SURROGACY TECHNOLOGIES :
Although using a surrogate mother/ surrogacy is still not very common, it is an excellent option for people for having a baby through novel reproductive technologies.
Surrogate mothers differ :
- Traditional surrogate
- Gestational surrogates
Traditional surrogates :
It was artificial insemination which first made surrogacy possible. A woman is called a traditional surrogate if she is artificially inseminated with a father’s sperm. Baby is carried and delivered to parents after birth. It should be clear that baby’s biological mother is the traditional surrogate. For traditional surrogacy, donor sperm can also be used. Traditional Surrogacy is now outdated and only centers and clinics who do not have the expertise of ivf and ICSI perform traditional surrogacy.
Gestational surrogates :
Now, it is possible to get eggs from mother, use father’s sperm to fertilize and place embryo in another woman called gestational surrogate (IVF/ In-Vitro Fertilization). Baby is handed over to parents after birth. It is important to know that gestational surrogate has no genetic relationship with the child. Birth mother is the gestational surrogate and biological mother is the one from whom eggs were collected. At KIC we perform only Gestational Surrogacy.
One may resort to surrogacy for several reasons. The Female partner may have problem(s) with her uterus and pregnancy maybe impossible or a high risk pregnancy because of Severe Medical or Surgical Conditions..There might be people not having the ability to adopt a child. Surrogates have made parenthood an option. One can find a surrogate using his acquaintances list or by using services of a surrogacy clinic.
Experts say a woman can be a good surrogate if : She is between 21 to 35 years of age. She has given birth to atleast 1 healthy baby. She has passed a psychological screening test by a certified mental-health professional. She willingly signs the contract.
Surrogacy Laws :
Here is the advice from American Society for Reproductive medicine. A surrogate should have a complete medical evaluation. She should have a pregnancy history for assessment.The organization says that screening for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, etc. is also important. Immunity to chickenpox, rubella and measles is essential.It is advised for a surrogate to go through a medical procedure to map the normal structures of uterus. Finally, each mother should have her own doctor.
Legal issues with Surrogacy depend on the country of the intended parents. Certified legal advisers recommend seeking advice before making any decision. A counseling session can help one think about all the questions involved. Questions like “What are the rights of surrogate?”, “What if surrogate changes her mind?” etc..
We at Kiran Infertility center has a well experienced legal team which is well acquainted with the surrogacy laws not just in India but also in different countries.