Assisted reproductive techniques have provided solution to many infertile couples. It is also a part of Surrogacy, a method of reproduction whereby a woman (referred to as surrogate) agrees to carry a pregnancy and give birth as a substitute for the contracted party.
The intended parents may enter into a surrogacy arrangement because of:
• Infertility-where medical issues render the female partner infertile
• Risky pregnancy-where mother is fertile but pregnancy could be risky for her health
• Same Sex couples-who cannot have a child of their own by natural way and surrogacy is the only option
• Single Parent-to fulfill their desire of having a child, surrogacy is the way
The primary condition for Surrogacy is that at least one of the Intended parents must be biologically related to the baby.
Surrogate may be a relative, friend or a stranger.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SURROGACY
Natural (Traditional/ Straight) Surrogacy:
Here a surrogate mother is artificially inseminated, either by the intended father or an anonymous donor, and carries the baby to term. So the child that results is genetically related to the Surrogate mother. A donor sperm may be used if it is a same sex couple (both females) or is for a single mother.
Gestational Surrogacy:
In this case, the Surrogate is implanted with an embryo that is not her own, and becomes pregnant with a child to which she is not the biological mother. After birth, the surrogate relinquishes the child to the biological mother and/or father to raise.
Commercial Surrogacy:
Commercial Surrogacy, also known as Womb for rent, is a form of surrogacy in which a gestational carrier is paid to carry a child to maturity in her womb and is usually resorted to by higher income infertile couples who can afford the cost involved or people who save or borrow in order to complete their dream of being parents. It is legal in several countries including India.
Altruistic Surrogacy:
Altruistic surrogacy is a situation where the surrogate receives no financial reward for her pregnancy or the relinquishment of the child (although usually all expenses related to the pregnancy and birth are paid by the intended parents such as medical expenses, maternity clothing, accommodation, diet and other related expenses).