When people seriously consider surrogacy, the journey is motivated by the person or couple’s strong desire for parenthood. If you’re a California resident, here are some important things you should know about fertility and surrogacy.
Gestational surrogacy
When it comes to fertility and surrogacy, gestational surrogacy is not common. The National Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance System Group asserts that gestational surrogacy represents only around 2% of all medical procedures in the U.S. that address fertility. However, this is the only option for some couples to have a chance at becoming biological parents.
The term gestational surrogates, also known as gestational carriers, describes a woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth for another couple or individual. This term is used to describe both compensated and compassionate pregnancies.
Types of surrogacy
There are several types of fertility and surrogacy options in addition to gestational surrogacy. For instance, compassionate surrogacy is when the surrogate carries a child for a friend or family member. Compassionate surrogates are not compensated for their pregnancy.
Couples may also opt for compensated surrogacy, which is when a gestational carrier is paid for her effort and time in carrying the baby. Traditional surrogacy is an option as well. This type of surrogacy is not often practiced in the U.S. due to emotional and legal complications, but it involves a surrogate using her own egg, which is artificially inseminated with sperm from the intended father or the donor. A traditional surrogate is the biological mother of the child.
When a woman goes through pregnancy to help someone else achieve their dream of parenthood, this contribution is special and unforgettable. However, there are many legal issues to make sure of along the way to becoming a parent.