Becoming a parent is a blessing, which is why most couples want to start a family by having children. However, having children is not always as easy as it may seem; some couples struggle to become parents due to various reasons which can either involve the wife or husband or both.
Surrogacy is an assisted reproduction method where a couple or parent decides a gestation surrogate carry their baby in her womb for nine months. It is an excellent start for couples who are unable to conceive. Surrogacy also involves a structured legal system through which rules are laid and are followed.
Methods involved in surrogacy
There are two types of surrogacy, namely, Traditional Surrogacy and Gestation Surrogacy. In Traditional surrogacy, a parent can choose a surrogate mother and insemination of male sperms into her uterus. The embryo is made of the chosen father, and an egg is from surrogate mother, by herself. The insemination can is done directly or through lab techniques. A traditional surrogate is the baby’s biological mother.
In Gestation surrogacy, an IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) technique is used. The semen and egg of a parent are fused to form an embryo. Now, the embryo is placed in the uterus of a surrogate who will nurture the baby, and let it grow in her womb. She provides the shelter to an embryo to improve and give birth after nine months of gestation period. It is also possible for parents to be able to choose the sex of their unborn baby although, gender selection IVF cost begins at quite a high mark.
Advantages
- A childless couple can be a parent with their sperm or egg.
- A parent can have a biological kid without giving birth to it.
- A bond grows between the surrogate and parents who are intending to do surrogacy.
- In traditional type, you can have a child who has different genes from that of the parents planning to do surrogacy.
- Surrogacy is a legal process so no paid surrogate mother can claim that it’s her baby.
- Surrogacy is becoming increasingly popular in the market as they help to cure infertile couples. It is also a source of incomes for some women who can earn by carrying a baby in her belly.
- Fulfilling experience where you can achieve parenthood.
- Surrogacy gives legal rights as a parent.
- Surrogates get the compensation too if in case there is a miscarriage.
- Most of the couples who are infertile go for adoption which does not have a deep connect whereas surrogacy connects parents to their child through the medium of another surrogate mother
- IVF sex selection is possible if the parents wish to choose the gender of their baby for their reason.
Disadvantages
- In some cases, a surrogate mother miscarries as she cannot bear another person embryo.Some surrogates refuse to give the child to the parent after the delivery of the baby.
- It can be expensive for a few couples.
- Surrogate mothers go through emotional trauma.
- Surrogacy requires time and commitment.
But having said that, every process in life has its benefits and demerits, same in this case as well. The method of surrogacy has more advantages than the disadvantages, and it is always recommended for couples who want to become responsible parents.
It’s essential for a couple to get pregnant and create off-springs. Due to various reasons like infertility, low sperm count or sperm size, and due to feminine problems, people find it difficult to conceive. The modern lifestyle has a high impact on mental health which also inhibits reproduction. Thus, surrogacy is a solution, and if the above – mentioned disadvantages are taken care of in a responsible manner, this is going to be highly rewarding for both the woman and the couple.