A surrogate is a woman who carries a pregnancy for another woman. The first surrogate pregnancy occurred in the United States in 1985. There are two different kinds of surrogates. A gestational carrier is a woman who carries a pregnancy created by the egg and sperm of two other individuals. The process involves IVF (In vitro fertilization). In this case, the gestational carrier is not genetically related to the child. The second kind of surrogate is referred to as a traditional surrogate; the surrogate is inseminated with sperm from the male partner of an infertile couple. The child that results is genetically related to the surrogate and the male partner, but not the female partner. The female partner or couple must legally adopt the child after birth.

A woman who has functioning ovaries but no uterus may consider a gestational carrier. For example, a woman may have had a hysterectomy or may have been born without a uterus. A gestational carrier may also be considered by a woman whose uterus is malformed or who is otherwise incapable of carrying a pregnancy. If pregnancy would be life-threatening to a woman due to severe medical problems, then a gestational carrier is an option.

A traditional surrogacy or donor eggs or embryos and a gestational surrogacy may be considered by a woman who has no ovaries or whose ovaries cannot produce usable eggs due to declining ovarian function or premature ovarian failure. A woman who has a genetic disease that may be transmitted to her child or who has a medical problem that precludes pregnancy may also consider these options.

Considering being a surrogate?

Considering having a surrogate carry your child?

The cost of surrogacy varies and some aspects are typically not covered by medical insurance. Legal and program fees further add to the cost and can vary greatly. It is important to consider these issues carefully before choosing to proceed.