Whatever the reason, fertility issues, health problems, etc., you’ve come to the conclusion you want to use a surrogate to have a baby. Many couples have found themselves in this very position without knowing where to start. You are not alone.
I have been on the other side of this decision before both as a gestational surrogate and as a general medical professional, but I am not going to say I know how it feels to be in your shoes because I don’t. Instead, we’re going to focus on what you should be familiar with before you ever write a check.
What Is a Gestational Surrogate"
So, having said all that, what is a “gestational surrogate”" There are actually two types of surrogacies, traditional and gestational, with the main difference being the genetic contribution of the carrier. In the latter case, the surrogate has no biological ties to the child/children. Embryos are created using an ovum from either the intended mother (if she is able to produce viable eggs) or a donor and sperm from the intended father during a cycle of In Vitro Fertilization?or IVF. Then, they are implanted into the primed uterus, with the hope that they will attach. Many experienced doctors will recommend that several be implanted at once to increase the odds of success. In my case, out of four that were transferred, two stuck. Traditional surrogacy is usually only used when the mother cannot contribute eggs at all. Instead of using an external donor’s ovu...