It is still controversial to use a surrogate mom to have a baby. The legal process can be tricky as it differs from one state. Surrogacy is an option that you and your partner may consider, regardless of whether it’s due to fertility difficulties or other reasons. Find out more and decide if surrogacy is right for your situation.
What Does a Surrogate Mom Do?
There are two types.
- Traditional surrogate. She is artificially inseminated with her father’s fertilizer. They then deliver the baby for you and to care for it.
Traditional surrogates refer to the baby’s biological mom. Because their egg was fertilized by the father’s sperm, it is called a traditional surrogate. Donor sperm may also be available.
- Gestational surrogates. It is now possible to obtain eggs from the mother (or from a donor), fertilize them using sperm from a father (or from a donor), then place the embryo in a uterus.
The surrogate will then carry the baby until it is born. Because the egg was not their own, they have no genetic ties to this child.
A gestational mother is also called the “birth father.” The woman whose egg was fertilized is the biological mother.
Who Uses a Surrogate?
Surrogacy may be an option for you if you’re a female.
- Problems with your uterus
- Conditions that make pregnant difficult or risky, such as severe cardiovascular disease
Parenthood can also be offered by surrogates for people who might not otherwise be able to adopt, due to their marital status or age.
If gay men want to use a traditional sex surrogate, one uses his sperm for artificial insemination to fertilize the surrogate’s egg. The surrogate gives birth and then carries the baby.
A couple may also opt for an egg donor to fertilize their egg, then have the embryo implanted into a gestational surrogate so that it can be carried until birth.
Find a Surrogate
There are many methods to find a surrogate woman.
- Friends and family. Sometimes you can ask someone you know to be your surrogate. It is controversial. Surrogacy is costly and complicated legal issues can make it difficult to maintain a stable family relationship.
- A surrogacy agency. It is the preferred method of arranging a gestational sibling. There are many fertility clinic or agencies that act as intermediaries.
An agency will help you find a surrogate. It also collects any fees between you, the surrogate, and it, such as their medical bills.
How To Choose a Surrogate?
Right now, there is no regulation on who can become a surrogate mom.
Surrogates are those who can:
- At least 21 years-old
You have already given birth at least to one well-behaved baby. They are familiar with the medical issues and labor, as well as the emotional aspects of bonding and caring for an infant.
You have passed a psychological screening performed by a Mental Health Professional to identify any potential issues in giving up the baby.
In writing, agree to sign a contract detailing their roles in the pregnancy.
- Utilizing a Surrogate
You should make sure that your surrogates have been tested for measles ( rubella) and chickenpox. A medical procedure that visually maps the uterus can be requested by surrogates to check their ability to have children. The surrogate mother should consult their doctor than yours during pregnancy.
The price depends on many things, including whether surrogates have their medical policy or need to purchase a surrogacy plan for them.
