Surrogacy has gained some publicity lately due to heightened public interest and media coverage. There are also a growing number of clinics offering this type of reproductive service. Many people or couples who are struggling to have a child are now considering this procedure. If you’re one of those who think about surrogacy, there are some things you should take into account first. Thus, read this article to gain some vital information about the procedure.
What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogate maternity involves the process of artificial insemination of the baby outside the uterus of an individual. This individual will carry the child to term. This procedure is generally an agreement, often supported by a legal contract, between a woman willing to bear a baby for another individual or couple who will become the new parent after birth.
The woman carrying the child is called the surrogate. In most countries, the eggs and sperm come from either a donor or the intended parent of the child. Most of the time, there is no biological relationship between the surrogate and the child they carry.
What Are The Considerations When Making This Decision?
Before you can decide on getting a surrogate to have a child, there are several things you should consider first. Here are some of them:
1. Budget
Surrogacy isn’t cheap. Its cost generally varies significantly from country to country. You should consider the surrogate mother cost and the other things you should spend on, like procedures to get your eggs and sperm. If you hired an agency, you also have to pay for service, medical, and legal fees. That’s why it’s essential to check if you have the budget for the entire process.
2. Surrogate
When it comes to choosing a surrogate, many couples wonder about the process of finding a qualified one. There are plenty of agencies that help couples find surrogates, but what makes them qualified? Carrying a child to full term requires physical, emotional, and mental health. Before you consider hiring a surrogate, you should determine the qualities you want to see in them.
The most important thing when choosing a surrogate is finding one whom you can emotionally relate to emotionally. It would be preferable to have someone who would give priority to the best interests of your child. Also, you should look into the surrogate’s weight and health history. Checking their health history is essential to ensure that the pregnancy will be smooth sailing.
3. Laws
Since surrogacy has been increasing rapidly across the globe, many countries aim to regulate this procedure because it has become a commercial industry. There are different laws and regulations in other countries. In India, there is a commercial surrogacy ban. The government is considered one of the largest providers of commercial surrogacy services worldwide.
The law in the country states that only eligible couples are allowed to undergo surrogacy. The team needs to be married for at least five years. They also need to present certificates as proof that one of both of them is infertile. The law also requires surrogates to be between the ages of 25 and 35.
Heedfully consider the laws before you can go through this procedure. You can also consult a family lawyer to help you with the specifics in terms of the requirements for surrogacy. You must follow the law so you won’t be penalized.
4. Procedures
The whole process of surrogacy can be draining, physically and emotionally. If you want to experience less hassle, you can hire a surrogacy agency to help you out. However, be mindful of your steps, especially if you’re not financially capable of undergoing such a procedure.
The very first step you’re going to take is to find a surrogate. If you have a relative or friend who’s willing to be your surrogate, consider choosing them because you already have an emotional connection with them. If not, you should consider looking for an agency and interview their prospective surrogates until you find a match.
After choosing your surrogate and completing the legal process, you’re going to a fertility clinic so they can harvest the eggs and sperm. Once the eggs are fertilized, these will be transferred to the surrogate. Once that the pregnancy is confirmed, you’re required to give the surrogate compensation and care. You’ll need to be present in all prenatal check-ups and provide the needs of the surrogate.
The whole procedure isn’t easy, and there may be bumps along the way. You need to ensure that you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to go through the steps.
Final Thoughts
There are many essential things you need to be aware of about surrogacy. You should get all the information about this procedure before you make an important decision. Surrogacy is costly, and it’s something one should prepare for since it’s a complex procedure. As the entire process can also be intricate for various reasons, you need to ensure that you choose the best person to be your surrogate. You could choose someone you can trust and who will care for your unborn child, like how you’ll do it as a parent. Lastly, it would be best if you’re physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared to care for the surrogate and your child.
