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Why Do People Choose Gestational Surrogacy?

Surrogacy
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When a couple cannot conceive independently, gestational surrogacy enables them to expand their families. People choose surrogacy for a variety of reasons. In this essay, we'll examine some of those factors and why gestational surrogacy is frequently chosen over alternative procedures. Let's first examine what goes into the surrogacy process itself.

The procedure for gestational surrogacy

About 750 kids are born in the United States yearly due to gestational surrogacy, a popular method of expanding families. Embryos are produced using IVF in a fertility center's lab. The intended parents' genetic material is occasionally used. On occasion, a donor of eggs is needed. The intending parents are linked with a gestational carrier who will be implanted with the embryos and carry the offspring. The children that gestational carriers give birth to have no genetic connection.

Who decides to use a surrogate to fulfill their parental ambitions?

No "one size fits all" exists when choosing a surrogate to expand your family. The many categories of persons that decide on surrogacy include:

  • Couples that are heterosexual and have had infertility

  • Those who are not capable of becoming mothers

  • intended parents who don't want to give on to the child a genetic or medical issue that they have

Surrogacy is simply one means for people unable to expand their families on their own. Intended parents of the same sex want a genetic connection to the child. Foster care and adoption are other choices.

Why does gestational surrogacy prevail over other methods of starting families?

  1. Singles and couples can have a genetic connection to their kid through surrogacy. In heterosexual relationships, either parent can contribute biological material to the embryo's development. Both parents can contribute biologically to the embryos created by their egg donors for same-sex couples. Some people value having a child who is biologically theirs, and surrogacy offers those who are unable to start families on their own the same options as those who give birth to children naturally.

  2. The intended parents might participate in the pregnancy and delivery of their child through surrogacy. When parents and surrogates are matched, they participate in every step of the surrogacy procedure, from embryo development through delivery. They can bond closely with their surrogate, who sends them pregnancy updates and images. Intended parents can select the mother who will carry their children before they are linked with a surrogate mother. Intentional parents can participate as much or as little in the pregnancy and delivery of their child through surrogacy.

  3. Gestational surrogacy provides a structured path, not a guaranteed outcome. A gestational carrier is not genetically related to the embryo she carries. Intended parents and the carrier work with separate legal counsel to document responsibilities and the parentage steps required in the applicable jurisdiction. Embryo transfer, pregnancy, and birth remain medically unpredictable, so intended parents should discuss embryo-specific expectations with their fertility clinic and legal steps with their own attorney.

There is no "correct method" to expand your family, even though many options are available, including gestational surrogacy, adoption, and foster care. For certain families, different solutions are viable. You should make a personal decision in consultation with your partner and support network. We are here to support you if gestational surrogacy is your choice!

Our staff will be delighted to talk with you if you're curious to learn more about gestational surrogacy.

About this article

Surrogacy is a legal and medical-adjacent topic. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice.

Reviewed by Patriot Conceptions Editorial Team. Last reviewed Aug 17, 2022.