Surrogacy is a complex and often misunderstood topic, but it has become an increasingly viable family-building option for many individuals and couples who are unable to have children through traditional means.
The act of carrying a child for another person is known as surrogacy. In order for individuals and couples to start having kids, surrogacy is a reproductive procedure that has grown in popularity in recent years. On behalf of a person or couple (the intended parents) who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term on their own, a woman (the surrogate mother) carries a pregnancy and gives birth to a child. An embryo developed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents' egg and sperm can be put into the surrogate mother's uterus in a gestational surrogacy.
But who exactly can become a surrogate mother? The requirements and qualifications can vary depending on the country, state, or surrogacy agency involved, but there are some general guidelines and common criteria that potential surrogates must meet.
Key Criteria for Becoming a Surrogate Mother:
Age:
Reaching the minimum age requirement is one of the main prerequisites for becoming a surrogate mother. The majority of agencies and programs for surrogacy impose a lower age limit of 21 or 25 years old. Additionally, there's usually an upper age limit, which is between 40 and 45 years old. This is due to the fact that older women may experience more health issues during their pregnancies, whereas younger women are typically thought to have lower-risk pregnancies.
Pregnancy and Birth History
A history of healthy, successful pregnancies and childbirths by the surrogate mother is required. A woman must have given birth to and be raising at least one kid in order to be eligible for many programs. This shows that the surrogate is aware of the mental and physical challenges of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as that her body is capable of bringing a pregnancy to term.
Physical and Mental Health
To make sure they are in excellent physical and mental health, prospective surrogates go through a thorough medical and psychological screening process. This covers assessments from obstetricians, mental health doctors, and fertility specialists. A number of factors are carefully evaluated, including medical history, mental stability, and body mass index (BMI).
Pathology Tests:
Following the cardiologist's all-clear, the pair will go through a battery of pathology tests, including those for coagulation, sugar, hemoglobin, HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, VDRL, thalassemia, and any other testing they may have requested.
Marital and Family Status
Certain surrogacy programs impose constraints on the surrogate's family and marital status. Surrogates who are married or in a committed relationship are preferred by many. A supportive partner might play a critical role in the surrogacy procedure. Programs might also stipulate that the surrogate must already be a mother with her own children living at home, since this is thought to be a sign of her capacity to raise the kid she bears independently of her own family.
Lifestyle and Habits
It is required of surrogates to agree to have a healthy lifestyle for the duration of the pregnancy. This entails giving up alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use. In addition, they might have to maintain a healthy diet, work out frequently, and show up to all prenatal checkups.
Residency and Citizenship
Surrogates may be required to be citizens or lawful residents of the nation or state where the surrogacy is being conducted, depending on the specifics of the arrangement. This guarantees that the intending parents and surrogate can handle the process's administrative and legal complexities.
Financial Considerations
Being a surrogate mother requires a major emotional and physical commitment. Because of this, surrogates usually get payment for their time, effort, and associated risks. Although surrogates' remuneration could differ greatly, most get a base fee plus extra for pregnancy-related costs.
NOTE: It's crucial to remember that depending on the region and the rules of particular surrogacy organizations or fertility clinics, the particular requirements for surrogacy can vary substantially. In order to make sure they meet all requirements, prospective surrogates should carefully review the rules and regulations in their community and collaborate closely with legal and medical experts.
Conclusion
Being a surrogate mother is ultimately a selfless and meaningful act. Individuals and couples who are unable to conceive on their own can benefit greatly from the assistance of those who are able and willing to fill this role. Surrogate moms can assist in realizing the desire of motherhood provided they are given the appropriate training, encouragement, and direction.