What is surrogacy and what benefits has it brought to society?

How surrogacy works: key facts to consider

Surrogacy has become a popular topic of conversation for Americans in recent years and continues to grow in the present as a family planning and reproductive option. But what is surrogacy? Oftentimes, the process is not fully understood and explored, despite its wide media coverage and being a topic of conversation in American homes and, increasingly, around the world.

• Surrogacy: when a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple.
• The first type of surrogacy process is known as Full Surrogacy. This is when the eggs of the intended mother are used, and no genetic connection exists between the surrogate and the baby.
• The other type is Partial Surrogacy, which differs from Full Surrogacy. It involves using the sperm of the intended father of the child to fertilize the surrogate’s egg. This is often called Straight or Traditional Surrogacy.
• In the United States, Full or Gestational Surrogacy -as it’s often called- is becoming an increasingly feasible option for many people starting a family. The process involves IVF (in vitro fertilization).
• Around 750 babies are born each year through the process of Gestational Surrogacy.
• Surrogacy has become one of the growing options for diverse families, including LGBTQ parents to raise children.
• Laws vary widely from state to state and country to country.

What does the surrogacy process involve?

Step One: Meet with Your Physician.

It’s absolutely essential to consult your doctor and explore your current state of health, discussing together which options are best for you.

Step Two: Find an Egg Donor or Sperm Donor.

This process is very important and requires reliability and responsibility. It’s the first significant step when starting the surrogacy process.

Step Three: Complete an IVF Cycle.

In the case of Gestational surrogacy, remember that IVF is the key. The cycle takes approximately four weeks, and it’s important to follow all the advice that your doctor gives you.

Step Four: Find a Surrogate.

Skills and relationships in people are also significant factors for this process. In this case, surrogacy is no exception. You will have different ways to find quality screening processes, and to meet your surrogate and build a relationship with her. Her physical and mental health is crucial as well because it will affect your baby’s health.

Step Five: Undergoing the Embryo Transfer.

Doctors will retrieve eggs to carry out this process, which consist in transfering the embryo to your surrogate. Doctors will guide you carefully on the options that work best for you and your health during this process.

Step Six: Completing Legal Paperwork.

Laws vary depending on where you’re located. We’ll explain more about it in the list below.

Step Seven: Delivery.

The most important and awaited day in your process. You will have to check arrangements for this big day with your healthcare provider. The main questions you should ask would be if your medical center provides a special waiting room for intended parents, or if you can accompany your surrogate during the process. Bear in mind that Covid-19 has changed some practices depending on your state.

Know your local laws

• Surrogacy is a rapidly evolving area of medicine; this means that laws can change.
• In terms of commercial surrogacy – the practice of paying a surrogate mother-, some states may not allow or restrict this. Please, follow the legal requirements set out in your state.
• Remember that surrogacy laws will vary within states depending on local counties and even between different judges. We recommended you to ask for help to a local surrogacy expert.

The final word…

Surrogacy has certainly made an impact on society by expanding options for different families to have children. The two most essential things for this are knowing your local laws and consulting your doctor for the latest health advice.