Gestational surrogacy helps those who are unable to have children on their own grow their families. The reasons for choosing surrogacy are diverse. We'll explore some of those reasons in this post and answer questions about why gestational surrogacy is often preferred and whether a surrogate mother shares DNA with the baby.
First, though, let's answer questions about 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:
Heterosexual couples struggling with infertility
Intended mothers who are unable to carry a child
Intended parents who have a genetic or health issue they don't want to pass onto a child
Same-sex intended parents who want a genetic link to the baby
Surrogacy is just one way for people to grow their families; other options include adoption and foster care.
Why Do People Choose Gestational Surrogacy Over Other Family-building Options?
The reasons for choosing gestational surrogacy are many and personal. Often, intended parents choose surrogacy because it:
1. Gives Them a Genetic Link to Their Baby
Surrogacy gives singles and couples 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. Surrogacy provides those who cannot grow their families on their own with the same opportunities as those who have children through traditional pregnancies.
2. Embraces Intended Parent Involvement
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, intended parents are able to choose the woman who will carry their baby(ies). Surrogacy allows intended parents to be as involved as they would like in the pregnancy and birth of their baby.
3. Offers Security and Greater Predictability
Surrogacy can guarantee you a baby. 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 can select programs such as the Journey Protection Guarantee Program.
An all-inclusive plan, the Journey Protection Guarantee Program covers important elements such as:
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
No surprise costs or invoices!
Building Your Family Your Way
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 want to learn more about gestational surrogacy, our team is happy to speak with you. Simply fill out our form to be connected with our Parent Team.