Surrogacy is a fertility treatment in which a woman, known as a surrogate mother, carries a pregnancy to term and gives birth to a child for another couple, known as the intended parents. It can be a viable option for couples who are struggling to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term due to a variety of factors, including male and female infertility.
There are numerous benefits to surrogacy. Among the greatest benefits is the opportunity to have a biological child. Surrogacy can give you this opportunity, even if you are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term on your own.
Infertility in women can be caused by a number of factors, such as ovulation disorders, endometriosis, Adenomyosis and fallopian tube blockage. In some cases, female infertility may be associated with co-morbidities that make it risky or impossible for even IVF to work.
Some medical conditions, such as uterine fibroids, uncontrolled hypertension/diabetes or heart diseases, can make it difficult or impossible for a woman to carry a pregnancy to term. Surrogacy is a viable option for women and for couples with these conditions who wish to have children.
There are two main types of Surrogacy. These are the Traditional Surrogacy and the Gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the child. This is because she is the one who provides the egg that is fertilized with the intended father’s sperm. This type of surrogacy is not often advised, not only because the intending mother has no genetic ties to the baby but also because the surrogate mother is also the biological mother.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother is not the biological mother of the child. The surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child because the embryo is created using the intended parents’ sperm and eggs, or donor sperm and eggs are used and then implanted in the surrogate mother’s uterus. Gestational surrogacy is the most common and usually preferred type of surrogacy, essentially because it is less complex legally and emotionally than traditional surrogacy.
How does surrogacy work, you may ask? The surrogacy process typically involves numerous steps. It begins with matching the intended parents with a surrogate mother, either through a surrogacy agency or independently.
There should also be medical and psychological screening. This involves the surrogate mother being screened for her medical and psychological suitability for surrogacy. You can choose the option that is best for you. You may contact surrogacy agencies that can provide support and guidance throughout the surrogacy process. This can help make the process less stressful and overwhelming.
A legal contract is required. You, as the intended parents, and the surrogate mother will sign a legal contract that outlines the legal rights and responsibilities of each party involved in the surrogacy process. The embryo is created using the intended parents’ sperm and eggs or donor sperm and eggs and then implanted in the surrogate mother’s uterus, and then the surrogate mother will carry the pregnancy to term and give birth to the child. The issue of parental rights is crucial because the intended parents will become the legal parents of the child after birth.
How do you find a surrogate? There are two main ways. You can use a surrogacy agency that specializes in matching intended parents with surrogate mothers. They will screen the surrogate mother(s) for their medical and psychological suitability and provide support and guidance throughout the surrogacy process.
The other option is to search independently. This can be done through online forums, social media, or word-of-mouth. However, note that opting for independent surrogacy can be more complex and risky. It would be up to you, as the intended parents, to screen the surrogate mother and manage the surrogacy process on your own.
There are many different surrogacy agencies in Nigeria. Once you have contacted an agency, you will need to answer questions about your medical history, your financial situation, and your preferences for a surrogate mother.
Once your application is approved, you will be matched with a surrogate mother who is a good fit for you. You will have the opportunity to meet with the surrogate mother and her family before making a decision. Once you have decided to work with a surrogate mother, you will need to sign a contract that will outline the legal rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in the surrogacy process.
If you are considering surrogacy, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable surrogacy agency. A good agency will help you find a qualified surrogate mother and will provide you with support and guidance throughout the surrogacy process.
Just as there are advantages, there are also challenges to surrogacy. Among these is cost. Surrogacy can be an expensive process. You and your spouse will need to pay for the surrogate mother’s medical expenses, legal fees, and other costs.
As mentioned earlier, surrogacy can be an emotionally challenging experience for both the intended parents and the surrogate mother. It is important for all parties involved to be prepared for the emotional challenges that may arise. This is why it is necessary to work with a lawyer to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws.
