Surrogacy: Choosing a Surrogate Mother

Millions of couples dream of starting a family. This hope is a reality until the necessary measures return without results. Even though the majority of healthy females are able to conceive and enjoy a full term pregnancy, some women suffer from medical conditions which make getting pregnant an ordeal or impossible. A weak uterus or hysterectomy prevents pregnancy. On the other hand, a woman's body may not have produced enough eggs. Fortunately, there are solutions for both common problems. Some couples choose to adopt. Yet, the desire to have a biological child is sometimes overwhelming. In this case, couples may explore the option of surrogacy.

In the past, using a surrogate mother was frowned upon. Today, many women have chosen this route for bringing children into the world. To put it briefly, a surrogate mother becomes impregnated with another couple's child. Because the child is cared for by the parents at birth, surrogate arrangements can create a predicament. There is always the chance that the surrogate mother will form an attachment to the baby and refuse to give the baby to its parents. Thus, before a woman can become a surrogate, she must undergo extensive counseling.

Using a surrogate mother involves two options. The surrogate mother can be impregnated through artificial insemination with the birth father's sperm. This option is available to women who have lost their eggs (hysterectomy, menopause, and so forth).With this option, the baby is related to the surrogate mother, and the intended mother must legally adopt the baby.

Another surrogacy option involves removing an egg from the intended mother, and combining the egg with sperm from the father. Once an embryo forms, the fertilized egg is implanted into the surrogate mother. Consequently, the baby is related to both parents.

Choosing a surrogate mother is awkward for couples. Using family members or a close friend is an option utilized by many. Yet, this arrangement can become complicated. Close contact with the baby may cause emotional distress for the surrogate mother. For this matter, many couples prefer using a stranger as a surrogate. Surrogate agencies are successful with connecting couples with potential surrogates. Couples may interview candidates and choose the surrogate. Before a woman is eligible to become a surrogate, her physical and mental health is evaluated.

Unfortunately, using a surrogate mother can be costly. The intended parents are generally responsible for paying all medical costs (prenatal care, birth and delivery, etc.) Furthermore, it is customary for intended parents to show their appreciation by means of a cash gift.