COVID- 19 is affecting the intended parents and surrogate mothers along with other global populations.
The COVID -19 is spreading all around the world so rapidly that it may be lethal to the entire humanity. It is affecting every part of our life and the surrogacy industry is not any exception. In the case of the COVID -19, the news is changing so fast that nothing can be said about the situation. The situation may change within a day or two. Every day, more and more people are getting infected and many die in the absence of adequate healthcare. Now, almost all countries banned their borders and no travel abroad is allowed, literally.
In humans, coronaviruses cause mild respiratory tract infections, such as some common cold cases, and others that may be dangerous, such as MERS, SARS, and COVID-19.
So, what does COVID -19 mean for the intended parents around the world? Some couples are planning to have a gestational surrogacy process to become parents.
But how COVID- 19 Is Affecting The Intended Parents?
We are here to discuss the effect of COVID -19 on would be intended parents.
#1. Delay in the process
With the COVID -19 infections at bay, most of the medical organizations have advised the people to go against the procedure of surrogacy for some time. ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) has issued a statement which states that all the couples should avoid the chances of pregnancy amid the COVID -19 pandemic.
It asked those who already have IVF to consider freezing their eggs or embryos for pregnancy before the pandemic is stopped. ESHRE offers guidelines for fertility clinics in Europe and throughout the UK.
Also, ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) has issued a fresh guideline about the fertility procedures amid the COVID -19 outbreak. It has started to abandon current and non-emergency protocols. It recommends specifically postponement of the implementation of new treatment cycles including ovulation induction, IVF, IUI frozen embryo transfers, non-urgent cryopreservation, and gamete retrievals.
According to ASRM, for now, non-medically urgent game survival procedures such as freezing the eggs should also be suspended. IVF Clinics that have patients in mid-cycle treatment should ensure that they have adequate resources and should strongly postpone the embryo transfer.
Also, we are asked not to leave the home unless it is extremely necessary. So, we may experience a delay in the clinical procedure and medical arrangements.
#2. Logistic issues
In more urgent matters, of course, various intended parents await their children’s imminent birth by surrogacy. And while everyone cares about the surrogate’s and the child’s safety, there is also a simple logistics issue. Most of the parents have pursued international surrogacy where the intended parents do not live near the surrogate.
Most of countries have asked for a travel ban across the world. For example, in the case of India, it has suspended all its domestic and international flights which will trouble the intended parents not living in the country. Also, The EU imposed an unprecedented 30-day travel ban on foreigners in the wake of COVID -19. The European Commission also banned all non-essential travel in Europe through the Schengen free-travel area. Moreover, the USA has also imposed travel restrictions around the world. The State Department has urged all U.S. people not to fly abroad despite having imposed a Temporary travel ban on the UK and Ireland. The US does not typically issue advisories or travel restrictions within the country.
So, the intended parents should have to prepare a plan B if they are not able to travel to the surrogate’s place for the delivery. Plan B includes all planned parents who are expected to have a local caregiver ready to care for the infant. You can also ask the local friend or the family member to give care to the baby. Otherwise, you can ask for the chargeable caregiver till you can see and take your new-born home.
#3. Legal issues
For almost every state the legislation presumes that the child’s legal parent is a woman giving birth. A statutory procedure is used to legally identify the designated parents as the child’s legal guardians, and to relieve the surrogate of any assumed liability. Those legal presumptions are likely to become a bigger problem when the courts near. Temporary solutions may need to be used and birth certificates that need to be given late or updated.
Meanwhile, some of the surrogacy’s daily work, such as legal contracts, charges ahead and adds new COVID-19 clauses. So far, these are predictable; essentially, everybody decides to obey advice from the doctor to mitigate risk.
#4. Limit the personal contact
With social distancing coming into action, the meeting of the intended parents and surrogate mother is going to be the bare minimum. Now, it might not be possible for the would-be parents to accompany surrogate to the doctor’s appointments or be available for a scan.
Now, even if the birth is not by C-section, the option may become normal, or worse, a surrogate may be on its own, without anyone but medically team. And if the expected parents or support persons meet other risk requirements, they will not be permitted at the hospital.
More topic:
COVID-19 and restriction on medical travel country-wise?
Conclusion
ConclusionTherefore, the intended parents have to experience some delay in the process of surrogacy due to the COVID – 19 pandemic. The worse affected will be those who are doing international surrogacy as the travel ban is implemented in almost all countries.
The best way to tackle the situation will be by keeping calm and having a positive attitude. The care starts with self. Take care of yourself and make sure your surrogate mother, if already pregnant, get adequate medical care.
If you are would be intended parents and planning your surrogacy journey, do not stop and get in touch to see how we can help you in this time of uncertainty. It is true that COVID- 19 Is Affecting The Intended Parents but we can always learn more and plan for the future.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.
