Gestational Surrogacy: Process, Risks, Laws & More
Gestational Surrogacy is also known as IVF Surrogacy or Host Surrogacy. It is a process where another person carries a pregnancy and delivers a child for someone else called the intended parents. The person who holds a pregnancy is called a gestational surrogate.
The most popular technique for gestational surrogates to carry pregnancies is In Vitro Fertilization. IVF is a process in which an embryo is formed in a lab using the intended parent’s or a donor’s egg and sperm. The surrogate’s uterus is then implanted with this embryo. Since the gestational surrogate does not contribute an egg, there is no genetic connection between her and the child.
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Surrogacy: Traditional vs Gestational
In traditional surrogacy, surrogacy is genetically connected to the fetus. They produce the pregnancy with their eggs, carry the child, and deliver it. Then, as the biological parent, they must transfer custody of the child to the intended parents (or parent). Many states prohibit this surrogacy, which also presents numerous legal challenges.
In Gestational Surrogacy, someone carries a child and delivers it on behalf of another couple or individual. An individual who carries the pregnancy is called a gestational surrogate.
Need for Gestational Surrogacy
Depending on the circumstances, different people use gestational carriers or surrogates for various reasons. When the intended mother cannot carry the child, a couple may hire a gestational surrogate to take and deliver their child.
The following are a few causes why women are unable to become pregnant:–
Sometimes Gestational Surrogacy are utilized for social reasons. A male same-sex couple/Gay Couple (or a guy alone) may decide to employ a gestational surrogate to conceive a child genetically related to one of them.
Reciprocal IVF, where one partner contributes the eggs while the other partner bears the baby, is used by Lesbian Couple/ Female same-sex couples.
Gestational Surrogate Procedure
In gestational surrogacy procedure , the intended parents’ eggs and sperm are used to develop Embryos through IVF Process in lab. The surrogate who will carry the pregnancy receives the embryo after that. Choosing a Carrier/surrogate mother is the first step in the process. The intended parents and the carrier then sign a legal agreement and undergo various physical and mental examinations. Afterward, the IVF procedure begins.

Finding a Gestational Surrogate
- You should consult a surrogate agency to learn more about the procedure and associated expenses. You can find a gestational carrier with the assistance of this agency.
- Agencies act as intermediaries between intended parents and surrogates to create legally binding contracts.
- Some couples or individuals decide to conceive with friends or family. This is usually acceptable, but choosing a person you know could be more emotionally challenging.
A perfect gestational carrier, in the opinion of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), is a woman who meets the following requirement:-
Medical Screenings for Gestational Surrogacy
The intended parents and the carrier must have a medical examination, including a psychologist visit, to test for mental health issues, including depression.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, mothers-to-be should have a thorough physical examination to ensure they are in good health to bear a child. Additionally, the group advises that people undergo blood examinations to look for the following:-
Additionally, Surrogate Mother should be up-to-date on vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis). The COVID vaccine is occasionally necessary. To evaluate the child’s risk for congenital impairments like Down syndrome, the intended parents (or the egg or sperm donors) will undergo genetic testing.
Legal Process for Gestational Surrogacy
Before beginning, IVF must fulfil the legal agreements. The agreement addresses issues such as:
Related Post: Surrogacy Process Cost
Each state has its surrogacy laws. The legal aspect of the procedure can be challenging; your surrogacy agency or attorney can assist you. The use of qualified legal counsel and the execution of contracts make surrogacy legally binding.
Pregnancy in a Gestational Carrier
Your doctor will collect your eggs and fertilize them in a lab with your partner’s sperm. Sometimes, donor sperm or eggs are utilized. If the intended parent utilizes her eggs, she will use fertility drugs to increase the number of eggs she can generate for fertilization. After sperm fertilizes one or more eggs, an embryo develops.
The gestational carrier takes fertility medication to prepare her uterus for the embryo. The gestational carrier’s uterus receives the implanted embryos after they have developed.
Risks of Gestational Surrogate
When a couple or individual uses a gestational carrier, risks are involved. The most common are as follows:–
Additionally, there are risks for the carrier. The most common are as follows:-
Cost of Gestational Surrogacy?
Many factors, including agency fees, carrier pay, legal fees, medical expenses, travel expenditures, and other supplemental costs, influence the cost of surrogacy. A gestational carrier will cost you at least $50,000 and as much as $150,000. Remember that IVF doesn’t usually succeed on the first try, so you might need to try again.
Conclusion
It’s understandable if you believe you might need more time to decide whether using a gestational surrogate is the best action for you and your family.
This is to be expected, especially if you have previously lost a pregnancy, had unsuccessful IVF, or recently received a medical condition diagnosis that makes it unsafe for you to become pregnant.