Wanting to have a family is a dream of many people. To raise a child in this world is something many women aspire to do, and many feel that becoming parents will fulfill their mission in life.
Unfortunately, not everyone can have this precious gift. Some women are unable to carry a child in their wombs. Some would not subject their bodies to the complicated process of pregnancy. For these specific challenges, there's surrogacy.
What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is also called assisted reproduction. It is the process by which a woman bears a child for another couple. Today about 750 babies are born by surrogates every year in the United States alone. Infertility, a woman's inability to bear children, and a woman's decision not to use her body are the primary reasons couples prefer surrogacy.
History Of Surrogacy
Surrogacy has its roots in ancient times. Even the Bible mentioned Abraham and Sarah's difficulty conceiving and why they used Hagar, their maid.
But science soon made it possible to use in vitro fertilization, and in 1978 the first baby was born using this method, Louise Brown. Soon after, gestational surrogacy became possible, and in 1985, the first successful gestational surrogacy took place.
What Are The Types Of Surrogacy?
There are different types of surrogacy methods couples may choose, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you want to learn more before diving deep into this critical process, you have to do your research, as there's a lot at stake.
Generally, there are two types of surrogacies:
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Traditional surrogacy – The egg will come from the surrogate mother and the sperm from the intended father, and the fertilization is done through insemination or in vitro fertilization. This has been widely practiced for many years until a better option was developed. There's a genetic link to the mother in traditional surrogacy so potential legal issues may arise, especially if the surrogate mother changes her mind.
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Gestational surrogacy – Here, intended parents will provide their eggs and sperm, and the surrogate mother will be a vessel and carry the baby for nine months. This method allows both intended parents to be genetically related to the child. It partially removes the emotional burden from the surrogate mother since she will not be related by blood to the child.
In addition, there are two processes involved in payment for surrogacy:
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Compensated surrogacy – An arrangement wherein the surrogate mother receives compensation for the task of carrying a child for nine months. This is beyond the medical expenses incurred in giving birth and other needs the surrogate mother may have during the entire pregnancy journey, like travel expenses, legal fees, and rental fees. Many people will raise their eyebrows at mothers who do this, but surrogate mothers feel the need to share this wondrous gift with others who otherwise may be challenged reproductively. Many surrogate mothers have given birth successfully to their own children. They have become selfless individuals by sharing their bodies and precious time nurturing a baby in their womb to parents who yearn for children.
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Altruistic surrogacy – When surrogate mothers are not paid, this is also practiced in areas where compensated surrogacy is prohibited. Altruistic surrogacy happens most of the time if the surrogate mother is related to the couple, like a relative or a friend.
Who Uses Surrogates?
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Barren women
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Women who had their uterus surgically removed
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Women who may have a risky pregnancy because of severe heart disease
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Those who can't adopt a child
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Those who can't conceive because of age
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Same-sex couples
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Single individuals who want to experience being a parent
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Women who have physical disabilities
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Couples who had trauma with pregnancy
How To Find A Surrogate?
The most straightforward way to find a potential surrogate is through friends and family. The high cost of surrogacy and the lengthy legal paperwork forces some couples to reach out to people close to them first.
Couples and their would-be surrogates must find common ground and be clear about the outcome and their respective expectations, so there will be no burning of bridges when problems arise after the baby is delivered.
If you're not comfortable reaching out to relatives and friends, you may seek the help of a surrogacy agency. A surrogacy agency is a go-between between surrogate mothers and intended parents. They operate professionally and would do their best to find the perfect surrogate mother match for you.
Guidelines For Surrogates
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At least 21 years old
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Passed a psychological and mental screening
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Has given birth to a healthy baby at least once
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Agreeable to the condition of giving up the baby after birth
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Has a clean bill of health
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Tested for infectious diseases
Conclusion
Becoming a parent is an option many desires, but a traumatic past and an incapable body sometimes limit one from being a parent. Giving birth is not an easy ordeal, so being a surrogate mother is something only those with the suitable physical and emotional resiliency can weather. If you have challenges conceiving but want to experience the wonderful world of being a parent and raising good, happy children, surrogacy will help you achieve this dream.
