest a significant amount of time, emotion, and financial resources in the surrogacy process. Ensuring the health and well-being of the surrogate through vaccination helps protect this investment and increases the likelihood of a successful surrogacy journey.

Clinic Liability and Ethical Consideration

• Clinics may have ethical responsibilities to prioritize the health and safety of all parties involved in the surrogacy process. Requiring vaccination can be seen as a measure to fulfill these ethical obligations.
• The clinic may also want to minimize the risk of legal or ethical challenges in case an illness occurs during the surrogacy process.

Public Health Concerns

• Encouraging vaccination aligns with broader public health goals, as it contributes to community immunity and helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Medical Appointments and In-Person Procedures

• Surrogacy and IVF involve numerous in-person medical appointments, exposing clinical staff and patients to potential COVID infections. A higher vaccination rate reduces the risk of spreading the virus and minimizes the chances of severe illness, ultimately safeguarding all involved.

Impact on IVF Procedure

• Contracting COVID before an IVF procedure can lead to significant delays and even the potential loss of thawed embryos. Prioritizing vaccination helps mitigate these risks and ensures a smoother progression through the surrogacy journey.

Pregnancy Risks

• Contracting COVID during pregnancy, especially while unvaccinated, poses serious concerns. The potential for hospitalization and intubation increases the risks for both the surrogate and the baby. Vaccination, including booster shots, significantly reduces these risks, offering a safer pregnancy experience.

Labor and Delivery Considerations

• Unvaccinated individuals in labor and delivery areas increase the risk of COVID transmission. Additionally, heightened precautions are necessary, impacting both staff and the unvaccinated patient. Vaccination helps create a safer environment for all involved.

Breast Milk and Antibody Transfer

• Vaccinated individuals who pump breast milk for the baby can share antibodies through their milk, offering an added layer of protection. Recent studies support the presence of COVID antibodies in breast milk from vaccinated mothers, underscoring the positive impact of vaccination on breastfeeding.

Making decisions about surrogacy amid a pandemic is undoubtedly challenging. To navigate this complexity, consult a trusted doctor, delve into available data, and engage in open discussions with your clinic and agency. Ultimately, the choice of whether to embark on the surrogacy journey during this time hinges on what’s best for you and your family. It’s a personal decision that requires careful consideration and informed choices.

It’s essential to note that specific policies may vary among clinics, and recommendations might be influenced by factors such as local regulations, the prevalence of certain diseases in the community, and emerging public health considerations. Additionally, the information provided here is based on general principles and may not reflect the specific policies of every surrogacy clinic or healthcare provider.