Surrogacy Definitions and Ethical Aspects

Surrogacy is a unique journey that brings hope to individuals and couples who face challenges in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy on their own. In this process, a surrogate mother agrees to carry and give birth to a child on behalf of the intended parents. Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for many, but it also involves several important distinctions and ethical considerations.

There are two primary types of surrogacy arrangements:

• Gestational Surrogacy: In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother carries an embryo created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. Here, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.
• Traditional Surrogacy: In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is fertilized, typically with the intended father’s sperm, meaning she is the biological mother of the child. Although less common today, traditional surrogacy raises unique legal and emotional issues that make it more complex.

Surrogacy requires careful coordination of legal, medical, and ethical aspects, with the well-being of all parties at its core. Laws regulating surrogacy vary greatly across different regions, so both intended parents and surrogates need to be well informed of the legal requirements and protections in the place where the arrangement is taking place.

History of surrogacy development in the world

• Surrogacy as we know it began to take shape in the late 20th century with advances in reproductive science. Here’s a brief overview of the development of surrogacy throughout history:

• The modern notion of surrogacy began in the 1970s. Early examples involved arrangements made privately between families and individuals, often without formal legal contracts.
• First Legal Cases: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, legal cases began to challenge the legality and enforceability of surrogacy contracts. In 1986, the Baby M case in the United States gained significant media attention, involving a legal battle over custody and parental rights when a surrogate mother changed her mind after the birth.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The birth of the first “test-tube baby,” Louise Brown, in 1978 marked a turning point. With advances in IVF, gestational surrogacy became possible, allowing intended parents to create embryos using their or donor eggs and sperm, which could then be carried by a surrogate without any genetic connection to her.

Legal and Ethical Developments of Surrogacy  

• Legislation: The 1980s and 1990s saw various jurisdictions formulate laws and regulations concerning surrogacy. The legal landscape is complex and varies greatly from one place to another, with some countries permitting it, others imposing restrictions, and some banning it outright.
• International Variability: By the 2000s, countries like India and Ukraine became popular destinations for international surrogacy due to lower costs and more lenient regulations, though changes in laws and ethical considerations have shifted this landscape over time.

Surrogacy Today

• Increased Acceptance: As society’s understanding of family structures evolves, surrogacy has gained broader acceptance, with increased visibility in media and pop culture.
• Ethical Considerations: Debates continue regarding the ethical implications of surrogacy, including issues related to the exploitation of surrogate mothers, particularly in economically disadvantaged countries.
• Commercial and Altruistic Surrogacy: There is an ongoing discussion around the difference between commercial surrogacy (where the surrogate is compensated) and altruistic surrogacy (where reimbursement is limited to medical expenses).
• Surrogacy for LGBTQ+ Families: Surrogacy has become a significant pathway for same-sex couples and single individuals seeking to become parents.

The evolution of surrogacy reflects broader changes in societal attitudes towards reproduction, family structures, and medical technology, as well as the ongoing legal and ethical challenges it presents.

Psychological Impact of Surrogacy on Intended Parents

 The psychological impact of surrogacy on intended parents can be significant and varies widely depending on individual circumstances, the type of surrogacy chosen (gestational versus traditional), and the legal and emotional support available throughout the process. Some key aspects of the psychological impact that need to be considered are:

• Positive Emotions: Many intended parents experience feelings of joy and anticipation as they prepare for the arrival of their child. The prospect of becoming parents and starting a family can elicit a sense of hope and fulfillment.
• Concerns about the Process: Intended parents may experience anxiety related to the surrogacy process, including the medical procedures involved, legal complications, and the health of the surrogate. This uncertainty can lead to stress and worry about whether the process will ultimately result in a healthy child.
• Creating Bonds: Research indicates that intended parents can develop strong emotional bonds with the unborn child, often facilitated through regular updates and interactions with the surrogate. They may feel involved in the pregnancy through ultrasound images and communication with the surrogate.
• Grief Over Infertility: For many intended parents, the surrogacy journey is rooted in struggles with infertility or other reproductive challenges. This can bring feelings of grief or loss about their inability to conceive naturally.
• Guilt Over Surrogacy: Some parents may feel guilty about relying on a surrogate, questioning whether they are doing the right thing or if they are putting the surrogate in a difficult position.
• Impact on Relationships: Surrogacy can affect relationships within the intended parents’ family, including their partner’s feelings and reactions as they navigate the complexities of building their family. Communication is vital to address any tensions or concerns that may arise.
• Postpartum Emotions: After the baby is born, intended parents may experience a mix of emotions, including overwhelming joy, anxiety about parenting, and even postpartum depression. Adjusting to the new family dynamics can be challenging.
• Identity and Parenting: The experience of surrogacy may influence how intended parents perceive their identity as parents. They may need to navigate societal perceptions or expectations regarding their family structure.
• Ongoing Relationship with the Surrogate: The nature of the relationship with the surrogate after birth can also impact psychological well-being. Some intended parents maintain a relationship, while others may prefer to move on, which can elicit complex emotions.
• Importance of Support: Accessing emotional and psychological support through counseling or support groups can be crucial for intended parents. Sharing experiences with others who have undergone similar journeys can provide validation and coping strategies.

Ultimately, the emotional journey of intended parents in surrogacy is multifaceted, requiring ongoing support and understanding to navigate both the challenges and joys of creating a family through this method.