Surrogacy is the practice where an arrangement is made for a woman (surrogate) to carry a pregnancy and give birth to a child for another person or couple (intended parent(s)). This process is considered when the couple cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy due to several reasons.
A woman may be unable to carry a pregnancy due to infertility problems or other serious complications that make pregnancy unsafe or impossible. Another reason is certain medical conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or even severe diabetes, which can make pregnancy dangerous for both the mother and child. Additionally, repeated miscarriages may lead some women to consider surrogacy.
Many people have turned to this option for various personal reasons. Thanks to technology, the process has become more accessible, no longer would anyone be tagged barren as long as they are willing to opt in for surrogacy.
In the past, when a woman could not conceive, people attached different misconceptions to it. Some would accuse the woman of having undergone multiple abortions in her youth, while others would attribute it to spiritual causes and all sorts of unknown beliefs.
Through research, I learned that there are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. While the former involves a surrogate who not only carries the baby but also provides her egg, which is fertilized with the intended father's sperm, the latter is more common today and involves in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In this case, the intended parents use their own eggs and sperm, which are fertilized and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is the biological mother of the child, whereas in gestational surrogacy, the intended mother retains that biological link.
Before surrogacy can take place, the surrogate undergoes thorough screening and must meet specific criteria, such as age, a strong health history, and the ability to carry a pregnancy to term. Additionally, all parties involved including the medical professionals overseeing the process must go through a strict legal agreement.
After the baby is born, further legal steps are taken to ensure that the intended parents are recognized as the child’s legal guardians.
Proper arrangements such as defining the rights and responsibilities of both the surrogate and the intended parents must be established. Crucial aspects like the surrogate’s compensation, medical expenses, and legal fees are carefully outlined. The legal agreements are essential to prevent unexpected conflicts in the future, particularly in cases where the surrogate might develop an emotional attachment to the baby, making it difficult to release the child to the intended parents.
Is Surrogacy Ethical?
Yes, it is ethical because surrogacy is widely regarded as a treatment option for infertility or an alternative to adoption. It helps fulfill people's desire to experience parenthood by having their own biological children.
Would I Get Involved?
No, I wouldn’t. Surrogacy is not something I have ever considered, nor do I see myself choosing it. I have always wanted to carry my pregnancy and experience the journey firsthand. If, for any reason, my health does not permit it which I sincerely hope won’t be the case, I would instead choose adoption.
I have always thought about adopting, and I find it to be a beautiful decision, even if I have my own children. I am not against surrogacy because, truthfully, it is a remarkable practice, and everyone has their own perspectives on it, including those shaped by biblical beliefs. However, for me, adoption would be the better path.
First image link embedded in it || Second image generated from Meta AI
