Surrogacy is where a woman carries a [baby and gives birth on behalf of another person. The person carrying the baby is recognise as the surrogate and the parents to be, if there are two are addressed as the ‘commissioning pair’. This might be the only method forward for a couple that has tried other means but it requires a great deal of consideration. You may want to consider surrogacy if: you have a medical problem which makes it impossible or risky for you to get pregnant and give birth or you have been unfruitful with In Vitro fertilisation.

It’s essential that both parties are fully committed to the arrangement and that you understand the significance of what is needed now and in later years. This is why it is so essential to discuss these through with an seasoned counselor before you commence the surrogacy procedure. You must also get legal advice before commencing. If you intend to use a fertility clinic, both you and your partner (if you have one) and the surrogate and her mate (if she has one) will have to go through the same processes as if you were all commencing any infertility treatment.

One method of surrogacy is where the male partner provides his sperm and the surrogate provides her eggs. In this case, fertilisation is usually done by artificial insemination or by Intrauterine Insemination. The other way is where you use your own eggs and your partner’s sperm, or donated eggs inseminated with your mate’s sperm. When this method is chosen then In Vitro fertilisation is used but the process must be carried out at a certified clinic.

Antenatal testing to check for Spina Bifida, Down’s Syndrome or other congenital disorders will be essential so complete trust between parties is absolutely vital. Naturally, any prospective surrogate ought to be capable of a sound and healthy gestation and birth. It is also important that your family and friends support you in what you are preparing to do. Go to a clinic that supports surrogacy and it is also serious that the hospital where the baby will be born is understanding. The law affecting payments to surrogates changes around the world so be sure of what your financial duty is before you go ahead with this life changing decision.

Although a rare happening, a surrogate mother may decide she wants to keep the child when it is born even though it is not genetically related to her, so you must be ready to deal with this potential situation. This can be a destructive turn of events for everyone and a very genuine reason why there is total trust and commitment between all the people involved right from day one.