Reasons for Surrogacy [Is it Right for You?]
If you want to grow your family and have considered surrogacy, you might be wondering “Is surrogacy right for me?”
Many couples and individuals pursue surrogacy because they want to grow their families and are unable to do so on their own. There are many reasons why people choose surrogacy over other family-planning methods.
While infertility may be high on the list of reasons, it’s not the only reason.
Why do People Choose Surrogacy? [7 Reasons]
Everyone deserves the chance to have a family. There are many different types of people who consider surrogacy as their method of choice to grow their family. These are just a few reasons to use a surrogate:
1. Infertility
Infertility is likely the most common reason for surrogacy. There are many factors that may contribute to infertility issues from low sperm count, urethral stricture, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc.
In some instances, both partners may struggle with infertility issues. They want to have a child that’s biologically related to them and have likely tried a variety of fertility treatments.
2. Same-Sex Couples
Many same-sex couples choose surrogacy so that they can have a child who is biologically related to them.
While their child may not be able to share both their parents’ genetics, it can be incredibly meaningful even if just one parent is genetically connected to their child.
3. Age
In cases where a woman may be past the age of being able to conceive and carry a child, she may choose surrogacy. Some women are able to conceive past the age of forty.
Some may do so with the help of fertility medications. But for some, the odds are still low, and they will need the help of a gestational carrier.
Helpful Information
4. Unable to Carry a Baby to Term
Some women may have no issue with conceiving a child but may have had previous issues with carrying a baby to term. There are many reasons why this may occur ranging from physiological to genetic.
Regardless of the reason, an intended mother may need the help of a surrogate.
5. Not Wanting to Pass on a Genetic Defect or Health Condition
A couple may have no issue conceiving a child, but they may have their reasons for not wanting to use their own genetic material. Their reason for surrogacy may be not wanting to pass along a genetic condition or mental health disorder from one or both of the intended parents.
So they decide to rely on an egg and/or sperm donor and the help of a surrogate.
6. Single Parent
There may be a single woman who wants to be a parent but she is unable to conceive or carry a child. Alternatively, there may be a man who doesn’t want to wait to meet someone to start a family.
7. Trauma During Pregnancy or Childbirth
This may be one of the less talked about reasons for surrogacy. Even if there were no issues in conception, the intended mother may have had a difficult pregnancy or complications during the birth that had a lasting impact.
A woman considering surrogacy may not want to relive those memories or risk another traumatic experience.
Is Surrogacy Right for Me?
If you fall under one of the reasons for using a surrogate mentioned above, surrogacy is an option for you. But it’s not the only family-building option available to you. How do you know if this option is more beneficial to you than others?
Below are a few things to consider when trying to answer “Is surrogacy right for me?”
You Want a Genetic Connection to Your Child
Surrogacy allows singles and couples to have a biological relationship to their child. For different-sex couples, they are able to use one or both parents’ genetic material to create their embryos.
For same-sex couples or singles, the intended parents have the opportunity for their child to be genetically linked to one of them.
You Want to be Involved in the Pregnancy and Birth of Your Child
If you choose surrogacy, you will be able to be directly involved with the pregnancy and birth of your baby. After you match with a surrogate, you will be able to be involved every step of the way.
You will likely form a strong bond with your surrogate that can last a lifetime. Even before you’re matched with a surrogate, you are able to choose which surrogate you would like to carry your child.
You Want More Predictability
If you choose surrogacy, you can guarantee that you will get a child. Whereas in adoption you have to wait to be chosen by a prospective birth mother, the surrogacy matching process is mutual. Surrogacy is a process that involves a lot planning.
The arrangements you make will be protected by a surrogacy contract. When you work with an agency like American Surrogacy, your surrogacy specialist will do everything they can to make sure there’s no surprises.
There are no right or wrong reasons for surrogacy. Whether or not surrogacy is right for you is a question only you can answer. Reach out to a surrogacy specialist to get the guidance you need to determine if surrogacy is right for you.
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