I personally am very curious about surrogacy as an option. What do you know about surrogacy? I'm sure there are very strong opinions on the topic. It would be fun/interesting to share them via our
FSA WA Chapter Blog or on our
FSA Google Group. I though I'd start by posting some information on the the topic. Here is what the
Washington Center for Reproductive Medicine has to say about Surrogacy in our area:
In order for a woman to carry
a viable pregnancy, the uterus
must be both normally developed and functioning properly.
Women that have a damaged, or absent, uterus can experience
the joy of creating a family by using a surrogate
mother.
At the Washington Center for
Reproductive Medicine, we have a very active third
party parenting program including surrogacy and donor
egg. We pride ourselves on offering an understanding
and supportive environment for patients undergoing
these treatments. We have successfully helped many
women when conventional fertility
treatments were not feasible.
Who is a candidate for surrogacy?
- A woman born without a functional uterus or vagina
- A woman who has undergone surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and has functioning ovaries
- A woman whose uterus is diseased and nonfunctional
- A woman who is incapable of bearing a child because of chronic ill health
Sometimes a woman may not
be physically able to carry a pregnancy to term. Her uterus may be
damaged and unable to support implantation and embryonic development.
She might also have health problems, such as heart disease, that would
place her at risk if she were pregnant. Surrogacy is an option for many
of these women.
A surrogate is a woman who carries another couple's baby to term,
and once delivered, gives it to the parenting couple. There are two
types of surrogacy known as gestational surrogacy and traditional
surrogacy.
-
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is inseminated with the
sperm of the father via intrauterine insemination. The resultant baby
will have the genetic structure of the father and the surrogate.
- The second type of surrogacy is
known as gestational surrogacy, which is where the
surrogate carries the embryo (created in an IVF
cycle) produced by the infertile couple. The
infant will have the genetic makeup of the infertile
couple. In gestational surgery, the mother undergoes
an in vitro fertilization cycle where she receives
medication to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple
eggs. If the mother does not have viable eggs, an
egg donor may be used.
The eggs are withdrawn
through the vagina and combined with the male partner's sperm in a
Petri dish. The dish is then placed in an incubator until ready for
transfer, usually 3-5 days. The gestational surrogate receives hormones
to synchronize her cycle with the mothers. The mature embryos are
transferred to the surrogate mother using a small catheter.
Most women volunteer to be surrogates for altruistic reasons and
many times may be related, such as a sister.
Surrogate Selection
The process of surrogacy is complex
from both the physical and psychological standpoints. Selection of a
suitable surrogate, who understands the process and its ramifications,
and is supported by her family, is paramount to the success of the
program. A surrogate is usually an extremely diligent and devoted person
who wishes to endow a special gift to another woman, and many of these
women have their own children.
Women who are
willing to act as surrogates are often friends or are recruited through
the media or surrogacy agencies. We have helped patients recruit
suitable women to serve as surrogates.
Screening
Once a suitable surrogate has been selected the following steps are mandatory:
- Medical evaluation, including evaluation of lifestyle and previous pregnancies.
- Psychological evaluation
- Blood testing and cultures to exclude STDs
Legal Issues
It
is imperative that the intended parents and surrogate sign a legal
contract outlining the responsibilities and obligations of each party.
Surrogacy laws vary widely between states and a lawyer experienced in
reproductive law must always be consulted. Surrogacy for financial gain
is illegal in Washington State.
Conclusions
The surrogacy process
must be embarked upon carefully, as often two families with their own
separate issues become intertwined. Our experience in dealing with
surrogates over many years has been very positive. Wonderful human
relationships have developed and all parties involved have experienced
great joy. However, this is not a journey that should be embarked upon
without great thought and care.
Very interesting stuff. Have you thought about surrogacy as an option? What do you think about it? Do you have any helpful information to share with the rest of us just beginning to explore it as an option? Do you know anyone who has built their family using surrogacy?
And a last way to be involved would be to help us
spread the word. We would love our event to be well-attended. If you
would consider handing out printed flyers to your ward, family, and
friends, please let us know and we will get a stack to you. If you
would consider blogging or Facebooking about our race, that would be
great! Please visit and include the link to our site when spreading the word. bridgetoadoption.blogspot.
