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Gestational Surrogacy: Making Families a Focus

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Published in Labor Of Love: Gestational Surrogacy And The Work Of Making Babies (Families In Focus)

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Labor of Love: Gestational Surrogacy and the Work of Making Babies (Families in Focus)

by Heather Jacobson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	963 KB
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Print length	:	220 pages

Gestational surrogacy is a type of surrogacy in which the surrogate mother has no genetic connection to the child. This means that the surrogate is not the biological mother of the child and has no legal rights to the child. Gestational surrogacy is often used by couples who are unable to have children on their own, such as couples who have medical conditions that prevent them from carrying a pregnancy or couples who have had multiple failed IVF cycles.

How Does Gestational Surrogacy Work?

Gestational surrogacy involves the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, eggs are retrieved from the intended mother and fertilized with sperm from the intended father. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the surrogate mother's uterus. If the embryos implant and a pregnancy occurs, the surrogate mother will carry the pregnancy to term and give birth to the child.

Gestational surrogacy is a complex and expensive process. The costs can range from $50,000 to $100,000. However, for many couples, gestational surrogacy is the only way to have a child.

Who Can Be a Gestational Surrogate?

To be a gestational surrogate, a woman must be:

Between the ages of 21 and 45
Have a healthy uterus
Have had at least one successful pregnancy
Be free of any medical conditions that could affect the pregnancy
Be willing to undergo a psychological evaluation
Be willing to take medications to prepare her uterus for pregnancy
Be willing to give birth to the child and give it to the intended parents

What Are the Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy can offer a number of benefits for couples who are unable to have children on their own. These benefits include:

The chance to have a biological child. Gestational surrogacy allows couples to have a child that is genetically related to them.
The ability to avoid the risks of pregnancy. Gestational surrogacy can help couples avoid the risks of pregnancy, such as miscarriage, premature birth, and birth defects.
The opportunity to focus on parenting. Gestational surrogacy allows couples to focus on parenting without having to deal with the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy.

What Are the Risks of Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is a safe and effective procedure, but there are some risks involved. These risks include:

Multiple pregnancy. Gestational surrogacy can increase the risk of multiple pregnancy, which can be dangerous for the surrogate mother and the babies.
Premature birth. Gestational surrogacy can increase the risk of premature birth, which can lead to health problems for the baby.
Birth defects. Gestational surrogacy can increase the risk of birth defects, although this risk is small.
Emotional challenges. Gestational surrogacy can be an emotionally challenging experience for both the surrogate mother and the intended parents.

Gestational surrogacy is a complex and expensive process, but it can offer a number of benefits for couples who are unable to have children on their own. If you are considering gestational surrogacy, it is important to do your research and talk to a qualified professional to learn more about the process and the risks involved.

Labor of Love: Gestational Surrogacy and the Work of Making Babies (Families in Focus)

by Heather Jacobson

4.7 out of 5