Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple using an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The embryo may be created using the intended parents’ eggs and sperm or donor gametes, depending on the individual circumstances.
Gestational surrogacy may be considered when pregnancy is not possible or may pose significant medical concerns for the intended parent. The process involves medical evaluation, IVF, embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and delivery, along with important emotional and legal considerations.
In this blog, we will explain what gestational surrogacy is, how the process works, its potential benefits and risks, and the legal considerations involved.
What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy involves a gestational carrier who transfers an embryo developed through in vitro fertilization. Embryo development may utilize intended parents' eggs and sperm or donor gametes, depending on the situation.
Unlike traditional surrogacy, however, gestational surrogacy does not require egg donation. Therefore, gestational carriers do not have a genetic connection to the child.
Reasons for gestational surrogacy may include pregnancy contraindications or complete inability to carry a pregnancy, such as certain uterine or other conditions or uterus removal.
What Is the Gestational Surrogacy Process?
The gestational surrogacy process can be broken down into several distinct parts.
1. Medical Evaluation
The medical and psychological screening of the potential gestational carrier helps answer whether the arrangement is appropriate. Prospective intended parents also go through fertility evaluations.
2. IVF and Embryo Creation
Eggs can be retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor and fertilized in the laboratory along with the intended father's sperm. Embryos are monitored until ready for transfer.
3. Preparation of the Gestational Carrier
Before embryo transfer, the uterine lining of the gestational carrier is prepared with medication and her health is monitored.
4. Embryo Transfer
One embryo is chosen for transfer into the gestational carrier's uterus.
5. Pregnancy and Delivery
The gestational carrier is placed under obstetrical and medical care throughout the pregnancy and after delivery. The baby is delivered to the care of the intended parents.
Independent legal counsel and the right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy and medical care should be provided to the gestational carrier.
Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy
The advantages of gestational surrogacy include the following:
- Offers an additional route to becoming a parent: For those individuals or couples who cannot become pregnant.
- Possibility of a genetic tie: Based on the course of therapy, there may be some kind of genetic tie with one or both of the intended parents.
- No genetic tie with the surrogate: Since the fertilization process is done externally and implanted into the surrogate, the surrogate does not offer any genetic material.
- Professional monitoring: This technique includes specialized medical practitioners, including fertility and embryo specialists and obstetricians.
Some individuals may opt for the procedure if being pregnant is contraindicated for their health conditions.
What Are the Risks of Gestational Surrogacy?
Just like any other form of fertility therapy and pregnancy, there are certain risks involved in gestational surrogacy. These risks may be:
- IVF Risks & Risks associated with embryo transfer
- Complications in pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, hypertension or preeclampsia
- Risks associated with multiple pregnancy in case multiple embryos are transferred
- Psychological Stress to the surrogate mother and Intended Parents
- Conflicts over decisions concerning health care issues and expectations
- Parenting & Legal Issues
There are certain risks in ART pregnancies that involve the possibility of having preterm birth, low birth weight, hypertensive disorders and other complications. However, the underlying fertility problem may also predispose you to certain risks.
Therefore, because of these reasons, appropriate screening, counseling and informed consent are extremely important.
Is Gestational Surrogacy Legal in India?
Surrogacy in India is governed by the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021, along with certain other rules. Under the legislation, commercial surrogacy is banned while altruistic surrogacy can be done under certain defined circumstances. Medical indications and other criteria for surrogacy are also laid down under the legislation.
Hence, anybody who wishes to undertake surrogacy in India must know about the required criteria for the same.
Who May Consider Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy could be used where pregnancy is not possible due to medical complications or where pregnancy is medically risky. The cases could be of some uterine problems, lack of a uterus, or where there are medical conditions which make pregnancy dangerous.
The use of surrogacy will depend on individual circumstances and the legal aspects associated with the same. A fertility doctor will help in analyzing the situation.
Conclusion
Gestational surrogacy is a valuable way for some people to have children when they cannot conceive and sustain their own pregnancies. The procedure entails medical tests, IVF, embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and childbirth, among other things, but it also requires taking care of psychological and legal aspects of this matter. While there are some advantages, the procedure is accompanied by various health and emotional risks which need to be considered.
Should you need to learn more about surrogacy and get the best professional help in doing so, you may contact a reputable fertility center like Surrogacy Centre India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does the gestational surrogacy process take?
The timeline varies depending on medical evaluations, IVF treatment, embryo availability, and other individual factors. The complete journey can take several months or longer.
2. Can a gestational carrier choose the intended parents?
This depends on the surrogacy arrangement and applicable laws. Intended parents and carriers should understand the matching process and legal requirements before proceeding.
3. What happens if the embryo transfer does not result in pregnancy?
If pregnancy does not occur, the fertility specialist may review the treatment cycle and discuss whether another embryo transfer or a different approach may be appropriate.
4. What factors should be considered when choosing a surrogacy centre?
Consider the centre's fertility expertise, medical facilities, experience with surrogacy, screening procedures, counselling support, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws.
