Understanding Surrogacy: A Comprehensive Guide for the Young

Introduction

Surrogacy is a type of pregnancy in which a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another couple who is unable to conceive on their own. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as infertility, medical conditions, or same-sex relationships.

For example, couple A (female and male) was able to conceive and have a baby, but couple X (female and male) was not able to. Surrogacy can be a helpful option for couples like X who are unable to have a child on their own.

In surrogacy, the surrogate mother is impregnated with the intended father's sperm, either through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination. Once the surrogate mother is pregnant, she carries the baby to term and gives birth. After the baby is born, the intended parents become the legal parents of the child.

How does in vitro fertilization (IVF) Surrogacy work?

IVF is a process in which a woman's egg and a man's sperm are fertilized outside of the body, in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the woman's uterus, or the uterus of a surrogate mother.

There are three main types of IVF surrogacy:

1. Traditional surrogacy:The surrogate mother uses her own egg and the intended father's sperm. The surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the intended father's sperm. She carries and delivers the baby, who is then raised by the legal parents. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the baby.
2. Gestational surrogacy: The surrogate mother uses an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor, and sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The egg from the intended mother is fertilized with the intended father's sperm, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus of the gestational surrogate. The surrogate mother carries and delivers the baby, but she has no biological connection to the baby.
3. Reciprocal surrogacy:Two female partners undergo IVF, with one partner providing the egg and the other partner carrying the pregnancy.

In all three cases, the embryo is transferred to the surrogate mother's uterus, where it grows and develops into a baby. The surrogate mother carries the baby to term and gives birth, but the intended parents are the legal parents of the child.
In the above cases, the intended parents are the legal parents of the child.

Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in India

Surrogacy in India is only available to married Indian couples who are proven to be infertile. Couples must obtain a certificate of eligibility and a certificate of essentiality from the appropriate authority, as well as insurance coverage for the surrogate mother.
To be eligible for surrogacy, the intended couple must be Indian citizens who have been married for at least five years. The female partner must be between 23 and 50 years old, and the male partner must be between 26 and 55 years old. The couple must not have any surviving children, whether biological, adopted, or surrogate. Children with mental or physical disabilities, or who are suffering from life-threatening disorders or illnesses, are exempt from this criterion.
Only a close relative of the intended couple can be a surrogate mother. She must be married, have a child of her own, and be between 25 and 35 years old. She can only be a surrogate mother once.

Surrogacy: Life Changing Experience

Surrogacy is a complex and controversial topic, but it can be a valuable option for couples who are unable to conceive on their own. It is important to carefully consider the ethical, legal, and medical implications of surrogacy before making a decision.
Surrogacy can be a life-changing experience for both the intended parents and the surrogate mother. It is important to have realistic expectations and to be prepared for the challenges that may arise. However, for many couples, surrogacy is the only way to achieve their dream of parenthood.

Here are some of the benefits of surrogacy

• It allows couples who are unable to conceive on their own to have children.
• It can help to preserve the genetic lineage of a family.
• It can provide a loving and supportive home for a child.

Potential Risks

However, there are also some potential risks and challenges associated with surrogacy:

• It can be emotionally and financially expensive.
• There is a risk of medical complications for both the surrogate mother and the baby.
• There is a potential for legal disputes between the intended parents and the surrogate mother.

It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of surrogacy carefully before making a decision. If you are considering surrogacy, it is important to work with a qualified team of professionals who can help you to navigate the process and make informed decisions.

Conslusion

In conclusion, surrogacy is a complex but potentially rewarding option for couples who are unable to conceive on their own. It is important to carefully consider all of the factors involved before making a decision.

~Bhavika Singh