Gestational Surrogacy: Carrying Our Baby

Gestational surrogacy is an option for individuals and couples facing infertility. We will be discussing gestational surrogacy and issues to consider prior to embarking on this journey.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is the most common type of surrogacy. In gestational surrogacy, women are not related to the baby that they are carrying. Although current statistics are difficult to find, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that between 1999 and 2013, two percent of all assisted reproductive cycles involved a gestational surrogate. During this timeframe, gestational surrogacy resulted in 18,400 infants.

For gestational surrogacy, in vitro fertilization is used to create an embryo. Individuals may choose to use donor eggs and/or sperm as well. The embryo is then placed into the carrier’s uterus.

When is Gestational Surrogacy Considered?

There are several settings in which gestational surrogacy may be considered. These include patients who have struggled with infertility, single parents, same-sex couples and women who are unable to safely carry a pregnancy to term.

What Are Some Considerations for Gestational Surrogacy?

The surrogacy process will involve legal contracts, thus legal counsel is often recommended. Some families choose to connect with an independent surrogate, and others may elect to go through full-service surrogacy agencies. Often, your fertility clinic will have recommendations.

How Are Surrogates Screened?

It is important to discuss the process with your agency. In most cases, criminal and child abuse background checks are done to ensure that there are no prior convictions. Also, an extensive medical evaluation should be performed to determine that the surrogate is capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?

The cost of surrogacy is one of the main hindrances. The average cost of surrogacy can range from $90,000 to $130,000. If a surrogate is carrying a multiple gestation, an additional fee is often paid ($10,000 or more). If costs are prohibitive, some couples choose to reach out to a family member or friend to act as the surrogate.

Add a Closing Message

For some individuals and couples facing infertility, gestational surrogacy may be a route to achieving parenthood. Given the legal issues, couples considering surrogacy should obtain legal counsel. Due to the high costs of surrogacy, some families request the assistance of a family member or friend to serve as the gestational surrogate.

Have you considered a gestational surrogate? Please share your experiences in the comments below.