A decent and transformative choice, surrogacy is bearing a child for someone else who is unable to conceive naturally. Being a surrogate gives many women the chance to assist others in starting a family and is a very satisfying experience.
Becoming a surrogate involves considerable thought, preparation, and understanding of the legal, emotional, and physical obligations involved. This detailed guide will teach you all you need to know if you’re eligible to become a surrogate.
Understanding Surrogacy
Before you think about becoming a surrogate, you need to know what surrogacy is. The process in which a woman (the surrogate) bears and gives birth to a child on behalf of another couple (the intended parents) is known as surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy are the two forms of surrogacy.
Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate becomes the child’s biological mother by utilizing her own eggs. Because of the possible emotional and legal complications, this kind of surrogacy is less common.
Gestational Surrogacy: In this, the surrogate bears an IVF-created embryo. There is no genetic link between the surrogate and the kid because the egg and sperm are usually from the intending parents or egg/sperm donors.
Eligibility Criteria
To become a surrogate, you must meet specific personal and medical requirements. The overall eligibility requirements are as follows:
Age: The majority of surrogacy organizations require that surrogates be in the 21–40 age range.
Health: You should be free from long-term illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, or mental health disorders, and you should be in good physical and mental health.
Recent Pregnancy: You must have had at least one smooth and healthy pregnancy with no history of miscarriage, premature birth, or gestational diabetes.
No Smoking or Drug Use: You may not be eligible to serve as a surrogate if you have a history of smoking, using drugs, or drinking excessively.
Healthy Lifestyle: Women with a stable home life, a loving family setting, and a steady emotional state are preferred by surrogacy companies.
Selecting an Agency or Independent Surrogacy
A surrogacy agency serves as a middleman, helping you navigate the process’s emotional, medical, and legal facets. There are several benefits to working with an agency, including help.
Another option is to work on your own by getting in touch with the intended parents directly. Despite the potential cost savings, there are threats to legal protection.
Medical Tests and Legal Requirements
A thorough physical examination, blood tests, an ultrasound, and a review of your medical history are all part of the medical process. Confirming that your body can deal with a pregnancy without any issues is the purpose.
Entering into a formal agreement with the intended parents. The expectations, duties, pay, and any other agreements, like parental rights or health insurance coverage, are all outlined in this contract.
Support during Pregnancy and Birth
To guarantee a healthy pregnancy, you must visit your doctor on a frequent basis after becoming pregnant. The intended parents will stay in constant contact with you. Usually, the intended parents will be present throughout the delivery, and following the baby’s birth, the intended parents will receive parental rights through legal procedures.
