Fertility Treatment Option: Exploring Surrogacy

Surrogacy, a method of childbirth, offers a unique solution for individuals and couples who face challenges in conceiving or carrying a child. This article aims to provide an overview of the concept, practice, and ethical considerations of surrogacy.

Who Can Benefit from Surrogacy?

Surrogacy can be a lifeline for those with medical conditions that make pregnancy and birth fatal, those born without a uterus, those who have undergone uterus removal, those with recurrent abortions, those with uterus abnormalities or unusual shapes, and those who have had no success with other fertility treatments like IVF.

The Surrogacy Process

The surrogacy process is complex, emotionally intense, and requires patience, time, and a substantial financial investment. The journey begins with understanding all the pros and cons of the procedure, followed by preparation, which may include medical screenings for the surrogate mother.

Screening Tests for Surrogate Mothers

The screening tests required for a surrogate mother may include medical examinations for sexually transmitted diseases, Pap smear, mock cycle, HCG test, pelvic examination, and psychological testing.

Types of Surrogacy

Surrogacy can be either natural or straight (using the host's uterus and eggs) or gestational or host (using a donated embryo).

Finding a Surrogate Mother

A surrogate mother can be found through personal connections or surrogacy agencies.

Legal Considerations

Legal issues are associated with surrogacy, and it's crucial to seek expert legal advice. If planning for surrogacy in another country, one should be aware of the surrogacy law of that country.

Financial Aspects

The cost of surrogacy can vary and depends on factors such as the cost of donor (sperm or egg), surrogate mother payment, cost of embryo implantation, and cost of infertility treatment. Surrogacy can be either altruistic, involving no financial benefit for the host, or commercial, including additional payment for services.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Surrogacy offers benefits over adoption, as it allows either or both partners to be the genetic parents of the child, and does not involve expensive and extensive procedures like adoption. However, it also comes with disadvantages, such as complicated legal and medical procedures, difficulty in finding a clinic that supports surrogacy, and reconciling with the choices of the surrogate.

Ethical Considerations

One of the main concerns associated with surrogacy is whether it is fair to the surrogate mother. Maintaining a proper relationship with the commissioning couple can help address this issue.

The Future of Surrogacy

Surrogacy allows couples who cannot conceive biologically to have a baby who is genetically partially or completely theirs. As technology advances, the possibilities and accessibility of surrogacy may continue to expand.

For more detailed information, refer to the article "Surrogacy," which discusses the concept, practice, and ethical considerations of surrogacy as a method of childbearing. It explores countries that allow surrogacy, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and some states in India and Ukraine.