Understanding Surrogacy

While many couples who undergo infertility treatment conceive with one or more ART procedures, it is noteworthy that in few cases the only hope that rests with patients is Surrogacy.

Surrogacy is a legal arrangement where a surrogate mother carries the embryo of the intending parents. Couples who fail to conceive with almost all other Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures can still become parents through this process. In Surrogacy an embryo is formed in a laboratory. This embryo can be prepared using the sperm and eggs from the couple or in cases where either or both the parents have infertile sperm/eggs then through donor programs.

Traditional surrogacy

The child belongs biologically to the surrogate but she renounces it to the intending parents or parent who further takes care of the baby

Gestational surrogacy

The surrogate will carry the baby of an infertile couple. This baby biologically fully or partially belongs to the couple depending on the source of gametes. Upon delivery the surrogate renounces the baby to its legal parents.

Who all can opt for surrogacy?

In India surrogacy is an illegal practice for foreigners. Currently, it is permissible only for couples who are Indians. Couples can typically benefit from surrogacy –

• When the uterus of the woman is not suitable to carry a baby
• When the uterus is absent
• When couples have tried several IVF cycles but failed each time
• When couples have faced complications with previous pregnancies
• If the woman has had multiple miscarriages
• When there were pre-existing health conditions impacting pregnancy.

Indian Law pertaining to surrogacy

In India commercial surrogacy faces strict laws.  However, surrogacy can be done altruistically and is allowed under following circumstances-

• When the motive is clear and the intention is not commercial
• When it is not done for trafficking and other illegal practices.

Finding a surrogate

In India, when intending parents choose surrogacy for parenthood, it’s usually after they are prescribed by their IVF specialist. At New Life India Fertility Clinic, patients are assured that best surrogates carry their baby. These surrogates are healthy and undergo several quality and health checks to be eligible for surrogacy. To minimize any risks associated with surrogacy failures, we only work with surrogates below 35 years of age and those who have already given birth to children before.

Success rate of surrogacy

Surrogacy has the highest success rate when we talk about Assisted Reproductive Technology procedures. However like all other ART procedures, it as well comes with a success rate. If the prepared embryos have the best quality and the surrogate is medically fit to conceive, the performing IVF specialist is well experienced, surrogacy will have a considerably high success rate.