If you are in the process of exploring becoming a surrogate, you’re in the right place. You’re probably wondering how does surrogacy work, here you will find information on getting started. There are two types of surrogacy arrangements “traditional” and “gestational” most surrogacy arrangements today are “gestational” surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy is illegal in most states and can be very complex from a legal and emotional standpoint.
Two types of Surrogacy:
Traditional surrogate:
The surrogate is the biological mother of the baby she is carrying. She is inseminated with the Intended fathers’ sperm or sperm donor sperm, her own egg is used, and she carries and gives birth the baby.
Gestational surrogates:
The surrogate is not biologically related to the baby, she becomes pregnant through IVF and the embryos of the Intended Parents, she carries and delivers the baby who is not biologically related to her.
Who uses a surrogate?
There are many reasons as to why a person may need a surrogate to help grow their family. These can range from being a same sex couple who need a surrogate and egg donor to grow their family, to having a medical condition that can make carrying a pregnancy impossible or very dangerous to both the mother and baby. However, the most common reason is Infertility. Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples! That is a staggering number, surrogacy allows these loving couples to achieve their dream of family.
Who uses a surrogate?
- Women who don’t have a uterus or who may have a complication with her uterus (for example, those with a history of miscarriage)
- Women who have gone through certain cancer treatments or need to take certain daily medications that can be harmful to a fetus.
- Couples (like same-sex male couples) in which a female partner is absent
- Lesbian couples who want to opt for shared surrogacy, in which an embryo created with the egg of one mom is implanted in the uterus of the other mom
How to become a Surrogate:
Surrogates need to be between the ages of 20-39. They have to have at least one healthy pregnancy and delivery without any major complications. They have to be non-smokers, non-drug users, and live a healthy and wholesome lifestyle. The first step to becoming a surrogate is to apply.
The agency will then take you through a thorough screening and educational process. They will be sure you know exactly what you are signing up for and the commitment it takes to be a surrogate.
Surrogacy is an open book process, the agency will need to get to know you very well, the screening process will include criminal background checks, psychological evaluations, and a thorough review of your full medical records. You’ll need to be ready to be fully transparent.
Once you have passed the agency screening you will be ready to match with Intended Parents. To review a complete overview of the surrogacy process from this point continue reading here: (Link to subsequent blog)
