This article was written on July 8, 2022 and updated on August 16, 2024.
The use of a surrogate mother to have a baby remains a topic of debate, and the legal process can be complex, as it differs from state to state. However, whether due to fertility challenges or other factors, surrogacy could be a viable option for you and your partner. Explore how the process works to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
If you are interested in surrogacy or are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, be sure to visit the Creative Love site and sign up for a free consultation today!
What is a Surrogate?
First off, let’s define what a surrogate is. There are actually two different kinds of surrogates and their terms are often unknowingly used interchangeably. The two, however, are not the same.
- Traditional Surrogate: Someone who donates her egg and subsequently carries the child. In other words, she is genetically linked to the baby.
- Gestational Surrogate: Someone who carries the pregnancy but is in no way biologically related to the baby she is carrying. Instead, eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors are used.
Thus, based on these definitions, yes, a surrogate can carry someone else’s egg
This is what is referred to as a gestational surrogacy, as we noted above. In this arrangement, the intended parents—including the intended mother—use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create an embryo using either their own eggs and sperm or those from a donor sperm and/or egg. This embryo is then implanted into the gestational carrier or gestational surrogate, who carries the pregnancy to term.
In general, the role of the gestational carrier, as the name suggests, is to carry and deliver a baby.
Unlike traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother uses her own egg, a gestational surrogate is not genetically related to the child. This means that the intended parents or donors provide the genetic material, while the gestational surrogate simply carries the pregnancy. The entire gestational surrogacy process involves careful coordination with a fertility clinic and often a surrogacy agency to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Learn more about the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy by visiting the Creative Love site and blogpage.
Who Might Consider a Gestational Surrogacy?
In short, a gestational surrogacy offers a path for couples or individuals to expand their families when they are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. This applies to a very large demographic, so it can be difficult to say who exactly might benefit most from this option.
Gestational surrogacy can be suitable for a wide range of people, including but not limited to:
- LGBTQIA+ couples
- Single men/women
- Individuals facing infertility issues
- Individuals with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe or unsustainable, such as heart disease, kidney disease, severe diabetes, lupus, cycstic fibrosis, reproductive cancers, and so on.
Regardless of who may consider a gestational surrogacy, medical tests, psychological screening, and ongoing support from infertility specialists and reproductive endocrinologists are a must to ensure a successful pregnancy.
Finding a Gestational Donor
When seeking a gestational surrogate, you have the option to either work with a surrogacy agency or consider someone you know personally.
The process of matching with your gestational carrier is crucial, as you’ll likely want to choose someone who shares similar values, beliefs, and perspectives on what constitutes a healthy surrogate pregnancy. This alignment can simplify the legal process and surrogacy agreements, providing you with peace of mind as they carry your child.
In certain states, such as New York, gestational surrogates are granted specific rights that allow them to make important decisions regarding the pregnancy and birth. Because surrogacy practices and the legal implications can vary widely, ensuring that you and your gestational carrier share similar values can make the overall surrogacy arrangement smoother and more agreeable.
Using an Agency:
Surrogacy agencies can be invaluable in matching you with a gestational surrogate and providing support throughout the gestational surrogacy process.
If you decide to work with an agency, a great starting point is to ask your doctor at your fertility clinic for recommendations of agencies they trust.
Even with a recommendation, when it comes to choosing the right surrogacy, it’s essential to do your due diligence. Ask the agency for references and take the time to meet with them to discuss their services and the matching process with a gestational carrier. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to explore other options!
Using Someone You Know:
You can also choose a friend or family member as your gestational surrogate.
This approach might be more affordable and offer greater trust, as your values are likely to align. However, gestational surrogacy is complex, with ethical, legal, and emotional factors to consider, so it’s important to think about how this could affect your relationship.
Even if your surrogate is someone you know, it is recommend to still consider working with a surrogacy agency for administrative tasks as there are many details to manage, some of which are time-sensitive. Additionally, check local laws, as some places require agency involvement.
How it Works
Whether you use an agency or a known gestational surrogate, several screenings are required before proceeding.
The surrogate will undergo both medical and psychological screenings, which typically include:
- Pap smear
- Physical exam
- Infectious disease screening
- Blood work
- Ultrasound
Gestational surrogates are generally between 21 and 42 years old, with a preference for those under 35 and with a history of healthy pregnancies [1]. Some agencies or fertility centers may have additional requirements, such as specific BMI ranges or limitations on cesarean deliveries.
Egg and sperm donor testing will also be conducted to minimize infection risks. The surrogate will start hormone treatments to prepare her uterus for the embryo transfer. After in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo creation, embryos are typically implanted 3 to 5 days later [2].
Egg Choice:
“Embryo quality is crucial for a successful surrogacy,” notes Nazca Fontes, CEO of ConceiveAbilities [3]. “Sometimes, using carefully evaluated donor eggs can result in higher-quality embryos.”
For instance, age or genetic issues may make donor eggs a better choice, or some parents may not be able to produce their own eggs. Donor eggs and sperm are typically available through fertility clinics or donor databases.
Post Birth:
You’ll need to be near your gestational surrogate for the birth, as you’ll take responsibility for the baby right away. Plan for possible delays—babies don’t always arrive on schedule!
The birth certificate process can differ depending on where you are. In some states, such as California, if you’ve sorted out the right paperwork ahead of time, your names can be included on the birth certificate. Agencies can help with this and any travel logistics.
Be sure to talk about breast milk with your surrogate before the birth. Some surrogates might be willing to pump and be compensated, but if she’s not local, shipping milk can get tricky. Donor milk or formula are good alternatives.
If you’ve built a strong relationship with your surrogate, you might keep in touch. Known surrogates are often more open to staying connected than those found through agencies.
Cost:
Gestational surrogacy can be a beautiful but pricey journey. In the U.S., surrogates usually cost between $20,000 and $55,000. On top of that, you’ll need to cover the surrogate’s medical care, attorney fees, travel expenses, and health insurance. Even if you choose a friend or family member as your surrogate, agency fees can still add up.
Altogether, you’re looking at over $100,000 for gestational surrogacy, and that’s before you factor in the $15,000 or so for donor eggs. IVF can be unpredictable, and if it doesn’t work on the first try, you might face even more costs. Plus, if your surrogate is in another state or country, expect additional travel and legal fees.
It’s a significant investment, but for many, it’s a worthwhile one in the quest to build a family.
Legal Concerns:
Given the complexities, surrogacy agreements are crucial, so even if you use a known surrogate, you’ll both need a lawyer to draft a surrogacy agreement. These legal contracts outline the rights and responsibilities of the intended parents, the gestational carrier, and other parties involved.
Surrogacy arrangements can involve significant medical expenses, including the costs of medical procedures, healthcare provider visits, and any potential medical complications. This agreement also covers scenarios like genetic conditions, multiple pregnancies, or any medical issues that arise. It will also outline the surrogate’s duties throughout the pregnancy.
It’s crucial to find lawyers knowledgeable about surrogacy laws in your state or the surrogate’s location, as these laws vary widely and there’s no federal standard.
Do You Want to Become a Gestational Surrogate?
As a surrogate mother, or someone interested in becoming a surrogate, understanding how the surrogacy process works is important in deciding if the surrogacy journey is right for you.
One of the common questions we receive from new surrogate mothers is if a surrogate can carry someone else’s egg. As this article outlines, yes, a surrogate can carry someone else’s egg.
Please note, there are several requirements to becoming a surrogate mother. These may include having a healthy medical history, previous successful pregnancies, and undergoing various screenings and evaluations. It’s important to understand these requirements and the responsibilities involved to ensure a smooth and informed surrogacy experience.
If you’re contemplating becoming a surrogate, take the time to research thoroughly, seek advice from experienced professionals, and reflect on your readiness for the journey ahead.
If you are interested in become a surrogate mother and would like to learn more about the surrogacy process, we welcome you to read the topics in our surrogacy blog or to check out our surrogacy FAQ section.
If you have a specific question and would like to ask us, we would gladly help assist you. Simply contact us today and one of our coordinators will be in touch shortly!
