Gestational surrogacy is a remarkable family-building method that allows individuals or couples struggling with infertility to achieve their dreams of parenthood by partnering with a surrogate who carries and delivers the baby on their behalf.
Unlike traditional surrogacy, gestational surrogacy ensures that the surrogate is not genetically related to the child she carries. In this article, we will delve into the step-by-step gestational surrogacy process and shed light on how a surrogate remains biologically unrelated to the baby.
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What is Gestational Surrogacy?
One of the distinguishing features of gestational surrogacy is that the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby she carries. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own eggs are used, making her genetically related to the child.
However, in gestational surrogacy, the embryo implanted in the surrogate’s uterus is created using the eggs of the intended mother or an egg donor, eliminating any genetic connection between the surrogate and the baby.
How Does Gestational Surrogacy Work? [5 Steps]
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The gestational surrogacy process begins with an initial consultation, where you will reach out to us to discuss your interest in surrogacy. During this phase, you will go over your application with your surrogacy specialist and discuss your surrogacy preferences and goals. If you meet our requirements for surrogacy, you’ll be able to move forward with the process.
Step 2: The Screening Process
You will undergo an extensive screening process that includes medical and social history, background checks, a home visit for surrogates and psychological evaluations. Our screening process ensures that everyone is fully prepared for the journey ahead.
Step 3: Finding a Perfect Match
Following the initial screening process, we will carefully assess the compatibility between you and your surrogacy match. This step involves considering factors such as lifestyle preferences, communication styles and shared expectations for the surrogacy journey. Open and transparent communication between you and your surrogate or the intended parents is encouraged to ensure that both parties feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.
Step 4: Creating a Contract
Once a compatible match is found, you will draft a surrogacy contract with an attorney who specializes in surrogacy laws in your state. These legal agreements are drafted to outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. Your contract will cover issues such as compensation, medical decisions and parental rights. Legal professionals ensure that all parties fully understand and agree to the terms before moving forward.
Step 5: Becoming Pregnant
With legalities in place, the medical process begins. The surrogate will undergo a medical evaluation to ensure she is physically capable of sustaining a healthy pregnancy. Eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor, and sperm is collected from the intended father or a sperm donor.
The resulting embryos are created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). One or more healthy embryos are then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus after she has completed a regimen of fertility medications.
Step 6: Pregnancy Monitoring and Support
Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate receives regular medical check-ups and support from a team of healthcare professionals. The intended parents may also be involved in the process, attending doctor’s appointments and forming a supportive relationship with the surrogate.
Why Do People Choose the Gestational Surrogacy Process?
People choose surrogacy for a variety of reasons. In some cases, individuals haven’t found the right partner and surrogacy allows the opportunity to have a child as an individual. In other cases, couples may have infertility or may be in a same-sex relationship where neither partner can carry a pregnancy.
As examples, people in the following scenarios may benefit from surrogacy:
A woman who had cancer in her 20s and had to have her uterus removed, but froze her eggs before undergoing cancer treatment may be able to have biological children with a partner or on her own later in life.
A couple who has unexplained fertility and has tried IVF with no success may be able to have a successful pregnancy with the help of a surrogate.
A couple who has one child already, but who had complications during labor or delivery that make a second pregnancy dangerous.
You can see a surrogacy story here.
Get Started Today
The gestational surrogacy process brings the joy of parenthood to individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. By carefully following the outlined steps, intended parents and surrogates can navigate this journey with confidence.
To get more information or begin your surrogacy journey today, contact us.