Surrogacy definition:
Surrogacy meaning is when a couple wants a child in such a way that another female gives birth to their child. The child grows in the womb of another person with or without using the sperm and egg donation of the couple. The intrauterine life of the baby happens to be inside the uterus of some selected and agreed individual. There is an agreement before the conception of the child between the surrogacy mother and the couple desiring the baby. Surrogacy mother means the female offering intrauterine development of the baby. The legal and traditional applications are different from country to country.
Who is a surrogate mother?
A surrogate mother is a woman who offers to carry a pregnancy and gives birth to the baby of another couple. The literal meaning of surrogate mother is a substitute or replacement mother. There are several reasons to adopt surrogacy. We will discuss them in detail, but first, let us understand the types of surrogacy.
What are the types of surrogacy?
There are two main types of surrogacy.
- Gestational surrogacy:
In gestational surrogacy, the doctor uses the sperm and egg of the desired couple to make an embryo. Then, the IVF expert transfers these embryos into the uterus of the selected woman. The embryo spends its intrauterine life inside her. The couple who donated their egg and sperm claim to be the legal parents of the baby. They are also biological parents of the child in gestational surrogacy.
- Traditional surrogacy:
During traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother offers her egg to make a baby. In this way, the surrogate mother is the biological parent of the child, but according to the agreement, the couple who want the child are the legal parents of the child.
What is the process of surrogacy?
The process of surrogacy is assisted reproductive technology (ART)-based and uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) as the primary technique. The couple who intends to become parents undergo a series of tests, including hormonal tests, semen analysis, and ultrasounds, for evaluation of the health of their sperm and eggs.
After a complete assessment, the female receives hormonal medications to grow her follicles (egg shells) in a mutually selected menstrual cycle month (usually starting from the second or third menstrual day). The follicles grow under the influence of medications, and the doctor uses transvaginal ultrasounds on specific days of the cycle to monitor their growth. Once follicles reach a handsome size, the IVF expert retrieves them and tries to find the eggs inside them. It is important to note that not all follicles contain eggs.
The embryologist takes a sample of the husband’s sperm and injects it inside the eggs to make embryos. An embryo is the smallest human cell group that grows into a complete individual. The steps of IVF until this are similar to regular IVF procedures.
The next step is different in surrogacy and involves the transfer of resultant embryos inside the uterus of another woman who is not the biological mother after an agreement between the couple and the surrogate mother. The embryo grows inside the surrogate’s womb, and she delivers the baby. Now, the couple takes the baby and claims to be the legal and biological parents.
What are the reasons for surrogacy?
There are several reasons to go for surrogacy. Let us discuss them one by one.
- Infertility:
Infertility is one of the top reasons for surrogacy. There are many causes of infertility, including unexplained infertility (when all the tests are unremarkable and there is not an established reason for infertility), increased age of the woman (low ovarian reserve), male factors, and repeated IVF failures. All these causes can qualify for surrogacy, but consultation with IVF experts and coverage of the country’s legal dimensions is a necessary initial step.
2. Medical conditions:
When the mother or father is suffering from a specific disease, cannot carry the pregnancy, or is not able to conceive, surrogacy is an alternate option. These conditions may include uterine problems, the overall health of the couple, or azoospermia (zero sperm count).
3. Genetic defects:
When a couple is suffering from some specific genetic defects, and they wish not to pass it on to their future generations, surrogacy is a good option for them.
4. Same-sex or single parent:
When the couple is of the same sex or a single parent wishes to have a child, traditional surrogacy could be their choice.
Is surrogacy haram or halal in Islam?
According to most Islamic scholars, surrogacy may disrupt the lineage, cause damage to the marital relationship, and be against modesty. Therefore, surrogacy is not an acceptable option in Islam.
Is surrogacy legal in Pakistan?
The Federal Shariat Court (FSC) in Pakistan has declared surrogacy illegal. The only acceptable and legal option available in Pakistan is in vitro fertilization by using the eggs and sperm of the original parents.
Which is the best center for IVF in Pakistan?
The best infertility medical center in Pakistan is the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, offering top-notch infertility treatments, including test-tube babies and assisted reproductive technology (ART). We have 26 years of experience in the IVF field. Our team of exceptional infertility specialists and professional embryologists has experience working throughout Pakistan and internationally. We provide all forms of excellent infertility medical treatments, such as IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF, TIC (timely intercourse), and PGT (genetic testing). We offer test-tube baby treatments to our patients in all big cities of Pakistan.
