The first thing to know about surrogacy, is what it means? A woman who chooses to become a surrogate in California will do so through either IVF (In vitro fertilization) or through artificial insemination. Artificial insemination is how women were first introduced to surrogacy. This is when sperm is inserted into the women’s uterus. A traditional surrogate carries here own baby and is the biological mother. This is because it was her own eggs that were fertilized by the sperm. Gestational surrogates carry the baby for someone else. Through IVF an embryo is created from the mother’s egg and fertilizes with sperm. The embryo is put into the uterus of the gestational surrogate. Since the eggs were not the surrogate’s, the baby is not genetically attached to them. They are commonly referred to as the child’s ‘birth mother’. You have a traditional surrogate, who is the biological parent who uses her own eggs and the gestational surrogate who carries the embryo for someone else.
Who Chooses to Use a Surrogate
There are many reasons someone may choose to use a surrogate in California. One of the reasons may be that the woman has had a hysterectomy and no longer has a uterus. This would prevent her from being about to carry a baby. If a woman has medical risks that may become more complicated during pregnancy, she may decide to avoid the risk by using a surrogate. Other reasons may include:
1. Medical issues involving the uterus
2. Sexual orientation
3. Age
4. Marital status
Surrogacy is not the route for everyone seeking to have a child. Some may prefer simply adopting. This is certainly a matter of choice. In either instance, careful consideration is necessary. Your lives and that of others will inevitably change forever. Counseling is often provided through whichever agency you decide to work with, when exploring your options. They will help you to decide if involving a surrogate in your planned parenthood, is really what will be best for you and your spouse or partner. Don’t be afraid to explore your options. The last thing you will want to do is go into anything without having all of the facts. Become well informed of all of your many options. Remember, other people’s lives will also be affected by your decision. It can be a long journey but a really rewarding journey.
When you decide to become a surrogate in California, there are agencies that offer you full support. A reputable California surrogacy agency is the Center for Surrogate Parenting Inc.