Surrogacy - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

Surrogacy is a method in which a woman, known as a surrogate, carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple, referred to as the intended parents. This arrangement is typically made through legal agreements, where the intended parents become the legal guardians of the child after birth. There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s egg is fertilized, and gestational surrogacy, where the intended mother’s or donor’s egg is used.

Key Takeaways

Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman becomes pregnant on behalf of someone else, typically using in-vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, and carries the baby to term with the intention of giving it to the intended parents after birth.
There are two types of surrogacy: gestational surrogacy, in which the surrogate has no biological relation to the child, and traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is the child’s biological mother. Gestational surrogacy is the more common and legally accepted form in many countries.
Surrogacy laws and regulations vary greatly between countries and even within different states or provinces in some countries. It is important for intended parents and potential surrogates to research and understand the legal requirements and implications in their region before proceeding with a surrogacy arrangement.

Importance

Surrogacy is an important parenting term as it refers to a unique arrangement in which an individual or couple, often called the intended parents, seek the assistance of a surrogate mother to carry and give birth to a child on their behalf.

This arrangement is vital for those who are unable to have children due to medical reasons, such as infertility, same-sex couples, or single individuals who wish to start a family.

Surrogacy fosters inclusivity by offering an alternative path to parenthood and expanding family-building options while providing a life-changing opportunity for those who would otherwise be unable to experience the joys of parenthood.

Additionally, surrogacy exemplifies the power of human connection and compassion, as surrogate mothers play a selfless and essential role in helping others achieve their dreams of having a family.

Explanation

Surrogacy serves as a significant solution for couples and individuals facing various fertility issues or other circumstances that hinder their ability to naturally conceive a child. It is especially beneficial for intended parents who may have medical complications, same-sex couples who wish to build a family, or single individuals who have the desire to become biological parents.

The purpose of surrogacy is ultimately to provide these aspiring parents with a child who is genetically linked to them. In many cases, the intended parents may have spent years grappling with infertility treatments or adoption procedures, and surrogacy offers them a path to parenthood that meets their emotional, personal, and biological needs.

Moreover, surrogacy is built upon the strong foundation of mutual trust, respect, and empathy between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. The surrogate acts as a compassionate partner in the journey towards parenthood, selflessly dedicating her time, energy, and body to carry the intended parents’ child.

This collaborative relationship allows for the birth of a much-desired child, ensuring that the intended parents are involved in the pregnancy from the early stages and providing the surrogate with emotional and financial support. Surrogacy plays a vital role by bringing joy, purpose, and fulfillment to both the respective families and the surrogate, ultimately creating life-long connections and cherished memories.

Examples of Surrogacy

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman (the surrogate mother) agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple (the intended parents). Here are three real-world examples:

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s surrogacy journey: The celebrity couple had their third and fourth children, Chicago and Psalm, via surrogate due to Kim Kardashian’s health issues, specifically placenta accreta, which made it risky for her to carry a pregnancy to term. The couple worked with a surrogacy agency to find a suitable gestational surrogate, and both children were biologically related to Kim and Kanye.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s use of surrogacy: The actors, who were struggling to expand their family after their first child, sought the help of a surrogate to carry their twin daughters, Tabitha and Marion. The surrogate mother in this instance was a gestational surrogate whom they found with the help of a surrogacy agency. The twins were born in 2009 and are biologically related to both Parker and Broderick.

Tyra Banks’ surrogacy experience: The model and television personality opted to have her son, York Banks-Asla, through a surrogate after experiencing fertility issues. Banks is open about her journey, sharing the reason behind her decision to use a surrogate was due to her struggles with infertility and unsuccessful IVF treatments. In this case, the surrogate mother carried a child who was biologically related to both Banks and her then-partner, Erik Asla.

FAQ – Surrogacy

1. What is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction in which a woman carries and delivers a child for another individual or couple. The woman who carries the baby is known as the surrogate mother, while the intended parents are legally recognized as the child’s parents.

2. What are the different types of surrogacy?

There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own eggs are used, and she is artificially inseminated with the intended father’s sperm. In gestational surrogacy, the intended mother’s or a donor’s eggs are used, and the embryo is implanted in the surrogate through in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

3. How does the surrogacy process work?

The surrogacy process typically begins with the intended parents selecting a surrogate – either through a surrogacy agency or independently. Both parties must complete medical and psychological evaluations and sign legal contracts. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is artificially inseminated. In gestational surrogacy, the intended mother or egg donor undergoes an egg retrieval process, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. After the baby is born, legal steps are taken to establish the intended parents as the legal parents of the child.

4. What are the preferred qualifications for a surrogate?

Surrogates are usually required to be between the ages of 21 and 40, have a healthy BMI, have prior successful pregnancies, and no history of medical complications during pregnancy. Additionally, they must not have a history of criminal activity or substance abuse and be willing to undergo medical and psychological screenings.

5. How much does surrogacy cost?

Surrogacy costs can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surrogacy, agency fees, lawyer fees, medical expenses, and compensation for the surrogate. On average, surrogacy costs can range from $80,000 to $150,000 or more in the United States.

6. Is surrogacy legal in all countries?

No, surrogacy laws vary around the world. In some countries, surrogacy is completely prohibited, while in others, only specific types of surrogacy are allowed. Some countries have no specific surrogacy laws, which can create legal complications. It’s essential to research and understand the laws in your country before deciding on surrogacy.

7. Can same-sex couples and single people pursue surrogacy?

Yes, surrogacy is an option for same-sex couples and single individuals who wish to become parents. However, it’s essential to check the specific laws and regulations regarding surrogacy in your country and state, as they may vary.