Safeguarding Rights Of Donors, Surrogates Or Intended Parents

What happens if unexpected complications arise during surrogacy?

Your decision to become a gestational surrogate remains an admirable and selfless one. You have committed to helping a family that wants to raise children and experience the birthing process. As a gestational surrogate, you understand that your egg is not used. Rather, another family created the embryos, which were then transferred into your uterus.

You did not flippantly make this decision. With weeks of personal research discussing the surrogacy scenario with your family, health care professionals and an attorney, you decide to help fulfill another family’s dream, understanding that the child is not yours. Still, you wonder what would happen if unexpected complications surface during the pregnancy and the birth.

Contract addresses medical risks, too

Surrogacy matters require legal contracts that address responsibilities and expectations for all involved parties. Other details addressed in the surrogacy contract include compensation for the surrogate as well as understanding medical risks.

Pertaining to medical risks, the contract should describe the additional compensation required due to increased risk related to matters such as carrying multiple embryos, invasive medical procedures, termination of the pregnancy as well as the need to go on bed rest.

And like any pregnancy, risks exist. Some may include gestational diabetes, hypertension and an emergency C-section. In addition, excessive bleeding could lead to a hysterectomy and loss of reproductive organs including the uterus and ovaries. Other risks may include Bell’s palsy and post-partum depression.

It is honorable on your part in choosing to help another family. But please understand that while surrogacy can be an exciting and wonderful experience, it also can be frightening and risky. You must understand any potential risks before partaking in such a journey.