MOLINA, CHRISTINE JOY

BSN 2B

Gestational Surrogacy: A one-way ticket to Parenthood

The advancement in the field of medicine provided a chance for couples that are
unable to reproduce and bear children due to different factors. This important
development in the field of medicine refers to surrogacy. Surrogacy is an arrangement
between a surrogate mother who carries the child for 9 months and commonly an
infertile couple. There are two types of surrogacy, which are traditional surrogacy and
gestational surrogacy.

Surrogacy, as a whole, isn't an easy and trouble-free procedure. It is a step by

step process that requires counseling, legal conditions and papers, and the medical
procedure itself. However, for intended parents, this process gives them hope to have
the chance to finally complete their family and fulfill their dreams of parenthood. And
for surrogates, it is an opportunity of a lifetime to give selflessly to another family who
needs them.

Traditional surrogacy refers to the implantation of the biological father's sperm

into the egg of the surrogate using a method called intrauterine insemination. On the
other hand, gestational surrogacy differs from traditional surrogacy in that the carrier
has no genetic link to the child. The couple can serve as both the donors of egg and
sperm or would find a donor of either of each but not from the surrogate mother, if the
couple happens to be of the same sex. This type of surrogacy has fewer complications
compared to traditional surrogacy, and it is more beneficial for both the surrogate
mother and the intended parents.

Gestational surrogacy allows couples, whether they are heterosexual homosexual

couples, to be biologically related to the child that will be carried by surrogate mothers.
This means there won't be legal complications in the long run because biologically
speaking; the child has no connection with the surrogate mother.
 Commonly, gestational surrogacy procedures are expensive and surrogate
mothers are often paid for their services. With this, surrogate mothers do not only
benefit from earning through lending their bodies, but also helping couples achieve
their dreams of becoming parents. Meaning it's a win-win situation for both parties.
Throughout the process of gestational surrogacy, intended parents are often able to be
involved in their surrogate’s pregnancy, attending essential appointments and being
present for important milestones, including the embryo transfer and birth. This direct
participation of intended parents creates a special relationship with their surrogate thus
developing meaningful bonds that can last a lifetime. Also, complications of this
procedure are reportedly not severe to be life-threatening for surrogate mothers. From
the beginning of the procedure, surrogate mothers go through different screening for
compatibility, diseases, and even psychological readiness for pregnancy.

Some religions don't advocate surrogacy because they believe that children who
are gifts from God should only be conceived naturally by married husbands and wives.
However, I still believe that every child, whether he or she was conceived naturally or
through surrogacy, is still a gift from God that we should love and nurture.

Gestational surrogacy forms life. It gives hope and meaning for couples that
wanted to be biological parents but unfortunately can't conceive a child due to many
health factors that are beyond their control. The intended parents and surrogates who
choose surrogacy find that the positives far outweigh the negatives, and it is a
rewarding experience that deeply enriches the lives of everyone it touches.