Some couples in Oklahoma have fertility challenges and need assistance to have children. In that situation, one of the best options is surrogacy. However, there are special circumstances in the state pertaining to this type of fertility assistance.
Understanding surrogacy
There are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational carriers. Traditional surrogacy occurs when a woman uses her own egg to carry a baby for the intended parents who will raise the child. The surrogate agrees to give up the child, who is conceived using donor sperm or sperm from the intended father. Traditional surrogacy isn’t always the best option because it carries legal and ethical ramifications.
Gestational surrogacy is more widely used and accepted. A woman carries the baby for the intended parents after undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). An embryo is created in a lab using the egg and sperm from the couple or from donors.
How surrogacy works
The intended parents can find a gestational carrier through an agency or choose someone they know. If they don’t enter a formal agreement, the surrogate could be a family member who volunteers to carry the child for them. When someone is selected from an agency, they are compensated for their role in helping the couple start their family.
The parties also enter into a contract that covers all of the important aspects of the surrogacy agreement. This includes the rights and responsibilities of the parties, potential risks, compensation, expectations before, during and after surrogacy, hospital plans for delivery and more.
If the intended parents use a traditional surrogate and donor sperm, they are required to formally adopt the child due to the genetic relationship between the surrogate and the baby. However, if the intended father’s sperm is used, the intended parents do not have to adopt.
Surrogacy can be a wonderful way to start your family. Knowing what to expect can help if you’re considering it.