Surrogacy is a terminology used which involves a woman agreeing to carry a baby for someone else.
After birth of baby that woman transfers the custody & guardianship to the biological parents.
Surrogacy has a complex legal & medical requirement that must be met.
It is important to be aware of the process and seek professional advice not be caught off guard.
When should one go for Surrogacy?
A couple would largely go in for surrogacy, when the female has complications in bearing a child.
1 – Absence of uterus – due to developmental issues because of chromosomal problems
2- Post Hysterectomy which is done due to some pathological problem & diseased uterus
3 – Medical problems in woman which can give higher risk of complications during pregnancy & delivery – like Heart Disease, severe uncontrolled Diabetes, Blood clotting disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, severe Obesity.
4 – Thin Endometrium – Not responding to Endometrial Rejuvenation where implantation failure is quite common.
5 – Uterine infections & side effects on Endometrium not giving embryo implantation.
6 – Severe Endometriosis
Apart from that, certain other cases where people go in for surrogacy are:
7 – Couples who are not able to go for adoption due to their age & marital status.
8 – Single males and same sex male couple can avail of this option.
What are the ways to get Surrogate mother?
In India, the only option available is through friend & family. Patient can get some friend or relative for surrogacy.
It’s possible that legal issues arise regarding parental rights, because of this choosing a confidant friend / family member would be easier to manage.
Commercial surrogacy is banned in INDIA.
How to choose the surrogate?
A female who fulfils below criteria is ideal:
♦ Age of surrogate should be at least 21 years.
♦ Should have already given birth of at least one heathy baby so she understands the medical risk involved in pregnancy & childbirth.
♦ She should be aware of emotional issues of bonding with new born.
♦ Should be having good mental health screened by psychological counsellor.
♦ Is ready to sign a contract about her role in Pre-natal care & agreeing to give baby to biological parents.
Once a surrogate has been identified, she is prepared for pregnancy through below steps:
♦ Complete check-ups are done by clinic to ensure she is heathy and rule out infectious diseases like syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV, hepatitis B & C, cytomegalovirus.
♦ Vaccination for measles, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis completed before her cycle.
♦ Ultrasound Sonography (USG) at regular intervals to rule out any pathology in uterus before her Embryo Transfer.
Steps of surrogacy
♦ Decide whether surrogacy is right procedure for you.
♦ Decide the goals & needs of surrogacy.
♦ Among the friend circle or family relation choose the ideal person for surrogacy.
♦ If required, draft a legal contract to avoid legal issues.
♦ Proceed with Embryo Transfer as planned.
♦ Monitor the implantation and pregnancy.
Procedure after Birth of Baby
♦ After baby is born surrogate mother is discharged after post- natal care.
♦ Biological parents of new baby take baby to their home.
♦ Surrogate mother get the satisfaction of giving a selfless gift of parenthood to someone who couldn’t do it on their own.
Conclusion
Surrogacy can be an incredibly rewarding & fulfilling experience for surrogate mother.
For biological parents especially woman, it is a blessing who is not able to undergo this process herself due to health complications.
Though legally challenging & having lot of difficulties throughout till delivery, Akruti IVF LLP Dombivli has defined and is adhering to strict procedure with proper documents. This ensures that the biological parents face no issues regarding possession of their child in future.