This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
On December 3, 2019, surrogacy was a topic of debate, with many countries, including Spain, France, and Italy, banning the practice.
Despite the controversy, many women are opting for surrogacy due to various reasons. However, it's crucial to understand the process and its implications before making a decision.
Surrogacy involves a woman carrying a child or children for another and handing them over once they are born. There are two main types of surrogacy: gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy.
Gestational surrogacy uses a surrogate's womb to carry the baby, while traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate's egg. The process involves medical and psychological analyses, including tests to determine the surrogate's suitability and the matching of surrogates and donors.
Before the actual process begins, the surrogate mother undergoes tests to ensure her body is suitable for the procedure. This includes testing her reaction to different medications and checking her hormonal balances.
One of the most important steps in the surrogacy process is bonding between the surrogate and the parents. This allows the parents to form a connection with the child and ensures a smooth transition after birth.
The costs of surrogacy vary, with an average cost of around four million Kenyan shillings in Kenya. In other countries, such as the United States, the costs can be significantly higher, reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
Due to the high costs, some people choose to have surrogacy procedures done illegally, often using unqualified surrogates or donors. However, this can have serious consequences for both the surrogate and the child.
For many surrogates, the process is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to give parents a chance to have children of their own. The bond between the surrogate and the parents is a crucial aspect of the process, and it's essential to understand the implications of surrogacy before making a decision.
