Surrogate Screening: How is it Performed? What are the other Necessities of Surrogacy?

Surrogate screening is an essential component of the surrogacy journey, conducted to ensure that potential surrogate mothers are ready both physically and mentally to carry another person’s child. Surrogacy offers a light of hope for many infertile couples, providing them an opportunity to experience the joys of parenthood. IVF centres in India provide comprehensive, legal, and practical surrogacy treatment options for legal citizens of India.

In India, there are primarily two types of surrogacy: gestational and traditional. Gestational surrogacy, the more common form, involves the intended parents’ biological connection to the child, with the surrogate mother carrying the pregnancy. Traditional surrogacy, less common in India, involves the surrogate mother also being the biological mother of the child, typically through artificial insemination with the intended father’s sperm.

The surrogate screening process encompasses an array of evaluations and checks. A psychological assessment by a licensed mental health professional validates the surrogate’s emotional resilience and understanding of the surrogacy agreement’s implications. Medical exams include a comprehensive pelvic exam, checks for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis, as well as drug and alcohol screenings. Surrogates also undergo a review of their medical history and potential health risks, alongside a background check to confirm identity, criminal record, and financial stability. The goal here is to determine the right candidature for surrogacy. Some tests have to be completed: vaginal ultrasound, blood work, gynaecological exam, and HSG.

The legal framework surrounding surrogacy in India is governed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act of 2020, which mandates altruistic surrogacy and lays down specific eligibility criteria for both intended parents and surrogates. Surrogacy is restricted to Indian married couples who’ve been together for at least five years, have proven infertility and there is a valid surrogacy agreement. Single parents, homosexual couples, and live-in partners are not permitted to opt for surrogacy under current regulations.

Surrogates in India play a significant role in the surrogacy process. Infertility specialists select the best surrogates based on criteria like

1. The age should be between 25 and 35 years.
2. Should be married.
3. Physical and mental fitness.
4. A successful pregnancy history.
5. Should be willing to undergo medical and psychological evaluation.

The surrogacy process aims to be comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent and abide by the laws and legalities outlined by the Indian government. The step-by-step breakdown of the process is as follows.

1. Initial consultation: prospective parents meet with expert fertility specialists to discuss their medical history and the surrogacy process.
2. Surrogate selection: after evaluating the surrogate profile intended parents choose a suitable candidate who meets their criteria.
3. Legal formalities: All parties involved should sign the surrogacy agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities.
4. Medical evaluation: Both the surrogate and the intended mother (if using her egg) undergo ovulation stimulation to produce eggs.
5. IVF: The eggs are fertilized with the intended father’s sperm to form the embryo, following the embryo is transferred into the uterus of the surrogate and then comes the two-week wait period.
6. Pregnancy and monitoring: Once the conception is successful, the next step in the process involves close monitoring of the surrogates and the developing fetus.
7. Birth and legal procedures: Once the baby is born, legal procedures are completed to establish the intended parent’s legal rights.

Surrogacy clinics in India should meet definite standards, including having a registered medical team and providing insurance for the surrogate mother. The number of surrogacy attempts is also limited to three per surrogate mother.

Finally, the costs involved in the surrogacy process include screening tests, IVF procedures, medications, delivery, post-partum care, and insurance.

This overview seeks to provide a clear understanding of the surrogate screening process and the journey of surrogacy in India, emphasizing the importance of legal and ethical adherence to ensure a smooth experience for all parties involved. The decision to seek assistance from a surrogate is not easy. With the help of 9M Fertility centres, one can achieve to ease the stress of these decisions.