Gestational surrogacy helps those who are unable to have children on their own grow their families. For those who choose surrogacy, their reasons are diverse. We’ll explore some of those reasons in this post and look at why gestational surrogacy is often preferred over other methods. First, though, let’s look at what’s involved in the surrogacy process itself.
How is gestational surrogacy done?
Many people choose gestational surrogacy to grow their families, with about 750 babies born in the U.S. through gestational surrogacy each year. Through IVF, embryos are created in a lab at a fertility clinic. Sometimes the intended parents use their own genetic material. Sometimes, an egg donor is required. Intended parents are matched with a gestational carrier who will be implanted with the embryos and carry the baby(ies). Gestational carriers have no genetic relationship to the children they deliver. Learn more in our short guide to surrogacy blog post.
What type of people consider surrogacy to achieve their dreams of parenthood?
There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to who pursues surrogacy to grow their family. The different types of people who choose surrogacy are:
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Heterosexual couples who have struggled with infertility
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Intended mothers who are unable to carry a child
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Intended parents who have a genetic defect or health condition they don’t want to pass onto the child
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Same-sex intended parents who want to have a genetic link to the baby
Surrogacy is just one way for people to grow their families who can’t do so on their own. Other options include adoption and foster care.
Why do people choose gestational surrogacy over other family-building options?
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Surrogacy provides the opportunity for singles and couples to have a genetic link to their child(ren). For heterosexual couples, either one or both of the parents can contribute biology to create their embryos. For same-sex couples, both dads can contribute biology with their egg donor for embryos. Having a child who is biologically theirs is important to some, and surrogacy provides the opportunity for those who cannot grow their families on their own to have the same opportunities as those who have children through traditional pregnancies.
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Surrogacy enables intended parents to be involved in the pregnancy and birth of their baby. When parents are matched with their surrogate, they are part of every milestone of the surrogacy process, from embryo creation to delivery day. They are able to develop a strong relationship with their surrogate, who shares photos and updates during the pregnancy. Even before they are matched with a surrogate mother, intended parents are able to choose who will be the woman to carry their baby(ies). Surrogacy allows intended parents to be as involved as they would like in the pregnancy and birth of their baby.
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Surrogacy can guarantee you a baby. In gestational surrogacy, surrogate moms have no genetic relationship to the child. Intended parents work with their legal team to put contracts in place and establish parentage before the baby is born. Like a traditional pregnancy, surrogate pregnancies can be unpredictable. However, when you choose gestational surrogacy and work with an established agency like Circle Surrogacy, you’ll have to opportunity to select programs such as the Journey Protection Guarantee Program. An all-inclusive plan, the Journey Protection Guarantee Program covers unlimited transfers, the cost of a surrogate, any complications that may arise during your journey, 100% refund of our agency fee if you have no embryos remaining and do not bring home a baby, and no surprise costs or invoices!
While there are different options to grow your family – gestational surrogacy, adoption, foster care – there is no “right way.” Different options work for different families. The choice in how to grow your family is personal, and should be decided with your partner and support system. If you choose gestational surrogacy, we are here to help!
If you’re interested in learning more about gestational surrogacy, our team would be happy to speak with you. Simply fill out this form to be connected with our Parent Team.
Written by: Kristin Marsoli
Kristin joined Circle in 2017 as Marketing Director. Prior to this role, Kristin worked at advertising and marketing agencies creating successful brand, digital and social campaigns for clients. Her personal experience brought her to Circle: Kristin and her husband are proud parents to their son thanks to Circle Surrogacy. Having been through the process, Kristin brings an experienced perspective to all of Circle’s digital and social marketing, and is excited to use her marketing expertise for something for which she has so much passion.