Just recently, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas broke the news of birth of their first baby girl, who is conceived via surrogacy. They are not the first and only couple to opt for surrogacy. Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Sohail Khan and Preity Zinta, among others, also had their children through surrogacy.

Surrogacy is not an unfamiliar term, but it is one which faces a lot of stigma. In order to destigmatise this mode of childbirth, there is a requirement to firstly understand what it is, and what does it involve.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a legal arrangement in which a woman (the gestational carrier) agrees to carry a child for the convenience of another person or individuals who will become the child’s parent(s) after delivery. A surrogacy is chosen if pregnancy is medically not possible, the pregnancy risks involved are lethal, or simply when a single person or a male couple wishes to have a child. Monetary compensation can be involved in the process.

It is an emotionally, medically and financially complex, but rewarding process.

Why do people opt for surrogacy? ‘

People may opt for surrogacy for the following reasons:

If a woman is unable to conceive due to health conditions.

If a woman is not able to become pregnant due to a hysterectomy, a missing part in her uterus, ovaries or genital tract.

If a single man wants to have a child using his sperm.

If a woman wishes to have a child using her eggs.

If a same-sex couple wishes to have children.

What are the things that should be kept in mind before entering a surrogacy arrangement?

Before entering a surrogacy arrangement, various factors have to be kept in mind. First and foremost, all the parties included should be mentally and physically healthy. There should be clear boundaries and understanding between the surrogate (the woman carrying the child) and the parents.

Everything about medical processes and finances should be reasonably discussed at the beginning. The involved parties should also discuss how the pregnancy and birth will be managed.

What are the two types of surrogacy?

There are two types of surrogacy, Traditional and Gestational.

In a traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is fertilised by the intended father’s or a donor’s sperm (also known as partial, natural, or direct surrogacy).

When an embryo developed using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technology is put in a surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, it is known as gestational surrogacy.

What is the process of childbirth via surrogacy?

Firstly, it is very necessary to consider if surrogacy is the right option, as it is a major decision for any couple, individual, or potential surrogate.

Once the parent(s) decide to go further with surrogacy, prepare a contract and prepare for surrogacy. These choices will help you decide how you want your surrogacy to progress and construct your surrogacy plan, which lays out your objectives and preferences for the whole surrogacy process.

Next up, find your surrogate mother. It is possible through agencies, as well. Once the match is found, both parties should get to know each other. And finally, a contact or an agreement should be signed, which is legally binding.

Then begins the medical aspect of the process. The fertilisation and embryo transfer process is started.

As soon as the pregnancy process begins, the parent(s) and the surrogate should communicate openly, and the surrogate should be taken good care of. Soon, welcome the new born!

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