For some couples, having a child can be difficult, if not seemingly unattainable. This might be due to fertility issues, sexual orientation, or perhaps caused by an underlying medical condition. Through recent medical advancements, however, these parents-to-be now have the option of having their child through surrogacy.
Choosing a surrogate mother, however, is not as simple as seeking a new friend. After all, this will be the person who will be carrying, protecting, and nourishing your child until it enters the world for the first time.
Diligent care is a must in your part to find the right match. Here are some of the factors you should consider in finding a surrogate mother.
Consider the type of surrogacy.
Before you start looking for a surrogate, you must first determine the type of surrogacy that you believe will suit you. There are two basic types of surrogacy, namely traditional and gestational.
Gestational surrogacy involves the implantation of an embryo in a surrogate mother’s uterus. This will result in a surrogate child with no genetic relationship with the surrogate mother. In the
past few years, gestational surrogacy has been the most popular option partly due to the generic contributors along with the legal distinction and protection gestational surrogacy offers.
Traditional surrogacy involves artificial insemination of sperm into the fallopian tube for fertilization. This will result in a child that’s biologically connected to the provider of the sperm (you or your spouse) and the surrogate mother or alternatively to the surrogate mother and the sperm donor.
Start looking for a surrogate mother through a surrogacy agency.
Other couples opt to ask friends or relatives to be their surrogates, yet doing so might cause certain complications with the process. Surrogacy can be an emotional ordeal to begin with, so it’s best not to involve them in the process altogether.
Consider looking for a surrogate mother through a surrogacy agency. Reputable agencies conduct extensive background checks along with performing other screening requirements on potential surrogate mothers to ensure they are well-equipped with the intricacies of the process. You may even get to know a couple of potential surrogate mothers and determine if they are the perfect match for you.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of working with a surrogacy agency is the peace of mind they bring throughout the process. They make sure that the surrogate mother, and your baby, are given the best possible care during the nine months of pregnancy. In the end, this arrangement benefits both you and your surrogate mother; you can look forward to you healthy baby, while your surrogate mother receives the attention and care needed from the surrogacy agency.
Take note of these pointers.
Experts say that surrogate mothers must meet certain qualifications before they can carry a prospective parent’s child. Your chosen surrogate mother must be at least 21 years old, has already given birth to and is raising at least one healthy child. This is particularly important, since you’re choosing someone who understands firsthand the medical risk of pregnancy and childbirth.
Furthermore, you must choose a surrogate mother who has passed a psychological screening conducted by a qualified mental health professional.
Be careful with the legal intricacies.
Finally, you must also sign a written contract with your surrogate mother, outlining each of your roles and responsibilities during the course of the contract and pregnancy. The legal intricacies of surrogacy can be tricky, but these are necessary to ensure everything goes as planned. This must be prepared by an experienced and qualified attorney who specialized in reproductive law.
Surrogacy might sound like a complicated procedure at first, but those who have gone through the process would always express a sense of fulfillment upon seeing their child for the first time. If you think surrogacy is the best option for you, don’t hesitate to contact our trusted surrogacy agency today.
Sources:
Tips for Finding a Surrogate Mother, HealthGuidance.org
8 Tips on How to Find Right Surrogate Mother, WomenTribe.com
