Embarking on the journey of gestational surrogacy opens the door to parenthood for many who face unique challenges, offering hope and the possibility of a biological child.
Gestational surrogacy is a process where a surrogate mother carries and delivers a baby for intended parents, using an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Understanding the reasons behind choosing surrogacy highlights the diverse and deeply personal motivations that lead people to this path.
By exploring these reasons, we can better appreciate the emotional, medical, and social factors that influence the decision to pursue surrogacy, while providing the necessary support and resources for those considering choosing surrogacy.
The Journey to Surrogacy
Deciding to pursue surrogacy is a significant step that involves careful consideration and planning.
For many, it begins with exploring various fertility options as well as researching the medical, legal, and emotional aspects of surrogacy. This journey often includes consultations with fertility specialists, legal advisors, and support groups to ensure that intended parents are well-prepared for the path ahead.
If you feel like one of the following categories applies to you and your desires, a longstanding agency like ours can guide you through this journey.
1. Same-Sex Couples
Desire for Biological Children
Many same-sex couples, such as gay men, choose surrogacy to fulfill their desire for biological children. Typically, this process involves using an egg donor, whose eggs are fertilized with one of the intended father’s sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The resulting embryos are then implanted into a gestational surrogate, who carries the pregnancy to term.
This allows gay men to have a child who is genetically related to them while ensuring the surrogate has no biological connection to the baby.
Adoption Challenges
Adoption can be difficult for same-sex couples due to legal restrictions in some countries and societal biases. Additionally, the emotional complexities, such as birth mothers changing their minds, can make adoption a challenging path for those wanting to raise a child from infancy.
Legal and Social Considerations
Surrogacy laws vary widely. Some places, like California, offer strong legal protections, while others are more restrictive. It’s crucial for same-sex couples to seek legal advice and build a supportive network to navigate potential social biases.
2. Infertility/Fertility Problems
Common Fertility Issues Leading to Surrogacy
Infertility can stem from various medical conditions affecting both men and women.
Common factors that often lead to surrogacy use include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and the absence of a uterus. Additionally, treatments such as chemotherapy can damage reproductive organs, leading to infertility.
These challenges can make natural conception difficult or impossible, leading many couples to consider surrogacy as a viable option to build their families.
Medical Advancements and Treatments
Recent advancements in fertility treatments have significantly improved the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Innovations such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and time-lapse imaging in IVF help select the healthiest embryos for transfer, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Personalized treatment plans based on genetic profiling also minimize trial-and-error, making treatments more efficient and tailored to individual needs.
3. Lifestyle/Career Choices
Balancing Career and Parenthood
For many individuals and couples, balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of parenthood can be challenging. Surrogacy offers a solution that allows them to continue focusing on their professional goals, while still achieving their dream of having a family. By choosing surrogacy, they can avoid the physical demands of pregnancy and the associated time off work, making it easier to maintain their career trajectory.
Personal Lifestyle Preferences
Some people choose surrogacy due to personal lifestyle preferences. This might include a desire to avoid the physical changes and health risks associated with pregnancy, or the need to manage existing health conditions that could be exacerbated by pregnancy.
Surrogacy provides a way for these individuals to have biological children without compromising their health or lifestyle.
4. Age
Age-Related Fertility Decline
Fertility declines with age, especially for women. Women’s fertility decreases significantly after age 35, and by 45, natural conception chances are low. Men’s fertility also declines, though more gradually.
Older parents can consider options like IVF, egg or sperm donation, and surrogacy to overcome age-related fertility challenges. Adoption is another possibility, though it may involve legal and social hurdles.
Finding Love Later in Life
Many people find love later in life, which can lead to the desire to start a family. This new relationship can bring renewed hope and the wish to have children together. Surrogacy offers a viable path for older couples who want to build a family, allowing them to experience the joys of parenthood despite age-related fertility challenges.
5. Single Parents
Desire for Single Individuals to Become Parents
Many single individuals have a strong desire to become parents, driven by a wish to nurture and raise a child. Advances in reproductive technology and changing societal norms have made it increasingly feasible for single individuals to pursue parenthood through surrogacy.
Social and Legal Support for Single Parents
Single parents often face unique challenges, but there are numerous resources available to support them. Legal aid offices and support groups aid with family law issues and offer emotional support and practical advice.
Conclusion
Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for same-sex couples, individuals facing infertility, those with lifestyle or career considerations, older parents, and single individuals. Each group has unique motivations, but choosing surrogacy provides a fulfilling option to build a family.
If you’re considering surrogacy, know that many have found immense joy and fulfillment through this journey. Stay hopeful and seek support from those who understand your path.
Numerous resources are available to support you, including organizations like Family Equality and Men Having Babies , as well as legal aid offices and support groups.
At The Fertility Agency, we are dedicated to guiding you through the surrogacy journey with confidence and care. Our TrueMatch™ process ensures a perfect fit.
We provide comprehensive support, including legal and medical assistance, and connect you with top professionals in the industry. Our compassionate and experienced team is committed to making your dream of parenthood a reality.
Choosing The Fertility Agency means choosing a partner who will support you every step of the way. Let us guide you through this beautiful journey to parenthood.
