Surrogacy has become a widely accepted reproductive solution for individuals and couples who are unable to conceive naturally. It offers hope to those facing fertility challenges, medical conditions or other barriers to parenthood. This process of Surrogacy involves a surrogate mother carrying a child on behalf of intended parents, allowing them to experience the joy of having a biological child. With advancements in reproductive technology and the support of fertility banks, surrogacy has become a viable and structured option for many aspiring parents.
What is Surrogacy Meaning?
Surrogacy is a reproductive arrangement in which a woman, known as the surrogate mother, carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of another individual or couple. This process of surrogacy is often chosen by people who are unable to conceive naturally due to medical, genetic or other personal reasons. Surrogacy provides a way for intended parents to have a biological connection with their child while overcoming fertility challenges.
What Types of Surrogacy Are There?
There are two main types of surrogacy:
1. Traditional Surrogacy
In this method, the surrogate mother provides her egg, making her genetically related to the child. Fertilization is typically done through artificial insemination using the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm.
2. Gestational Surrogacy
This is the most common form of surrogacy, where an embryo created through IVF Egg Donor techniques is implanted into the surrogate mother’s uterus. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby as the egg comes from the intended mother or a donor.
Who is Involved in the Process of Surrogacy?
The surrogacy process involves multiple parties working together to ensure a successful pregnancy and birth. These include:
1. Intended Parents
Individuals or couples who wish to have a child through surrogacy. They may choose surrogacy due to infertility, medical conditions or personal circumstances that prevent natural conception. Intended parents can be of any marital status, gender or sexual orientation and they work closely with medical professionals to insure a safe and ethical process of surrogacy. They often build a strong bond with the surrogate mother throughout the journey.
2. Surrogate Mother
The woman who carries the pregnancy for the intended parents. She undergoes medical and psychological evaluations to ensure she is fit for the process. A surrogate mother may be a gestational carrier, where the embryo is implanted through IVF, meaning she has no genetic link to the child. Throughout the pregnancy, she receives medical care and emotional support to ensure a healthy delivery.
3. Fertility Bank
A fertility bank in Mumbai helps intended parents by finding and screening surrogate mothers to ensure they are healthy and ready for pregnancy. They also store and provide donor eggs or sperm needed for IVF. Their job includes medical testing, preserving reproductive materials and offering guidance to parents throughout the surrogacy journey. This helps make the process safe, smooth and successful.
4. Medical Professionals
Fertility specialists, obstetricians and legal advisors oversee the medical and legal aspects of surrogacy. They ensure that all medical procedures, from embryo transfer to prenatal care, are conducted safely. Legal advisors help intended parents and surrogates navigate contracts, parental rights and ethical considerations. Their expertise ensures a smooth and legally protected surrogacy journey for all involved.
Why Might People Choose Surrogacy?
There are various reasons why individuals or couples opt for surrogacy, such as:
Infertility Issues
Some people are unable to conceive due to medical conditions like uterine abnormalities, endometriosis or recurrent miscarriages. For these individuals or couples, surrogacy provides an opportunity to have a biological child when other fertility treatments are unsuccessful. It allows them to experience parenthood with the help of a surrogate who can carry the pregnancy to term.
Health Risks
Women with conditions like heart disease or severe diabetes may face life-threatening risks during pregnancy, making surrogacy a safer option. In such cases, carrying a child could endanger both the mother and baby’s health. Surrogacy offers a way to have a biological child while prioritizing the intended mother’s well-being.
Genetic Disorders
If either parent carries a genetic disorder that could be passed on to their child, surrogacy allows them to use healthy donor eggs or sperm to avoid transmission. This ensures the baby is free from hereditary conditions that might otherwise impact their quality of life. It provides peace of mind to parents who are concerned about genetic risks.
Unsuccessful IVF Attempts
Some couples may have undergone multiple failed IVF cycles and choose surrogacy as a more viable alternative. Repeated implantation failures or poor embryo development can make natural conception difficult. Surrogacy increases the chances of a successful pregnancy by using a healthy surrogate mother with a receptive uterus.
To Conclude…
Surrogacy is a life-changing option for many people who dream of becoming parents but face fertility challenges. By working with a Fertility Bank and medical professionals, intended parents can navigate the surrogacy process smoothly. Understanding the types of surrogacy, its benefits and the involved steps helps individuals make informed decisions about their parenthood journey.
