How Does Surrogacy Work and Types of Surrogacies?

Surrogacy has become a viable option for many couples and individuals struggling with infertility or other medical conditions preventing pregnancy. With advancements in medical science and changing laws, surrogacy is more accessible than ever before, particularly in countries like India, which has emerged as a hub for this practice. In this blog, we will explore how surrogacy works, focusing on the process, types of surrogacies, and the role of altruistic surrogacy in India.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction where a woman, known as the surrogate mother, carries and delivers a baby for another individual or couple. This option is often chosen by those unable to conceive due to medical conditions, infertility, or other challenges. The intended parents may provide their own genetic material (eggs or sperm), and in some cases, donor eggs or sperm may be used.

Types of Surrogacies

There are two primary types of surrogacies:

1. Gestational Surrogacy: In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother has no genetic link to the child. The embryo is created via in vitro fertilization (IVF), using the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm. The embryo is then implanted in the surrogate’s uterus. This is the most common form of surrogacy, and it is widely practiced in India.
2. Traditional Surrogacy: In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate's egg is used, meaning she is genetically related to the baby. This type of surrogacy is less common and often not allowed in countries with strict surrogacy regulations, such as India.

Altruistic Surrogacy in India

In India, altruistic surrogacy is the only legally permitted form of surrogacy, following the implementation of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act. Under altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not receive any financial compensation apart from medical expenses and other essential costs related to the pregnancy. This law aims to protect surrogate mothers from exploitation and ensure ethical practices are maintained in surrogacy arrangements.

Many intended parents choose the best surrogacy centres in India for their altruistic surrogacy journey, ensuring compliance with local laws while receiving high-quality medical care. These centres provide comprehensive services, including legal assistance, medical treatments, and psychological support for both the surrogate and the intended parents.

How Does the Surrogacy Process Work?

Surrogacy involves several stages, and here is a step-by-step look at how it works:

1. Selecting a Surrogacy Centre

The first step is choosing a reliable surrogacy centre in India. The centre helps coordinate the entire process, from matching with a surrogate to providing medical care. Some of the best surrogacy centres in India offer services such as IVF treatments, legal consultations, and counselling, ensuring a smooth surrogacy experience.

2. Medical Screening and Legal Process

Both the intended parents and the surrogate undergo thorough medical screening to ensure that they are physically and mentally prepared for the surrogacy process. In altruistic surrogacy, legal agreements are signed, ensuring that the surrogate mother understands her role and the intended parents' rights are protected.

3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In gestational surrogacy, the IVF process begins after the surrogate is medically cleared. Eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor, fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the surrogate's uterus.

4. Pregnancy and Monitoring

Once the embryo transfer is successful, the surrogate undergoes regular check-ups to monitor the progress of the pregnancy. The intended parents stay updated throughout the process, with the surrogacy centre in India providing necessary support and medical care.

5. Delivery and Legal Parenthood

Upon successful delivery, the baby is handed over to the intended parents. In altruistic surrogacy in India, the legal process ensures that the intended parents are recognized as the baby’s legal guardians from birth, without complications related to the surrogate's rights.

Why Choose Surrogacy in India?

India has long been a preferred destination for surrogacy due to its skilled healthcare professionals, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and clear legal framework. Surrogacy centres in India offer world-class fertility services, ensuring that both intended parents and surrogates receive the highest standard of care. With altruistic surrogacy being the only legally approved option, India ensures ethical practices and provides a compassionate and regulated environment for surrogacy arrangements.

Conclusion

Surrogacy is an intricate and emotional process, but with the right guidance, it can be a life-changing solution for those dreaming of parenthood. By working with the best surrogacy centres in India, intended parents can navigate the journey with confidence, knowing that their surrogacy experience is being handled with expertise and care. If you are considering surrogacy, especially altruistic surrogacy in India, it’s essential to consult with experts to understand the legalities, medical procedures, and emotional implications involved.

If you are ready to begin your surrogacy journey, reach out to a trusted surrogacy centre in India to take the first step toward building your family.