Short answer:
Surrogacy is a process where a woman (the surrogate) carries and gives birth to a baby for intended parents. The baby is typically created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF), not the surrogate’s own egg.
👉 In other words: the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby.
👉 Surrogacy involves medical procedures, legal agreements, emotional preparation, and lots of teamwork!
1️⃣ Step 1: Find the Right Surrogate
- Intended parents work with a surrogacy agency or find an independent surrogate.
- The surrogate undergoes medical screening, psychological evaluation, and background checks.
- Both parties sign a legal contract defining rights, responsibilities, and financial agreements.
2️⃣ Step 2: Create Embryos via IVF
- Eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor.
- Sperm is provided by the intended father or a sperm donor.
- Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to create embryos.
- Embryos are tested (optional) and frozen until ready for transfer.
3️⃣ Step 3: Embryo Transfer
- The surrogate prepares her uterus with hormonal medications to support implantation.
- One (sometimes two) embryos are transferred into the surrogate’s uterus via a simple medical procedure (similar to a pap smear).
- About 10-14 days later, a pregnancy test confirms success.
4️⃣ Step 4: Pregnancy and Birth
- The surrogate carries the baby through a typical pregnancy with regular prenatal care.
- The intended parents are often involved and attend key appointments.
- The surrogate gives birth, and the baby is united with the intended parents.
5️⃣ Step 5: Legal and Parental Process
- In many regions, legal parentage is established before or shortly after birth through court orders.
- The intended parents’ names are placed on the baby’s birth certificate.
Conclusion
How is surrogacy done?
👉 Through a carefully coordinated process of IVF, legal agreements, embryo transfer, and a supported pregnancy.
👉 It requires medical professionals, lawyers, counselors, and lots of trust between surrogate and intended parents.
👉 When done ethically and with care, surrogacy can be a beautiful way to build families.
