Surrogacy is a very complex process, and it often carries a lot of risk. However, the risks of surrogacy are worth the reward. Fortunately, you can mitigate and minimize the risks of surrogacy with the support of a trusted surrogacy agency. Surrogacy agencies work with clients through the entire process. They handle everything from surrogate mother matching to overseeing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to managing the logistics for you to take your new baby home. They know the process inside and out, and they will help you navigate any potential pitfalls. Here are the medical, legal, and emotional considerations of surrogacy.
Medical Considerations And Risks Of Surrogacy
Like all pregnancies, surrogate pregnancy comes with a number of health risks, including:
● Pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes
● Side effects from hormonal treatments required for fertilization like nausea, mood swings, and high blood pressure
● Premature delivery and preterm births and other birth abnormalities
● Postpartum depression and other mental health issues
● Increased risks of twins, triplets, and multiple births from the fertility treatments
These medical considerations are why it is crucial to work with an experienced surrogacy agency. With proper surrogate candidate screening, top-of-the-line medical care, and constant surrogate mother support and monitoring, you can mitigate many of these risks.
Legal Considerations And Risks Of Surrogacy
The legalities of surrogacy are extremely complicated. However, in many countries, there is not a comprehensive body of laws around surrogacy. That is why it is always a good idea to work with an international surrogacy agency that operates in a country with clear and transparent surrogacy laws. You can help minimize a lot of the legal risks by being in a favorable legal climate. A knowledgeable surrogacy agency can guide you through the legal risks of surrogacy for the specific location of the surrogacy.
The common legal considerations and risks with surrogacy include:
● Not all jurisdictions recognize or enforce surrogacy agreements.
● Clearly establishing the parental rights and responsibilities of the intended parents
● Clearly establishing the surrogate mother’s rights and responsibilities
● Clearly protecting the rights of the child
● What is ethical compensation for surrogacy
● Compliance with citizenship and immigration laws for the child
● Potential for disputes if the agreement is not clear
The biggest legal consideration really comes down to protecting everyone’s rights and dignity throughout the process. When you work with a qualified surrogacy agency, they will guide you through these complex legal issues. They’ll help you draft an enforceable surrogacy agreement that clearly outlines everyone’s duties and, most importantly, makes sure the well-being of the child is always the top legal priority.
Emotional Considerations And Risks Of Surrogacy
Anytime you involve family and children, things are going to get emotional. Both the surrogate mother and intended parents, as well as their communities, are impacted emotionally. Here are the emotional considerations and risks of surrogacy:
How Surrogacy Emotionally Impacts The Surrogate Mother
It’s very natural when carrying a child to develop an emotional bond. After birth, it can be hard to let the emotional bond go. Further, pregnancy itself is emotionally demanding, with hormones often causing mood swings, depression, and stress. Further, if the surrogate mother is not in a supportive community, they may feel a lot if they are judged or stigmatized for carrying the child. A reputable agency provides expert psychological care from the moment the surrogacy is even considered a candidate through postpartum support.
How Surrogacy Emotionally Impacts The Intended Parents
Intended parents also go through a lot of emotions. They can be anxious about not having full control over the pregnancy or worried about the health of the mother and baby. Others worry about their ability to bond with the baby without a strong biological connection. Finally, life is unpredictable, and that includes in the case of surrogacy. It can be absolutely devastating for parents, who may already be struggling emotionally with their inability to conceive if there is an emergency and something happens with the baby. Qualified surrogacy agencies don’t just provide support to the surrogate mother. They also support the intended parents through the whole process.
How Surrogacy Emotionally Impacts Their Communities
Family, friends, and the larger community may also have some emotional impacts. They may struggle with the concept of surrogacy. They may feel immense empathy for the intended parents. They may be concerned about the surrogate mother. Some may even reject the whole thing entirely. An agency can help you navigate these complex family and social dynamics. We can help you clearly communicate about the process to support your loved ones during the process.
There are risks of surrogacy. However, you can help reduce these risks by working with an experienced surrogacy agency. At Stork Service, we have over a decade of experience. We know these challenges firsthand and have many strategies to help. To learn more about how we support you in the surrogacy process, book a meeting with us now!