Surrogate or Gestational Carrier
A Surrogate or Gestational Carrier is a woman who has agreed to have a baby for someone else (a single person or a couple intending to start a family). The Gestational Carrier agrees to have a couple’s fertilized egg (embryo) implanted in her uterus. Since the Gestational Carrier does not provide the egg, she is therefore not biologically or genetically related to the child.
What is the difference between a Surrogate and a Gestational Carrier?
- A Gestational Carrier is a woman who carriers pregnancy for another.
- A Surrogate is a woman who donates her egg and also carries the pregnancy for another. Hence, in this case, the baby will be genetically related to the surrogate.
Based on your medical conditions or individual challenges you can decide if you wish to go for a Surrogate or a Gestational Carrier.
Who should consider opting for Surrogacy or a Gestational Carrier?
If any of the medical conditions or individual challenges listed below apply to you, you can consider Surrogacy as an option to achieve parenthood:
- If the intended mother suffers from some medical conditions and pregnancy could pose a risk to her or the baby’s health.
- If the intended mother does not have a uterus or any other physical abnormality that can prevent her from carrying a pregnancy.
- If the endometrium (uterine wall) of the intended mother is too thin for embryo implantation
- Same-sex male couples intending to be parents
- Single males intending to have a baby
Who can be a Surrogate or a Gestational Carrier?
You can either have a known surrogate or gestational carrier – a family member or friend. If you wish to choose a person to fulfill this requirement, CReATe Fertility London can connect you with government-approved agencies who can facilitate surrogacy and introduce you to prospective gestational carriers.
These agencies will also suggest lawyers who specialize in third party laws and who can assist you in legal compliances and documentation for the process.
To be a surrogate or a gestational carrier you will be required to go through a full medical assessment and will also be expected to participate in necessary legal proceedings, as required.
How does a Surrogate or Gestational Carrier get pregnant?
Depending on the situation, the surrogate (also the egg donor) or the gestational carrier will undergo a routine IVF cycle. The intended woman goes through the process of hormone stimulation and egg retrieval. The eggs are then fertilized with the sperm from the intended father or a known/anonymous donor. The resulting embryo(s) are then transferred in the uterus of the gestational carrier who carries the pregnancy to term.
Surrogacy Counselling, Medical Assessment and Monitoring at CReATe Fertility London
CReATe Fertility London has a well-developed program to support you in your journey to parenthood.
Counseling
The clinicians and associated social workers provide you guidance and the necessary support to decide if surrogacy is the right option for you. The process involves discussion on numerous legal and psychosocial issues. Our team at CReATe Fertility London ensures that you are prepared and informed to handle all the challenges.
Medical Assessment
CReATe Fertility London has a state-of-the-art laboratory, medical expertise and diagnostic equipment to assess the health and suitability of any surrogate/gestational carrier (family member, friend or through an agency partner). Based on the test results our clinicians will also be able to share a prognosis of the success or any challenges.
Cycle Monitoring
CReATe Fertility London is one of the leading centers in South Ontario for cycle monitoring. The team of clinicians ensures that the blood tests, hormone level testing, ultrasound and medical examinations are carried out efficiently to support a successful IVF and post-procedure care. In cases where the surrogate has gone through the IVF procedure at one of our leading partner clinics, CReATe Fertility Toronto, all cycle monitoring schedules can be carried out at our London medical facility.
