Many happy families are proud to call California home. With advancements in modern medicine, people or couples from all walks of life can experience the joy of parenthood. Before choosing a birthing method, it’s beneficial to understand what gestational surrogacy entails.
What is gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy typically uses in vitro fertilization to have someone carry and birth a baby for another person or couple. One study found that over 18,000 babies entered the world due to the gestational surrogacy process between 1999 and 2013.
How to find a surrogate
Considering the importance of finding a healthy and dependable surrogate, choosing someone for this role isn’t a decision to take lightly. You have two main options: choosing someone you know and trust or selecting a professional surrogate through an agency.
Understanding the gestational surrogacy process
After selecting a surrogate, this person should undergo a series of tests and screenings. This crucial step helps ensures but doesn’t guarantee a healthy baby. If the test results are acceptable, both parties involved in the gestational process meet with their legal representatives. These meetings have everyone look over and sign surrogacy and donation agreements.
With the beginning requirements taken care of, the in vitro fertilization process can begin in a medical setting. As this baby is ready to be born, the surrogate gives birth and receives a discharge from this hospital. The intended parents then take their new baby from the same medical facility. Sometimes, intended parents and surrogates maintain long-term relationships after sharing such a significant experience.
No matter what side of the gestational surrogacy process you’re on, either side requires making important decisions. For those ready to take on the responsibilities of being a parent, gestational surrogacy is an expensive but beneficial option.