Reasons for Surrogacy
Some people wish to start a family but are unable to because of different reasons. However, there is still hope for them eventually becoming parents through the surrogacy process. Surrogacy involves the use of a surrogate mother to carry and subsequent birthing a baby for another person.
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is usually the egg donor and the carrier of the baby making her the biological mother. This process involves the surrogate mother being impregnated by the intended biological father’s sperm.
In gestational surrogacy, the intended mother’s egg is fertilized by the intended father’s sperm through vitro fertilization process. The surrogate is then used to carry the fertilized embryo, but she is not the baby’s biological mother. Below are some of the reasons that can make one opt for surrogacy.
Cannot Carry Pregnancy to Term
Women with cervical cancer, endometriosis or heavy periods caused by fibroids might need to undergo a hysterectomy. In hysterectomy, the uterus together with fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed. However, you can be able to harvest your ovaries before hysterectomy in some cases. If you’re able to do this, it is possible to be a biological mother to your child by the use of a surrogate.
In other cases, some women are unable to carry the pregnancy to term due to their uterus having defects. Other women are born without a uterus due to genetic malformation. A woman without a uterus can never be able to have a baby, so her only option to parenthood is through surrogacy.
Genetic Challenges
Some couples may be struggling with either one or both having genetic disorder that they may not want to be passed to their child. This might include dwarfism, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, Huntington decease or muscular dystrophy. These couples should opt for traditional surrogacy.
Gay Couples Wanting to Become Parents
Surrogacy is a great choice for a gay couple wanting to have a baby who is biologically related to one parent.it is also a good option while living in a state which prohibits same-sex couple’s adopting a child. Gay couples surrogacy option include traditional surrogacy involving artificial insemination and also use of IVF, gestation surrogacy and egg donation. The good news for gay couples is that the researchers are looking for a way to make it possible for a baby to have two biological moms or dads.
Infertility
In estimation, 6.1 million couples suffer from infertility in the US. Infertility can be caused by hormonal disorders, inability to ovulate, poor egg health, blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count or poor sperm health. Typically infertile couples try IVF to get pregnant which is not always successful. IVF can be emotionally and financially draining for the couple who eventually end up committing themselves on surrogacy.
Extreme Fear of Childbirth
Every woman desiring to have children have the anxiety of pregnancy and giving birth which is understandable. Even those moms who have previously undergone childbirth still get anxiety and worry about the D-day. However, some women suffer from Tokophobia which is a last pregnancy and birth phobia. Most women suffering from this find the idea of being pregnant to be very disgusting.
There are many reasons for choosing to have a child through a surrogate, but the most important thing is that one is given a chance to parenthood. It is therefore important to maintain the privacy of every parent regardless of their family’s social status