Surrogacy is a meaningful and generous path that allows many people to fulfill the dream of starting a family.
In Colombia, as such there is no specific regulation on surrogacy, many couples and individuals resort to this method with the support of specialized clinics and adequate legal advice.
This process involves several critical steps, from the selection of the surrogate mother to the time of delivery. Each step requires careful planning and the accompaniment of expert professionals to ensure that everything is done ethically and safely. Understanding the surrogacy process in its entirety is essential to making informed decisions.
Types of surrogacy
Before delving into the process, it is important to know the different types of surrogacy, as this can influence the decisions and procedures to be followed.
- Traditional surrogacy: In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father or a donor. In this case, the surrogate mother is the baby’s biological mother, as her egg is used in the process.
- Gestational surrogacy: This method, also known as full surrogacy, involves the use of an embryo created from the egg and sperm of intended parents or donors. The surrogate mother has no genetic link to the baby, as her uterus is used only to carry the pregnancy to term. This is the most commonly recommended type due to its clear legal and emotional distinctions.
When to resort to surrogacy?
Surrogacy is considered in several specific circumstances where other fertility options are not viable or have failed. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Uterine problems: Women who do not have a uterus due to a hysterectomy, congenital uterine malformations, or medical conditions that damage the uterus, such as Asherman’s syndrome.
- Medical conditions: Serious illnesses such as heart disease, kidney disease, or certain autoimmune diseases, where a pregnancy could put the mother’s life at risk.
- Recurrent IVF failures: Couples who have experienced multiple unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures due to the embryo’s inability to implant in the intended mother’s uterus.
What is the surrogacy process like?
The process includes different stages; such as surrogate mother selection, medical procedures, pregnancy monitoring, and childbirth. And each of them has its own characteristics.
Surrogate Mother Selection
This is a critical process, as the right choice will ensure a safe and successful experience for all parties involved. In Colombia, due to the lack of specific regulation, it is essential to work with specialized clinics and lawyers to ensure that all procedures are performed ethically and legally.
- Selection criteria: The surrogate mother must be a healthy woman, usually between 21 and 30 years old, who has had at least one successful pregnancy without complications. You must go through a full medical evaluation, including physical, gynecological, and psychological tests, to ensure your fitness for the process.
- Legal agreement: It is crucial to establish a detailed legal agreement that defines the rights and responsibilities of all parties. This agreement must be drafted by lawyers specialized in family law and assisted reproduction, ensuring that the laws are complied with and the interests of the intended parents and the surrogate mother are protected.
Medical Procedure
Once the surrogate mother has been selected and the legal agreement signed, the next step is the medical procedure. This process involves several important stages:
- Ovarian stimulation and fertilization: In case of using the eggs of the intended mother or a donor, an ovarian stimulation treatment is performed to obtain the eggs. These eggs are fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor using in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Embryo transfer: Once the embryos develop properly, they are selected and transferred to the surrogate mother’s uterus. This procedure is performed in a specialized clinic and is followed by medical monitoring to ensure implantation and the initial development of the pregnancy.
Pregnancy Monitoring
Medical follow-up during pregnancy is essential to ensure the health of the surrogate mother and the development of the baby. This follow-up includes:
- Prenatal checkups: The surrogate mother must attend regular prenatal checkups with an obstetrician to monitor the progress of the pregnancy. These checkups include ultrasounds, lab tests, and physical evaluations.
- Emotional and psychological support: Both the surrogate mother and the intended parents can benefit from psychological support during the process. This support helps manage emotions and expectations, ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
Childbirth
The moment of delivery is the culmination of the surrogacy process. In Colombia, childbirth takes place in a hospital or clinic with all the necessary safety measures.
- Birth preparations: Detailed birth plans are established that include the presence of the intended parents at the time of birth. It is important to coordinate with the medical team and the hospital to ensure that all procedures are ready and that the rights of the intended parents are respected.
- Birth registration: In Colombia, birth registration can be a complex process due to the lack of specific regulation on surrogacy. It is essential to have the support of specialized attorneys to ensure that the baby is properly registered and that the intended parents are legally recognized as the parents of the newborn.
Although, surrogacy in Colombia, although not specifically regulated, can be a viable path for many people who want to start a family. It is essential to have the support of specialized medical and legal professionals to ensure that the entire process is carried out in an ethical and legal manner. At Fertivida, we are committed to providing the support and guidance necessary to make every step of the process clear and safe, helping families fulfill their dream of having a child.
