Surrogate Pregnancy

Surrogate pregnancy is not a new concept or practice. There is reference to surrogate pregnancy in the bible. Surrogate pregnancy can take several forms and there are many issues to consider before entering into a surrogate pregnancy. And under many circumstances a lawyer who specializes in surrogacy is employed. One form of surrogate pregnancy involves egg donation.

Another form of surrogate pregnancy involves a woman who will carry the fertilized egg from a couple where the mother, for some reason, cannot be pregnant or carry a baby to term. Then there are surrogate pregnancies where the father of the baby supplies the sperm, but it is used to fertilize the egg of a woman other than his partner. This other woman is the surrogate mother and gestational mother, but will not parent the child after birth.

Any of these arrangements have their pros and cons. On one hand surrogate pregnancy is a means for a couple, who otherwise would not be able to have a baby that is whole or partly of their genetic material. These surrogate pregnancies are an answer to prayer for the couples involved, but there are potential problems of all sorts involved when you start a family by way of surrogate pregnancy. First of all, there are often failed attempts at fertilization and/or implantation. This can mean an emotional roller coaster for all involved. In addition, there are the huge expenses involved in just the medical aspect of surrogate pregnancy to consider. Each attempt, no matter what approach you are using, costs a lot of money.

Then, another potential problem with surrogate pregnancy is that the surrogate mother might become too attached to the child she is carrying for another woman to raise. There can't help but be issues of separation, grief and loss involved when this surrogate mother gives birth and is then expected to turn over the child that she has carried for nine months to another person. And in some cases, will never see that child again. Even if the baby resulting from a surrogate pregnancy is not genetically related to the surrogate mother, she has physically and emotionally nurtured it during its time in the womb and that creates an enormous bond, not one to dismiss as though it will go away just because the two are separated at birth.

Entering into a surrogate pregnancy is a very delicate and expensive matter and should not be taken lightly. It is under very special circumstances that an arrangement like this will be successful for everyone involved. And even under the best circumstances, things can go unexpectedly wrong and end up with heartache, physical complications and possible lawsuits. So thing long and hard before you proceed with a surrogate pregnancy.

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