In a surrogacy arrangement, a woman carries and gives birth to a child for the intended parent or parents.
Surrogacy offers some people the very best chance of creating the family they’ve always dreamed of.
Solo-mothers-by-choice, solo-fathers-by-choice, heterosexual couples - provided they each meet certain criteria - may choose to pursue surrogacy as an option.
How does Surrogacy work?
Surrogacy treatment involves the implantation of an embryo into the surrogate (the carrier of the baby) in an attempt to achieve a pregnancy. The embryo may be created using:
- The sperm and/or eggs of the intended parents
- Donor sperm or eggs
- A combination of the above
This process is called Gestational Surrogacy.
In a traditional surrogacy arrangement, a surrogate carries a baby formed using her own egg.
What are the reasons people may consider Surrogacy?
If you have a medical condition that makes it impossible or unsafe for you to carry a pregnancy or give birth, surrogacy may help you realise your dream of having a baby.
The reasons for Surrogacy may include:
- An inability to conceive.
- Being unable to safely carry a pregnancy or give birth.
- The risk of conceiving a child affected by a genetic condition or disorder.
- The risk of conceiving a child who is unlikely to survive a pregnancy or birth.
- The risk of conceiving a child whose health may be significantly affected by a pregnancy or birth.
Who can enter into a surrogacy arrangement?
Prior to entering into a surrogacy arrangement, all parties should be reviewed by a fertility specialist to ensure it is medically suitable for them to participate in surrogacy treatment. Here are some additional guidelines for a surrogacy arrangement:
- Age considerations for the surrogate and the intended parent/s.
- The intended parents have sought independent legal advice regarding their surrogacy arrangement.
- The surrogate has a proven fertility history and has ideally given birth to a live child.
- The surrogate and her partner (where applicable) have ideally completed their own family.
- The intended parent/s and their surrogate are known to each other. Unfortunately, we cannot recruit a surrogate for you.
How do I find a surrogate?
All surrogates are people who are known to the intended parent/s, and may be a family member, friend or someone they have been recently introduced to through other means.
