The Surrogacy Process Explained: What Intended Parents Need to Know
Over the past few decades, surrogacy has become a viable solution for couples throughout the U.S. who are unable to have a child of their own. In fact, many from other countries travel here to fulfill their dreams of becoming parents. If you are one of those people hoping to become an intended parent, here are a few things you need to know about the surrogacy process.
Gestational vs. Traditional
Among the successful methods of surrogacy are gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy. Both are different, and parents need to choose based on their needs.
In gestational surrogacy, the eggs of the intended mother are fertilized by the intended father’s sperm. The embryo is then transplanted into the surrogate mother. This ensures that the child will be the genetic offspring of the intended parents, and not at all related to the surrogate mother. This method is ideal for mothers who can produce healthy eggs but are not fit to bear the child due to medical reasons. Otherwise, parents can also opt to get eggs or sperm from a donor.
Traditional surrogacy, on the other hand, is a method that makes use of the surrogate mother’s own eggs. However, the sperm of the intended father will be used to inseminate the egg artificially through either IVF or IUI.
For Intended Parents
Intended parents will no doubt find it easier to apply for surrogacy through an agency. This way, matters like finding the right surrogate mother, choosing the surrogacy method, keeping an eye on costs, settling legal matters and scheduling appointments with doctors will be much easier.
Parents will have to provide information so that the agency can see to matching you with ideal surrogate mothers. It may be through a questionnaire or an interview. There may also be pre-screening involved for the carriers. Parents can also review the surrogate’s profile with the help of the agency. Once you have chosen, you may be given a contract detailing payment, responsibilities of both parties, what kind of support will be provided throughout the process, and even where the child will be born.
Sources:
Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy: A Comparative Study, surrogatemothers.org
