Surrogacy has made family planning more accessible to people in a variety of circumstances. Older couples, those with medical challenges and same-sex couples can grow their families more easily through surrogacy than through adoption in many cases.
The surrogacy process typically involves the collection of gametes for the creation of embryos and then the implantation of embryos for the surrogate to carry. This arrangement provides an opportunity for a genetic relationship with children for parents who might otherwise never have children of their own.
What happens in cases where prenatal testing indicates some kind of genetic issue or developmental concern in embryos?
Every family has different needs
Some people embrace the idea of parenthood thoroughly and commit to raising the child carried by their gestational surrogate, regardless of what medical complications may arise. Others specifically pursue surrogacy to increase their chances of having a healthy child.
Couples may want to include provisions that address the possibility of congenital or developmental issues in the gestating embryo. They may request various medical tests at different stages of fetal development. They need to talk with one another about their values and expectations.
The situation could result in a very complicated legal battle following the birth of a child with significant medical challenges. Contract inclusions combined with careful selection of medical professionals can reduce the likelihood of medical concerns complicating a surrogate pregnancy.
Hopeful parents looking to grow their families may need help integrating the right terms into their contracts and identifying potential concerns early in the surrogacy process, and that is okay. Learning more about medically-assisted reproduction and the rights extended to parents and surrogates can be beneficial for those hoping to grow their families.