Who are the candidates for surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction.
Surrogates are used in case the woman is unable to carry a pregnancy because of medical reasons. For example if she has had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), or if she has had multiple miscarriages due to a medical problem in the uterus, etc. It is sometimes the only available option for a couple who wish to have a child that is biologically related to them.
What procedure does surrogacy involve?
The initial treatment in the surrogacy program involves all the steps upto retrieving eggs from the woman desiring pregnancy, in the same manner as described in IVF. However, after fertilisation, the embryos are placed in the womb of the surrogate.
Does the program involve any legal contracts?
Yes, a legal contract has to signed between the actual parents and the surrogate and her husband, prior to initiating any treatment. Arranging meetings with appropriate legal personnel can be arranged for the couple undergoing treatment at the Assisted Fertility Unit.
Besides, consent forms with the fertility centre must be in order before starting treatment.
Do overseas patients need to do anything special?
Legal paperwork needs to be tackled in the same way as for local patients. However, in order for the baby to go back to the country of origin, DNA fingerprinting is often used by the Embassy of the respective country, to ensure the parentage of the baby.
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