Gestational Carrier

• A Gestational Carrier carries a pregnancy using an embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material, having no genetic link to the baby.
• Gestational surrogacy involves in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the Gestational Carrier’s uterus.
• The primary distinction between a Gestational Carrier and a traditional surrogate is the genetic relationship to the child.
• Legal agreements are crucial in gestational surrogacy to establish parental rights and responsibilities clearly.
• This method offers a viable option for those facing medical challenges or other circumstances preventing them from carrying a pregnancy.

What is a Gestational Carrier?

A Gestational Carrier refers to a woman who carries a pregnancy for another individual or couple, known as the intended parents. The embryo implanted into her uterus is created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, meaning the Gestational Carrier has no genetic connection to the child she carries. This process is often sought by individuals or couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy to term due to various medical reasons, such as uterine issues, recurrent pregnancy loss, or other health conditions that make pregnancy unsafe. The term gestational carrier meaning explained highlights that her role is solely to gestate the pregnancy, providing a nurturing environment for the embryo’s development.

How Does Gestational Surrogacy Work?

Gestational surrogacy is a complex process that typically involves several key stages, beginning with medical and legal preparations. The primary steps involved in gestational surrogacy are:

• Embryo Creation: The process begins with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor and fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor in a laboratory setting.
• Screening and Preparation: Both the intended parents and the Gestational Carrier undergo extensive medical and psychological screening to ensure their suitability for the process. The Gestational Carrier’s uterus is prepared with hormones to optimize it for embryo implantation.
• Embryo Transfer: One or more viable embryos are carefully transferred into the Gestational Carrier’s uterus.
• Pregnancy and Birth: If the transfer is successful, the Gestational Carrier carries the pregnancy to term, receiving regular medical care. Upon birth, the baby is legally recognized as the child of the intended parents.
• Legal Agreement: Before any medical procedures begin, a comprehensive legal contract is established between the intended parents and the Gestational Carrier. This agreement outlines parental rights, financial arrangements, and responsibilities, ensuring clarity for all parties involved.

Gestational Carrier vs. Traditional Surrogate

Understanding the difference between a gestational carrier vs traditional surrogate is crucial, as the distinction primarily lies in the genetic relationship to the child. While both involve a woman carrying a pregnancy for others, the biological connection differs significantly.