Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman, known as the surrogate or gestational carrier, agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple, referred to as the intended parents. This process is often chosen by individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves due to medical, biological, or other reasons.
Types of Surrogacy
- Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate uses her own egg, which is fertilized by the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm. This makes the surrogate the biological mother of the child.
- Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. In this case, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.
Key Considerations
- Legal Aspects: Surrogacy laws vary widely across countries and even within regions. Some places allow only altruistic surrogacy (without financial compensation), while others permit commercial surrogacy.
- Emotional and Ethical Factors: Surrogacy involves complex emotional and ethical considerations for all parties involved.
- Medical Process: The surrogate undergoes medical procedures, including embryo transfer and regular prenatal care.