By Missi Lockwood
Infertility is a deeply personal and challenging journey that many couples face. The longing for a child, coupled with the difficulties of conception, can be emotionally and physically draining. In recent years, the role of gestational surrogacy has emerged as a beacon of hope for families struggling with infertility. Whether done altruistically or for pay, surrogates work with surrogacy agencies across the globe to assist intending parents with building families both at the international and national level. This blog post aims to explore how gestational surrogates empower families, offering a path to parenthood that might otherwise seem unattainable.
Understanding Infertility
Before delving into the empowering aspect of gestational surrogacy, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of infertility on individuals and couples. Infertility can be caused by various factors, ranging from medical conditions to age-related challenges. For those facing this uphill battle, the dream of having a biological child may seem distant.
The Role of Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy involves a woman, the surrogate, carrying and delivering a child for another couple or individual. Unlike traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate contributes genetically to the child, gestational surrogacy relies on in vitro fertilization (IVF). This method allows intended parents to use their own genetic material or that of donors, providing a biological connection to the child.
Empowering Families
1. Biological Connection and Genetic Legacy
Gestational surrogacy allows couples to have a biological connection to their child. This connection transcends the physical act of childbirth; it’s a thread of shared genetics, an unbroken link to family history. Imagine the significance of witnessing features, traits, and quirks passed down through generations. This connection is the heart of gestational surrogacy—a thread that ties families to the past, roots them in the present, and reaches into the future.
2. Overcoming Biological Barriers
For couples, including those in the LGBTQ community, facing medical challenges that hinder natural conception, gestational surrogacy provides a viable solution. It enables them to overcome biological barriers and experience the joy of parenthood. Whether it’s due to fertility issues or same-sex couples seeking to expand their families, gestational surrogacy offers an inclusive and empowering path towards achieving the dream of having a child.
3. Emotional Support and Understanding
The journey of infertility can be emotionally taxing. Gestational surrogates, in their role as allies in the battle against infertility, create a community of resilience. They celebrate the victories, console in moments of defeat, and champion the unwavering spirit of those longing for parenthood. Gestational surrogates often become pillars of support, understanding the struggles and triumphs of the intended parents. This shared journey creates a unique bond that contributes to the overall empowerment of the family.
3. Choice and Control
Gestational surrogacy is a collaborative journey, not just a transaction. Intended parents reclaim agency over their parenthood narrative by deciding on involvement throughout the process, from choosing a surrogacy agency to selecting a surrogate person. This collaborative approach fosters a proactive and intentional embrace of parenthood for intended parents. However, it’s important to recognize the significant emotional and physical journey undertaken by the gestational carrier. Surrogacy, at its best, is a beacon of choice, control, and empowerment for all involved in building a family.
In the realm of overcoming infertility, gestational surrogacy stands as a powerful tool, offering hope and empowerment to families yearning for children. The shared journey between intended parents and gestational surrogates goes beyond the physical act of carrying a child—it embodies a collective effort to fulfill the universal desire for family. As technology and understanding evolve, gestational surrogacy continues to play a pivotal role in empowering families and making parenthood dreams a reality.
Since 2006, Missi has worn many hats — from Receptionist to Case Manager, Business Development to Recruitment, and now the crucial role of Operations. Her experience coupled with a business degree from Cal State Fullerton allows Missi to improve FSC by applying research and analysis techniques to all processes, both internal and external. Her ability to hit the ground running with any task or role given to her has made FSC what it is today.
