What Is a Gestational Surrogate?

Pregnancy can be an exciting time for expecting parents, but for other couples that time may never come. The inability to conceive naturally can lead a couple to consider adoption or traditional surrogacy, where the couple agrees to raise the child of an already-pregnant woman. For some couples, the desire to have a child that is biologically their own can complicate the adoption decision. In these cases, a gestational surrogate may be appropriate.

Function

• A gestational surrogate allows a couple to have a biologically related child by using a surrogate as the carrier for the couple's embryo. The aid of a gestational surrogate is needed when a woman is unable to conceive naturally or through fertility treatments. This option is explored after fertility drugs or in-vitro fertilization have proven unsuccessful, or if either party has irregularities in their reproductive organs that complicate conception.

Process

• Either through an agency or privately, the gestational surrogate is selected by an infertile couple. Then, eggs and sperm from the biological parents are extracted through in-vitro fertilization and combined to create embryos. Usually, one to three embryos are placed in the surrogate's uterus through a catheter inserted through the vagina, though some couples choose to implant more. After an embryo successfully implants, the couple and surrogate experience the pregnancy together through doctor's visits and ultimately, the birth.

Time Frame

• The process of gestational surrogacy can take several years. The longest amount of time is usually spent finding an adequate surrogate, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or longer. After locating a surrogate, the extraction of viable eggs and sperm can take several weeks. During this time, the surrogate prepares for pregnancy with a hormone regimen that can take several months. Implanting the embryos can also take three to four months if not initially successful. After a successful treatment, the gestational surrogate carries the baby for nine months.

Considerations

• Being or using a gestational surrogate is a deeply involved and emotional process for all parties. There are also many ethical and legal issues at hand. One such ethical issue is if it is acceptable for a woman to rent her uterus for monetary gain. States such as New York consider it illegal to pay a woman for surrogacy, which also complicates the question of who has legal rights over the unborn child. Agencies that arrange for gestational surrogates thoroughly screen surrogates and ensure all legal rights are signed over to the biological parents.

Benefits

• A gestational surrogate benefits the infertile couple by allowing them to have a biological child they could not otherwise have. Gestational surrogates are rewarded by giving the gift of life to an infertile couple. Since the child biologically belongs to the intended parents, the parents have more legal rights to the child than they would with an adopted baby whose mother changes her mind. Surrogates may also have an easier time saying goodbye to the baby as there is no biological link.