The term ‘surrogate’ is derived from a Latin word ‘Surrogare’, meaning ‘to put in another’s place or to substitute’. A woman who carries and delivers a child for another couple or a person is termed as a surrogate mother. Though she is the mother but she does not continues to take care of the child and nurture him, after his birth.
A single male or female or a couple can go for a surrogate mother because of a number of reasons so that their dream of becoming parents can turn into a reality. If you are also looking for a surrogate, this blog is a must-read for you.
Types of Surrogacy
- Traditional Surrogacy- In this arrangement, the surrogate is the biological mother of the child because she provides her own egg and carries the child to the full term, though she is involved in raising him. This kind of surrogacy has certain potential legal complications and thus is not as common as the second option explained below.
- Gestational Surrogacy- In this surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate is not biologically related to the child that she is carrying. The egg is taken from the biological mother, followed by in-vitro fertilization in the lab of a fertility clinic, which then is rooted in the womb of the surrogate. She agrees to carry the child for the full term for the future parents who are taking her services as they are not in a state to do it on their own due to certain reasons.
Looking for a Surrogate Mother
If you trying to find a surrogate mother, here are some tips for you:
Tip 1:
Use the services of an Agency– Surrogacy is a complex arrangement where one needs assistance when one opts for it. If you take the services of an agency, it will support you in finding a surrogate after proper screening process and legal recommendations. The agency also assists you in discussion of complex matters such as reduction and pregnancy termination and, best rest and monetary compensation. You will be able to handle the situation carefully and with ease.
Tip 2:
Legal matters– From the past few years, India has emerged as a major player in the global market of surrogacy. A number of couples visit India in search of a surrogate mother for themselves. It the year 2008, the Supreme Court of India declared commercial surrogacy legal in the country. As an alternative reproductive method, Surrogacy has a number of assisted reproduction guidelines, other legalities and paperwork but there is no standardization in surrogacy laws in India. In the present times, for the accreditation, supervision and regulation of ART clinics, the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Academy of Medical Sciences has some ‘national guidelines’ that are followed as the basis of surrogacy agreements in India.
Tip 3:
Recognize your want– What are your considerations while you are searching for a surrogate? You are going to give the responsibility to another lady who is going to carry your baby in her womb for a span of nine months, so you must search for a surrogate whose thoughts compliment yours and who is going to take care of the baby as you are. Genetic characteristics needed to be considered if you are going for a traditional arrangements of surrogacy.
Tip 4:
Expenditures– If we talk about financial matters, surrogacy is an expensive enterprise. You will have to take up the responsibility of a number of things. The intended parent/parents have to pay all the medical bills of the surrogate mother and any legal expense that may come up during pregnancy. It is very necessary that before think of going for surrogacy, you must be sure that you are in a condition to fulfill all the financial commitments that will come into your way.
Tip 5:
Surrogate’s lifestyle– The surrogate is going to make use of her body for nurturing your child inside her womb, so you must opt for one who is aware about the ideal choices for herself and your child. You must enquire about the fitness level, diet, and nicotine routine of the surrogate. Another important thing is to know whether she is not consumption of alcohol and drugs. All this would ensure that you will going for a healthy surrogate mother for your child.
Tip 6:
Talk to different surrogates– You can talk to a number of different surrogate mothers, till you get completely satisfied. As you are trusting the surrogate for giving birth to your child, you must have full confidence on her. Choose a lady who you feel satisfies you in all criteria.