Couples who want children but are unable to have them through traditional means often turn to adoption or surrogacy. Of the two, surrogacy is likely the least understood.
Here is a look at some of the issues that a couple exploring surrogacy may need a little clarification on.
A few definitions
An article on PBS defines four important terms associated with surrogacy. The following definitions are helpful when discussing aspects of surrogacy:
- Gestational surrogacy: a woman carries a child created by another woman’s egg and a man’s sperm
- Traditional surrogacy: the woman carrying the embryo uses her own egg
- Altruistic surrogacy: a woman carries a child for no payment beyond medical bills and other related costs
- Commercial surrogacy: a woman receives payment for carrying the child
In a gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother has no biological connection with the child. In both the gestational and traditional surrogacy, a man’s sperm fertilizes the woman’s egg; the male could be a donor or the intended parent. When it comes to paying for the procedure, some states have banned the practice of commercial surrogacy.
A few insights
A couple looking to go the route of surrogacy may face unexpected complications in the process. An article on WebMD covers some of the issues couples encounter during surrogacy. The following factors are often of concern:
- Expenses
- Legal concerns
- Finding the right surrogate
- State laws
- The mental frame of mind of the surrogate
Some couples find the process a difficult one, but many also realize the dream of having a child of their own. Click here to learn more about the legality of surrogacy in North Carolina.
