Surrogate motherhood is a compassionate practice that has helped countless couples worldwide who cannot conceive a child on their own. It involves a surrogate mother carrying a child on behalf of a couple who may be experiencing infertility or unable to undergo pregnancy. This is typically done through gestational surrogacy, in which an embryo created through in vitro fertilization using the couple’s genetic material is implanted into the surrogate mother. Surrogate motherhood is a wonderful opportunity for individuals or couples who long to experience parenthood’s joys but may face medical challenges.

Considerations for Becoming a Surrogate Mother

Becoming a surrogate mother is a significant decision that requires careful consideration, as it involves a complex process with several requirements. The decision should stem from a genuine desire to help a couple fulfill their dream of having a child rather than financial motivation, as commercial surrogacy is strictly prohibited as per the new law in India.

To be a surrogate mother, a woman should meet specific demographic criteria, such as being married between the ages of 25-35 and having at least one biological child. These requirements are crucial as they show that the surrogate has the maternal experience and emotional resilience to carry a pregnancy to term.

It is also important to undergo medical and psychological assessments to ensure the surrogate is physically and mentally fit for surrogacy. These assessments are crucial in minimizing potential risks to the surrogate and the baby.

Surrogacy is regulated to ensure the safety of all parties involved. Surrogates are limited to one attempt, and intended parents can try surrogacy up to three times. Furthermore, only one embryo is transferred during each attempt, ensuring the process is as safe as possible for everyone involved.

Medical and Psychological Screening

Medical conditions, previous pregnancies, the likelihood of a natural or surgical delivery, the well-being of the child(ren) born, and any prior surrogacy attempts are carefully documented.

After getting the all-clear from the cardiologist, the couple will undergo a battery of pathology tests, such as those for haemoglobin, sugar, clotting, HIV, hepatitis B and C, VDRL for syphilis, Hb electrophoresis for thalassemia, and any other tests the couple may have requested. Intended parents may cover a surrogate mother’s expenses, including travel, medical care, meals, and clothing until delivery.

The Approval Procedure for Surrogate Mothers

The 2021 surrogacy law in India has established an approval procedure for surrogate mothers to promote ethical surrogacy practices. The intended parents must provide the National Surrogacy Board with details about the surrogate’s health and family history, as well as a certificate attesting to the surrogate’s physical and mental fitness to carry out the role of the surrogate. After the application has been approved, the intended parents can begin the surrogacy process with a surrogacy center, which plays a critical role in facilitating the arrangement, coordinating medical procedures, and ensuring the welfare of all parties involved.