While many couples become parents in the traditional way, via fertilization of the female's egg with the male's sperm and the female carrying the fetus to term, there are other options. The couple could adopt a child and become parents this way, but this does not give the parents a genetic link to the child, which some would-be parents desire. One option for these couples is to find a gestational surrogate.
Medical Process
According to USC Fertility, gestational surrogacy is a medical process in which a fertilized egg is implanted into a woman who did not produce the egg. The woman with the fertilized egg then carries the fetus through the gestational period to birth. Because she gives birth as a surrogate for the couple who wants to become parents, she is known as the gestational surrogate.
Parents
The couple for whom the gestational surrogate carries the fetus becomes the parents of the newborn almost immediately after birth, according to USC Fertility. The couple is also typically involved with the pregnancy.
Ova Donation
The ova, or egg, for the gestational surrogate typically comes from the woman in the couple who will become the parents. This is not always the case, however. The woman may not be able to produce viable eggs. The couple could use eggs from the intended gestational surrogate, which according to JRank would have a higher chance of a successful outcome and would cost less than using donated eggs. The reason couples may opt for donated ova is that there may be less of a legal genetic claim to the baby by the gestational surrogate.
Legality
According to the Human Rights Campaign, laws that govern gestational surrogacy vary from state to state. These laws may change as new ones are passed, but as of 2009, there are six states that allow couples to enter into surrogacy contracts with individuals. These states are Massachusetts, Washington, New Jersey, Illinois, Arkansas and California. Illinois allows only gestational contracts, while Massachusetts and Washington only allow gestational contracts that are uncompensated. Eleven states along with the District of Columbia have prohibitions on gestational contracts or limit them in some ways.
Gestational Surrogacy Requirements
According to JRank, many of the established gestational surrogate programs in the United States typically require the gestational surrogates to be married or in a committed relationship. Another typical requirement is for the gestational surrogate to have a child of her own. The reason for these requirements is to lessen the chance that the gestational surrogate will want to keep the baby.
