Surrogate mothers are women who agree to bear a child for a couple or individual who is unable to conceive for medical or other objective reasons. This process is regulated by law and requires certain qualities and compliance with a number of requirements to ensure the safety and health of both the mother and the unborn child. Details about the agency on ukrainesurrogacy.com help interested parties better understand the terms and conditions of working with surrogate mothers.
Understanding the Role of Surrogate Mothers: Basic Concepts and Legal Status
The legal status of surrogate mothers varies significantly depending on the legislation of each country. In some jurisdictions, surrogacy is governed by special laws that establish the rights and obligations of the parties, as well as the procedure for registering child custody. In other regions, such relationships may be completely prohibited or regulated only by civil law without specific regulations. In any case, the key aspects are the surrogate mother’s consent, legal security, and respect for the rights of all parties involved.
Basic Concepts and Legal Framework for Surrogacy
The main concepts of surrogacy include two types: traditional and pure, or gestational. In the former, the surrogate mother uses her own eggs, while also being the child’s genetic mother. In the latter, a donor or biological egg from the intended parents is used to extract the embryo, and the surrogate mother carries the child without any genetic connection. Modern practices often favor the gestational type, as it provides a clearer legal division of roles and responsibilities.
The legal status of surrogate mothers depends on national laws. In some countries, surrogacy is regulated by law, which registers the rights and obligations of the parties, as well as the procedure for processing documents for the child after birth. In other regions, legal status may be uncertain or restrictive, creating risks for all parties involved. To protect the rights and interests of surrogate mothers, requirements for medical care, psychological preparation, and legal support are often established, as well as the need to formalize contracts in writing and notarize them.
Medical Suitability Criteria for Prospective Surrogate Mothers
The selection of a surrogate mother is based on strict medical criteria that ensure the safety of both the mother and the unborn child. Before the procedure, a comprehensive medical examination is conducted to identify possible contraindications and the woman’s overall health.
The primary goal of these assessments is to eliminate any risk to the health of the surrogate mother and the unborn child during pregnancy. Only women who meet certain requirements may be admitted to the surrogacy program.
Main Medical Criteria for Candidates as Surrogate Mothers
- Absence of chronic diseases – cardiovascular, endocrine, infectious, and other diseases that may complicate pregnancy.
- Normal gynecological examination results – absence of congenital or acquired uterine pathologies that may affect the course of pregnancy or its outcome.
- Ideal age – usually between 20 and 35 years, which corresponds to the biological maximum of reproductive potential.
- Absence of bad habits – cessation of smoking, alcohol, and drug use, as these factors negatively affect the health of the expectant mother and the development of the fetus.
- Acceptable Body Mass Index (BMI) – usually between 18.5 and 30, for Reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy.
- No pregnancy or birth in the last two years, and no severe obstetric complications in previous pregnancies.
Additional Medical Requirements
Before admission to the surrogacy program, a comprehensive examination is conducted, including laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods. The following are required:
- General health and the presence of chronic diseases.
- Gynecological history and uterine condition.
- Infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.
- Genetic tests and carrier tests for hereditary diseases.
- Testing for HIV, hepatitis, and other infections that require a mandatory negative result for admission to the procedure.
Only if all of the above criteria are met is a woman considered suitable for participation in the surrogacy program, which ensures the safety and health of the future mother the unborn child, as well as the well-being of the surrogate mother herself.