Path to biological parenthood: Ideal for individuals with infertility, same-sex couples, or those who can’t carry a pregnancy :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Genetic link: Gestational surrogacy permits one or both parents to share DNA with the child :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Higher success & medical oversight: Often higher pregnancy rates due to experienced surrogates, plus planned prenatal care :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Emotional involvement: Parents can attend appointments, follow fetal development, and build connection :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Legal clarity: Contracts define parental rights upfront in favorable jurisdictions (e.g., USA) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
⚠️ Downsides for Intended Parents
High cost: Typically ranges from $80K–$180K (U.S.), covering medical, legal, agency, and surrogate compensation :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Complex legal frameworks: Laws vary widely by country or state; contracts can be intricate :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Emotional stress: Anxiety over surrogate’s health, relinquishment, and process uncertainty :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Lengthy timelines: Often takes 12–18 months for matching, IVF, and pregnancy :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
Ethical/social concerns: Issues include exploitation, commodification, and cultural stigma :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
🤱 Considerations for Surrogates
Pros
Emotional reward: Pride in helping others become parents :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Compensation & support: Includes financial remuneration, medical care, lost wages, travel, and counseling :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Structured process: Agency-provided medical, legal, and emotional guidance :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
Cons
Physical demands: IVF, pregnancy risks, and delivery recovery :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
Emotional challenges: Potential attachment to child, postpartum adjustment :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
Time & lifestyle impacts: Requires significant commitment and lifestyle constraints :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
Social/legal pressures: Some face stigma or legal uncertainty; contracts must be clear :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
🌍 Legal & Ethical Landscape
Varied laws: Commercial surrogacy banned in EU, Canada; allowed in select US states, India now restricts to altruistic surrogacy :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
Fertility tourism: Arises due to legal/cost disparities; raises citizenship and legal parentage issues :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
Ethical debates: Concerns include exploitation of vulnerable women, surrogacy as commodification :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
