Surrogacy - Common Medical Tourism Procedures

Definition:

Surrogacy or gestational care is the process of assisted reproduction to become a parent of a genetically linked child, especially for couples who have not been successful in conception via other infertility treatments. Surrogatus—to act in the place of. Surrogacy—a woman carries and gives birth to another woman’s child.

Types of surrogacy:

1. IVF/Gestational surrogacy—is a common type of surrogacy in which a woman called as ‘surrogate mother’ carries an embryo, where the egg of the intending mother is fertilized with the sperm of the male partner through IVF procedure. The child carries genes of both intended parents.

2. Traditional/Natural surrogacy—a ‘surrogate mother’ carries an embryo (her own egg and the sperm of an intended male).The sperms of the intended male partner are inseminated in to surrogate (intra uterine insemination-IUI) or the IVF procedure may be used. The child carries genes of the surrogate mother and male partner. It is mainly useful when the intended mother has some generic deformities that can be transferred to a baby or her eggs are unfertile.

Additional information about the procedure:

• The menstrual cycle matching of the genetic mother and the surrogate is done by adjusting menstrual dates by oral contraceptive pills. Depending on the requirement, hormonal injections or tablets are given to the genetic mother. Patient is monitored daily and USG is done from time to time.
• Similarly the surrogate also receives medication and injections. Egg retrieval is done close to the ovulation time. On the same day the genetic father gives his semen sample for IVF. The resultant embryo is transferred into the womb of the surrogate under the guidance of ultrasound.  The surrogate is given additional medication. The pregnancy test can be confirmed 15days later.
• The surrogate pregnancy is treated with extra care and various tests are done from time to time for the early detection of any complications related to pregnancy.
• The intended couple is kept informed about the progress of the baby by providing the ultrasound pictures and various reports.

Risks:

Multiple complex emotional, social and ethical issues are associated with surrogacy. The decision of surrogacy must be taken after knowing the pros, cons and the legal procedures so as to avoid any complications in the future.

Uses of surrogacy:

• For couples and single women who are not able to conceive and/or carry foetus to term and want to have a child genetically related to one or both parents.
• Gay male couples who want a child with genetic connection to one partner.
• Couples or single women in which the woman has no uterus or has a deformity of the uterus and is not able to carry to full term but is capable of producing eggs.

Travelers Guide:

• Not all countries permit the commercial (surrogate is paid for carrying the pregnancy) form of surrogacy. However, in India all types of surrogacy are available.
• Medical travellers should ensure the safety and good standards of medical practice before opting for surrogacy. Be sure to have recommendations, clear your doubts and have legal contracts drawn up to protect the rights and responsibilities of the parents, surrogates, and intended child.