Surrogacy is one such assisted reproductive technology (ART) that is both broad and exceptionally dubious for its inclusion of a third party, the surrogate mother.
The Latin word “subrogare,” which means “appointed to act in the place of,” is the origin of the word “surrogate.” A surrogate mother is a woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a child with the intention of giving this child to another person or couple, commonly referred to as the “intended” or “commissioning” parents. Since “surrogate” refers to a substitute, particularly a person deputizing for another in a specific role, In vitro fertilization (IVF) has made it possible for women without a uterus, with uterine anomalies that prevent pregnancy, with serious medical conditions, or with other contraindications to pregnancy, to become mothers by using an embryo created by them or a donor and transferred to the uterus of a gestational carrier. Surrogacy is an important fertility treatment. Through the use of donor oocytes and gay couples’ sperm, this method has also made it possible for single men and gay couples to become fathers.
Two types of surrogacy exist: traditional and during pregnancy. The surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father, making her a genetic parent alongside the intended father in traditional (genetic, partial, or straight) surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy, also known as host/full surrogacy, is an arrangement in which the surrogate uterus receives an embryo from the intended parents or from a donated oocyte or sperm. The surrogate mother in gestational surrogacy has no genetic connection to the child.
The contribution of underprivileged ladies as surrogate moms has prompted the development of two clashing worldwide talks. The principal talk comes from the view that ruined ladies become surrogate moms out of desperation, and that their privileges are ignored when they expect that job. This view has brought about charges that such ladies are being taken advantage of, particularly in low-pay settings. A differentiating talk depicts surrogacy as a chance for the strengthening of unfortunate ladies since it presents the chance of acquiring critical monetary advantage as well as freedom from male-centric control.
Depending on whether the surrogate receives a financial reward for her pregnancy, surrogacy may be commercial or charitable. It is considered commercial if the surrogate receives money for the arrangement, whereas it is considered altruistic if she receives no compensation other than insurance coverage and reimbursement for her medical and other pregnancy-related expenses.
A thorough understanding of the medicine, psychology, and law that relate to this important clinical activity is an absolute requirement for the successful practice of surrogacy, perhaps more than any other form of assisted reproduction.
Because of this one-of-a-kind aspect, surrogacy has become the most contentious of all assisted reproductive methods in recent years. Surrogacy does reveal a web of possible intricate connections. In conclusion, the practice of surrogacy in ART cannot be underestimated in its significance. Numerous couples have found it to be a blessing and a medical marvel to date. All doctors who provide these services need to be aware that the privilege of providing treatment for gestational carriers entails the professional obligation to practice safely and ethically, minimizing the risks for the gestational carriers and the children born as a result of this practice, as well as the risk to our professional autonomy. Surrogacy is supported by procreative liberty, privacy, and autonomy arguments; on the other hand, it is opposed by undue inducements related to compensation, commodification of women, and concern about the child’s best interest.
We cannot deny the fact that gestational surrogacy offers hope to individuals and couples who would not be able to have a family without adoption, regardless of the benefits or drawbacks. If a fair and legal middle ground is not reached between the medical practitioners, regulatory bodies, and, of course, the intended couples requiring this kind of medical services, we run the risk of completely losing our privilege to provide this crucial treatment.
If surrogacy is viewed as ‘care work,’ the freedoms of surrogate moms can be integrated into existing labor rights regulations. Such guidelines might be adjusted to consider neighborhood standards, in this manner decreasing the chance of stigma and different types of social isolation towards surrogate moms.
Read Also: Surrogacy Awareness programs
Ravi Sharma is a self-motivated, successful entrepreneur and has a solid experience in the fertility segment. and he is the director at ARTbaby Global (ARThealthcare). He is a pharmacy graduate with post-graduation in business administration and has 14 years of rich experience in the field of infertility segment. He loves to write about IVF, Surrogacy, and other ART (assisted reproductive technology) news, issues, and updates. He is a Pharmacy graduate (B. Pharm) and M.B.A (marketing).
His most recent success includes the successful launch of the medical tourism company, ARTbaby, which offers treatment options for infertility, egg donation, and surrogacy. He likes spending time with his family and writing about various aspects of IVF surrogacy and donating eggs.