Gestational surrogacy is a great option for people who want to have a baby, but due to uterine abnormalities just cannot do so on their own.
The process involves impregnating a surrogate mother via in vitro fertilization. The parents’ sperm and egg are used, so the baby has their parents’ genes. Egg or sperm donation may also be used to create the embryo.
At the California Center for Reproductive Health, we recommend gestational surrogacy for women with irreparable uterine problems or for same-sex couples. If you’re considering gestational surrogacy, but still have questions about the procedure and if it’s right for you, read on.
When you might opt for gestational surrogacy
If you’re in a couple who wants to become parents, but problems with the woman’s uterus makes pregnancy inviable, surrogacy may be for you.
These may be cases in which a woman had a hysterectomy, but still has her ovaries, or a woman diagnosed with an irreparable uterine anomaly or recurrent pregnancy loss.
If you’re a woman for whom pregnancy is contraindicated — for example if you have a history of hormone responsive cancer, severe cardiopulmonary concerns, or likelihood for a poor obstetrical outcome — surrogacy is smart.
Gay men and couples looking to build their families may also successfully use surrogacy to create their families.
Maintain a biological connection to your child
Surrogacy allows you to be biologically connected to your child. You get to decide which sperm and eggs are used to create the embryo. If you’re a male and female parenting duo, you can use your own. If either partner has problems, donor sperm or eggs can be used. Same-sex couples usually need to seek a donor sperm or egg to proceed with surrogacy.
High success rates
We do a thorough evaluation of all potential gestational carriers to ensure your embryo is going into a healthy environment. Prior to embryo transfer, your surrogate undergoes numerous screening tests, including sonohysterogram, hysterosalpingogram, and an hysteroscopy to evaluate their uterus.
Ideal surrogates have also already carried a baby to term, which also confirms their ability to carry your pregnancy successfully.
We also perform emotional and mental screenings to ensure your surrogate is fit for the role.
We take care of the legalities
When you go through the California Center for Reproductive Health, you can rest assured that all parties have entered into a legal agreement to establish parenting rights during the surrogacy process. This eliminates any confusion or surprises that may come up in the future.
Surrogacy means you’re involved in the process
The legal agreements and surrogacy process means you can be present at all doctor’s appointments and during the baby’s delivery. You can still experience the excitement and joy that comes with having a baby as you get to be there every step of the way.
You do have options when it comes to building your family, even if it seems like your body is working against you. Gestational surrogacy means you can be a parent to a baby that has your genes, even if you can’t conventionally carry a baby to term.
Our team is dedicated to helping you get the family you dream of having. Call one of our offices in Encino, Valencia, Alhambra, or West Hollywood, California, to set up an appointment. Alternatively, reach out via this website.
