A surrogate mother is a woman who carries a child to term for a couple that cannot have a child on their own. Surrogacy is an option for women who cannot bear children due to infertility or other health issues and may otherwise remain childless. Choosing to become a surrogate mother is an important decision that should be considered wisely.
Types
There are two types of surrogacy, known as traditional and gestational. In a traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother carries an embryo conceived with her own egg and the sperm of the male who wants to have a child with his partner. A gestational surrogate carries a child conceived with the egg and sperm of the couple or a donor egg or sperm. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate's egg is fertilized by in vitro fertilization, a process where the sperm are inseminated into the uterus. In gestational surrogacy, eggs are fertilized in a laboratory with the resulting embryo being implanted into the uterus of the surrogate.
Screening
Surrogate mothers are healthy women, usually between the ages of 18 to 35. Preferably the woman should be under the age of 35 due to health risks to both mother and child such as chromosomal abnormalities associated with conditions such as Down syndrome. Potential surrogates must undergo a series of tests to assure fertility as well as good mental and physical health. A criminal background check is also performed. The couple in need of a surrogate may also desire a woman with certain physical characteristics or intelligence level.
Benefits
Although the obvious benefit of surrogacy is to allow women who cannot conceive or carry a child of their own to full-term, surrogacy is also being used as a means for homosexual couples and single women to have children. Aside from the financial benefits, a surrogate mother gains satisfaction in knowing that she has helped a woman who could not have a child of her own be a mother.
Risks
There are always risks associated with any pregnancy. A surrogate could experience miscarriage, premature labor or health conditions that develop during pregnancy. A potential surrogate should be fully aware of the commitment she is making. A surrogate may also experience an emotional struggle over the baby she is carrying, which could affect her decision to give the child to the expectant parents. Although many surrogate arrangements proceed with no problems, there is the risk that a surrogate or even the expectant parents could change their minds. Working through a proper surrogate agency as well as having legal counsel on both the part of the expectant parents and the surrogate, can greatly reduce the possibility of such conflicts.
Costs
According to FertilityAuthority.com, costs can start at $20,000 or more and may go up to $120,000. Potential parents pay the surrogate a fee for carrying the child as well as medical expenses. Legal contracts are required to protect the rights and responsibilities of the surrogate mother, potential parents and unborn child.
Significance
Potential parents may find surrogates through fertility clinics, lawyers or private agencies. Besides testing to assure physical and mental fitness, some agencies may require that a potential surrogate has previously had a child or children. The financial situation of a potential surrogate may also be considered so that financial gain is the not the sole motivation for becoming a surrogate mother.
