Why Intended Parents Choose Gestational Surrogacy: Key Reasons Explained
Gestational surrogacy has emerged as a popular family-building option for intended parents who face challenges with conception or carrying a pregnancy. Unlike traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate uses her own egg, gestational surrogacy involves an embryo created using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. This means the surrogate has no genetic link to the child.
In this article, we’ll explore why intended parents choose gestational surrogacy and what makes it a favorable option compared to other fertility treatments.
Gestational Surrogacy is a technique in which a woman carries the child for the intended couple. The woman is known as the gestational surrogate or carrier. There are many celebrities and common people who have given birth to their children with the help of surrogacy. But, why choose gestational surrogacy to become parents?
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What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is a process where a surrogate mother carries and delivers a baby for the intended parents. In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate does not share a genetic connection with the child. The embryo is created using either the intended parents’ eggs and sperm or donor eggs/sperm through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).
Key Terms:
- Intended Parents: Individuals or couples seeking to have a child through surrogacy.
- Surrogate (Gestational Carrier): A woman who carries the pregnancy but has no biological relationship to the baby.
- IVF: A fertility treatment where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body, and the resulting embryo is implanted in the surrogate.
Why Intended Parents Opt for Gestational Surrogacy
Intended parents choose gestational surrogacy for a variety of reasons, including medical, social, and personal circumstances. Let’s explore some of the key reasons below:
1. Infertility or Medical Issues Preventing Pregnancy
One of the most common reasons intended parents choose gestational surrogacy is due to infertility or medical issues that make it impossible for the mother to conceive or carry a pregnancy. Conditions that may lead to this include:
- Uterine Conditions: Women with absent or non-functional uteruses, or those who have had a hysterectomy, cannot carry a pregnancy.
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Couples who experience repeated miscarriages often turn to surrogacy after exhausting other fertility treatments.
- Severe Health Conditions: Conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or cancer can make pregnancy too risky for the mother.
For many women facing these challenges, gestational surrogacy offers a viable path to parenthood without the risks associated with carrying a pregnancy.
2. LGBTQ+ Couples and Individuals
Gestational surrogacy is a popular family-building option for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals, particularly male same-sex couples. In this scenario:
- Gay Couples: One partner can provide sperm, and an egg donor provides the egg, which is then carried by the surrogate. This allows gay couples to have a biological connection to their child.
- Transgender Individuals: Surrogacy offers transgender individuals an opportunity to have a biological child, particularly if carrying a pregnancy themselves is not an option.
Gestational surrogacy provides LGBTQ+ families with the opportunity to have a child who shares a biological connection to one or both parents.
3. Desire for a Biological Connection to the Child
Many intended parents choose gestational surrogacy over other options, such as adoption, because it allows them to have a biological child. In gestational surrogacy:
- The intended mother’s egg can be used (if viable) and combined with the intended father’s sperm, ensuring that both parents are biologically connected to the child.
- Even if donor eggs or sperm are used, one of the intended parents can still have a biological connection to the baby.
For couples who have struggled with infertility, the chance to have a genetically related child is a significant motivator.
4. Control Over the Pregnancy Process
Gestational surrogacy offers intended parents more control over the pregnancy than adoption or traditional surrogacy. This includes:
- Screening of the Surrogate: Intended parents can work with agencies or clinics to carefully select a healthy, qualified surrogate.
- Medical Oversight: Throughout the pregnancy, intended parents can monitor the surrogate’s medical care, ensuring that prenatal care meets their standards.
- Legal Agreements: Gestational surrogacy involves clear legal agreements that outline the rights of both the intended parents and the surrogate, minimizing potential legal complications.
This level of control and involvement throughout the pregnancy gives intended parents peace of mind, knowing their baby is in good hands.
5. Avoiding Legal and Emotional Complications of Traditional Surrogacy
Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s egg is used, can lead to complex legal and emotional challenges. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child, reducing the risk of legal disputes or emotional attachment between the surrogate and the baby.
The legal landscape for gestational surrogacy is also clearer in many countries and U.S. states, offering more protection for the intended parents. For instance:
|
Region |
Surrogacy Status |
|
California, U.S. |
Gestational surrogacy is legal and well-regulated, protecting both parents and surrogates. |
|
United Kingdom |
Altruistic surrogacy is allowed, with legal parenthood transferred post-birth. |
|
Ukraine |
Gestational surrogacy is legal, but only for married heterosexual couples. |
This clarity in the legal process is a significant advantage for intended parents who want to minimize risks.
6. When Other Fertility Treatments Fail
Intended parents often turn to surrogacy after other fertility treatments, such as IVF or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), have failed. Surrogacy offers a higher chance of success, especially when using a healthy surrogate who has had successful pregnancies before.
For couples who have experienced repeated IVF failures or miscarriages, surrogacy may be the last step in their fertility journey.
7. Older Couples Seeking Parenthood
As women age, fertility declines, making it difficult or impossible to conceive naturally. Gestational surrogacy provides an option for older couples to have a biological child. Many intended mothers in their 40s or 50s opt to use donor eggs and surrogates due to their diminished fertility.
For older intended parents, surrogacy offers a chance to achieve parenthood when natural conception or IVF has not been successful.
8. Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a severe issue. If not treated properly it can lead to postpartum psychosis. Generally, these conditions are overlooked and are not talked about enough.
But in these cases, it is important to highlight these issues. If the woman has suffered from severe depression in her early pregnancy, she might opt to choose a surrogate for her next pregnancy. This brave step will help improve the quality of life for the woman and increase her ability to enjoy and bond with the new baby.
9. Life-threatening conditions
–There are some conditions that can make carrying a child too dangerous for the woman or for the child. One such example of a disease is known as Placenta Accreta.
This is a condition where the blood cells of the placenta grow too deeply in the uterine wall which increases the risk of hemorrhage. Famous personality Kim Kardashian suffered from placenta accrete in her two pregnancies and hence, decided to use gestational surrogacy for her third child. Other relatively common conditions that might result in serious issues that can jeopardize the health of both the mother and the child are –
- Kidney disease
- Severe diabetes
- Heart infection or heart disease
10. Uterine problems
Some women have a problem with the uterus. Some might lack the organ as well. This is a result of rare genetic malformation which affects one in 12,000 women.
The lack of a uterus destroys the chances of women carrying the child. Less severe than the lack of a uterus there might be some inherent condition or a uterine defect that makes the conception difficult or in some cases make it difficult for the child to carry it to the term.
Sometimes, a malformation of the uterus has little impact on conception. But it is impossible for a woman to carry the child to the term.
11. Unexplained infertility
Sometimes the patient has to go through 4 to 5 rounds of IVF and then also is unable to carry a child. In these cases where there is repeated failure of pregnancy women can opt for gestational surrogacy. It is possible only in the case where the embryo produced is of good quality but has continuously failed to implant.
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Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy
Although there are few inherent problems with surrogacy. But, we cannot ignore the joy and completeness surrogacy brings to many childless couples. Let’s know the reasons why surrogacy is good for many couples.
Here, we will touch upon a few benefits of choosing surrogacy –
- Surrogacy allowed single males and gay couples to become parents.
- Gestational surrogacy allows the intended parents to have a genetic relationship with the child.
- Surrogacy allows the intended parents to nurture the child from the very start.
- Throughout the pregnancy experience, intended parents are engaged and can usually be present for many important milestones, from the transfer of the embryo to the birth of their baby.
- Surrogacy provides the chance for expected parents to understand and form a unique bond with their surrogate and family.
- With surrogacy, intended parents may face fewer restrictions than with adoption; those who are unable to adopt factors such as age due to agency restrictions may still pursue surrogacy.
The Surrogacy Journey: Steps and Considerations
For intended parents considering gestational surrogacy, the process typically follows these steps:
- Finding a Surrogacy Agency or Clinic
Working with an experienced agency helps navigate the legal, medical, and emotional aspects of surrogacy. - Surrogate Matching and Screening
Agencies match intended parents with a suitable surrogate, who undergoes medical and psychological evaluations to ensure she is fit to carry a pregnancy. - Legal Contracts
Contracts are drawn up to outline the responsibilities of both parties, ensuring that parental rights are clear. - IVF and Embryo Transfer
IVF is performed, and the embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. The intended parents typically cover all medical costs associated with this. - Pregnancy Monitoring and Birth
Throughout the pregnancy, intended parents remain involved in key milestones, such as prenatal appointments. After birth, the baby is handed over to the intended parents.
|
Stage |
Description |
|
Surrogate Matching |
Intended parents work with agencies to find the right surrogate. |
|
Legal Agreements |
Contracts are signed to establish parental rights and responsibilities. |
|
IVF and Embryo Transfer |
An embryo is created via IVF and transferred to the surrogate. |
|
Pregnancy Monitoring |
Regular prenatal care ensures a healthy pregnancy. |
|
Post-Birth Legalities |
Parental rights are finalized after the baby is born, depending on local laws. |
Conclusion
Intended parents choose gestational surrogacy for a variety of reasons, from infertility to LGBTQ+ family building to having more control over the pregnancy. Whether driven by medical necessity, the desire for a biological child, or the failure of other fertility treatments, surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for many.
While surrogacy comes with its own set of challenges—emotional, legal, and financial—working with experienced professionals and setting realistic expectations can help intended parents have a successful journey.
Gestational surrogacy has transformed the dream of parenthood for countless couples and individuals, providing a way forward when other options have been exhausted.
Surrogacy is not as easy as it seems, it is a much more complicated process that needs lots of emotional, financial, and legal attention. So, consulting an experienced surrogacy agent is just a start. Let’s connect with experienced surrogacy consultant Neelam Chhagani.
More resources to refer to:
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Gestational Surrogacy in Georgia
Top 4 cheapest surrogacy countries
Therefore, surrogacy not only helps you to build your own family but also to complete it. And anyone can choose surrogacy and many choose surrogacy as a result of their personal choice.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website: IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.
Begin your surrogacy journey with IVF Conceptions today!
Mobile: +91-8800481100 ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)
Email: neelam@ivfconceptions.com
FAQs for Why Choose Gestational Surrogacy
What is gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy, also known as IVF surrogacy or host surrogacy, is a process where a person, known as the gestational surrogate, carries a pregnancy for someone else, known as the intended parents.
How does gestational surrogacy work?
In gestational surrogacy, the intended parents undergo IVF treatment to create embryos. These embryos are then transferred into the gestational surrogate’s uterus. The gestational surrogate carries the pregnancy, but she is not genetically related to the child. After the birth, the intended parents become the legal parents of the child.
Who are the intended parents in gestational surrogacy?
The intended parents in gestational surrogacy are individuals or couples who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves due to various reasons. This may include heterosexual couples experiencing infertility, same-sex couples, or single individuals. They seek the help of a gestational surrogate to fulfill their desire to have a child/
What are the benefits of gestational surrogacy for intended parents?
Gestational surrogacy offers several benefits for intended parents.
- It allows individuals or couples who cannot carry a pregnancy to have a biological child.
- It provides an opportunity for LGBTQ+ couples and single individuals to become parents.
- It also enables individuals with medical conditions that make pregnancy risky or impossible to have children genetically related to them.
- Additionally, gestational surrogacy allows intended parents to be involved in the pregnancy journey and bond with their child from the earliest stages.
Are there any legal considerations in gestational surrogacy?
Yes, there are legal considerations in gestational surrogacy. The laws regarding surrogacy vary by country and even within different states or regions.
It is important for the intended parents and the gestational surrogate to consult with legal professionals who specialize in reproductive law to understand the legal requirements, rights, and responsibilities involved in the surrogacy process.
How do intended parents choose a gestational surrogate?
Intended parents can choose a gestational surrogate through an agency or by asking someone they know, such as a friend or family member.
If using an agency, it is important to research and select a reputable agency that provides comprehensive support and matching services.
The matching process involves considering factors such as shared values, religious beliefs, and ideas about a healthy pregnancy to ensure compatibility between the intended parents and the gestational surrogate.
What are the emotional aspects involved in gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy can involve various emotional aspects for all parties involved. Intended parents may experience a mix of excitement, hope, and anxiety throughout the surrogacy journey.
The gestational surrogate may have her own emotional journey, balancing her connection to the pregnancy while understanding that the child is not genetically related to her.
Open communication, empathy, and counseling can help address and navigate the emotional complexities of gestational surrogacy.
Can intended parents have a genetic connection to the child in gestational surrogacy?
Yes, in gestational surrogacy, it is possible for intended parents to have a genetic connection to the child. The embryos used in gestational surrogacy can be created using the intended parent’s eggs or donor eggs, along with sperm from the intended parent or a sperm donor.
This allows the child to have a genetic link to one or both of the intended parents/
What are the success rates of gestational surrogacy?
The success rates of gestational surrogacy can vary depending on various factors, including the age and health of the intended parent or egg donor, the quality of the embryos, the medical expertise of the fertility clinic, and the overall health of the gestational surrogate.
Success rates are typically measured by the number of live births per embryo transfer. It is advisable to consult with a fertility specialist who can provide more specific information based on individual circumstances.
How does the cost of gestational surrogacy vary?
The cost of gestational surrogacy can be in the range of $150,000 to $175,000 depending on multiple factors such as the country or region where the surrogacy takes place, the specific services provided by the agency or fertility clinic, legal fees, compensation for the gestational surrogate, medical expenses, and insurance coverage.
The cost may include fees for IVF, legal contracts, agency fees, medical screenings, prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care. It is important for intended parents to thoroughly research and understand the financial obligations associated with gestational surrogacy.
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