Surrogate mothers have helped thousands of couples become parents. Unlike adoption, surrogacy allows couples to have children with the genetic heritage of one or both parents.

Who can opt for surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a popular option for couples who want to have a child who shares their genetic makeup. Some of the people who take the help of surrogate mothers include:

• Women with uterine problems: Many women find themselves unable to conceive due to medical problems with the uterus or because they have had a hysterectomy. Many of these women will still have working ovaries capable of producing healthy ovum. Gestational surrogacy is a great option for such women. They and their partners can contribute healthy ovum and sperm, which are then subjected to in vitro fertilization to create an embryo. This embryo is then introduced into the womb of a surrogate mother or gestational carrier. The surrogate mother then carries the baby to the term. Once born, the child is handed over to the biological parents. Gestational surrogate parenthood is also a great option for women who have certain medical conditions, like some types of heart disease, which makes it medically risky for them to give birth to a child.
• Gay couples: Traditional surrogacy is a great option for those whose alternative sexual interests prevent them from having a biological child the usual way. Surrogate mothers for gay men, for example, allow gay couples to have a child that shares the genetic makeup of one of the parents. In traditional surrogacy, sperm from a male partner is introduced via artificial insemination into the womb of the chosen surrogate mother. In this method, the surrogate mother will also be one half of the child's biological parent. Legally, however, the surrogate parent will have no rights to the child, who will belong completely to the intended parents.

Choosing a surrogate

The process of selecting a surrogate mother is both long and intensive. All aspects of the candidates' medical, social, and psychological health need to be screened carefully before proceeding. It is critical for both surrogate motherhood candidates as well as intended parents that they go through a certified surrogacy agency. This ensures that both parties' legal rights are taken care of and that potential issues are carefully clarified and legally witnessed.

Contact a surrogacy agency today to learn more about how surrogate mothers can help you have your own, biologically-related child.