Surrogacy is a process that allows intended parents to have a child through the use of a surrogate mother. The surrogate mother carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby to the intended parents. Surrogacy can be a complex and emotionally charged process, so it is important to understand the process before you decide if it is right for you. This article is a step-by-step guide for you to understand how surrogacy works.
The surrogacy process begins with the intended parents, who may choose to pursue surrogacy for various reasons, such as infertility, medical conditions, or other personal circumstances. Their desire for surrogacy would lead them to search for a suitable surrogate through online platforms, personal connections, or a surrogacy agency like World Center Of Baby (WCOB). Once they find a surrogate, legal agreements are drawn up to outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, financial arrangements, medical procedures, and parental rights.
Surrogacy can be broadly divided into two types: traditional and gestational. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her egg and is genetically related to the child. In contrast, gestational surrogacy involves the surrogate carrying an embryo created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents. Hence, no genetic connection is established between the surrogate and the child. Gestational surrogacy is generally more prevalent and legally secure compared to traditional surrogacy.
To initiate a surrogacy process, intending parents should ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the process, seek support from professionals, and work towards the well-being of all involved parties. Usually, surrogacy comprises several processes such as finding and screening the surrogate, drafting the legal contracts, medical preparation, and the birth of the baby. However, at WCOB, we have lumped every process into four distinct steps: consultation, surrogate matching and selection, medical and legal screenings, and the medical journey. The good thing about this is that intended parents do not need to carry out these processes alone; they can rest assured that WCOB will guide them in every step.
At WCOB, we commence your surrogacy journey with personalized consultations. We understand that before embarking on surrogacy, you need to explore your options and determine the type best suited for your situation. We also understand that various medical and personal reasons may lead you to consider surrogacy, such as being an LGBTQ+ couple, a single parent, having a deformed or absent womb, or other health issues that make pregnancy dangerous or impossible. This is why we guide you through a customized process, providing comprehensive guidance tailored to your unique needs.
Since compatibility between intended parents and potential surrogates is crucial, the surrogate matching process begins immediately after personalized consultations. At WCOB, surrogates must meet specific requirements:
The matching process and surrogate selection are designed to foster a harmonious relationship between the intended parents and the surrogate.
The intended parents and the surrogate undergo thorough medical tests to ensure they are free from infectious diseases, genetic disorders, and other health issues affecting the pregnancy or the baby. They also undergo psychological assessments to assess their mental readiness for surrogacy.
Assessing mental readiness is crucial not just for the medical procedures involved but also for the legal processes. WCOB understands that the legal procedures of surrogacy can be emotionally and physically demanding. Hence, our legal team provides precise and efficient expertise to help you navigate these procedures.
A legal contract outlining the rights, responsibilities, expectations, and compensation for the surrogacy arrangement must be signed by the intended parents and the surrogate.
WCOB collaborates with leading surrogacy clinics worldwide to ensure a successful surrogacy process. The medical journey encompasses embryo transfer, pregnancy, and childbirth. We meticulously plan each stage and execute them, prioritizing the well-being of all parties involved.
Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy
The medical journey begins with the intended parents or sperm donors providing their genetic material through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Skilled embryologists carefully fertilize the eggs with the sperm, creating embryos with the potential to develop into a healthy baby. The resulting embryo(s) is/are then transferred to the uterus of the carefully selected surrogate, marking the start of the pregnancy.
Throughout this critical phase, WCOB ensures the well-being of both the intended parents and the surrogate. We provide regular monitoring and expert medical care to maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Birth and Emotional Support
The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term, receiving comprehensive prenatal care and monitoring to ensure the health of both herself and the baby. The intended parents are actively involved during this time, maintaining regular contact with the surrogate and attending appointments or ultrasounds to witness the growth and development of their future child. At the culmination of the pregnancy, the surrogate gives birth at a hospital or birthing center, and the baby is handed over to the intended parents.
At WCOB, we ensure a smooth transition of parenthood by assisting with the legal process of obtaining a parental order that transfers legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parents.
The surrogacy process can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on various factors. These include the availability of a suitable surrogate, the specific medical procedures required, and the legal regulations on surrogacy in the country or state.
Surrogacy is a complex process that requires careful planning, legal considerations, and emotional support for both intended parents and surrogates. All parties must approach the journey with transparency, empathy, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the child. At WCOB, we offer a personalized approach and expertise to ensure a safe and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
