Call 888.331.3336
Surrogacy literally means substitute. In reproductive medicine, surrogacy denotes an arrangement in which a woman agrees to undergo a full-term pregnancy – pregnancy, labor, and delivery – because she or another couple cannot or choose not to conceive traditionally. At Reproductive Medicine Institute (RMI), we have helped many patients through the potentially complicated surrogacy process at our multiple centers, serving Chicago, Illinois. While surrogacy may seem daunting, our experienced and dedicated team has helped many patients bring home their bundle of joy. There are many aspects of surrogacy to take into account prior to beginning the process; once you contact us, we will be able to schedule a personal consultation with one of our renowned physicians.
In traditional surrogacy, a woman, the surrogate, is pregnant with her own biological child. The woman has an agreement to carry the child to term and then deliver it to the intended parents. During traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is impregnated with the intended father’s sperm, or with donor sperm. Conception takes place through artificial insemination.
In gestational surrogacy, a woman, the gestational carrier, has no biological connection to the child whom she is carrying. The gestational carrier is implanted with an embryo, fertilized by the intended parents. The embryo is transferred to the uterus of the gestational carrier using in vitro fertilization (IVF). Donor sperm, eggs, or entire embryos can also be used for gestational surrogacy in cases where it is medically necessary.
Following birth, the baby is turned over to the intended parents and raised as their own. Both forms of surrogacy are popular among all family demographics: both heterosexual and homosexual couples, as well as singular individuals looking to become parents. At Reproductive Medicine Institute, we treat patients from all walks of life, and offer solutions and treatment plans for both forms of surrogacy at our Chicago-area fertility centers.
An individual or couple may require the services of a surrogate for several reasons. Female infertility or other medical issues may require a traditional or gestational surrogate. While some women are not medically capable of undergoing a full-term pregnancy, other women, though physically capable, choose not to deal with pregnancy. Many opt for gestational surrogates to carry their biological child to term, allowing them to retain their current lifestyle without any post pregnancy consequences. No matter your reason for choosing surrogacy, Reproductive Medicine Institute serving Chicago, Illinois can help.
The surrogacy process begins with the most crucial step, finding a willing, compatible surrogate. While Reproductive Medicine Institute will not become involved with any potential financial arrangements with gestational surrogates, we can refer you to organizations or groups that may be able to help. Ideally, a close friend or family member would be the perfect gestational surrogacy candidate, as it can often difficult for the surrogate to completely sever ties following birth. Recommended candidates for surrogacy are fertile women, under the age of forty, with at least one healthy, living child. Once the surrogate has been found, depending on the type surrogacy that is decided upon, the next step will be artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Both forms of surrogacy may require donated material prior to implantation. After fertilization and insemination have occurred, the waiting begins. Hopefully, after nine months the intended parents will be blessed with a new baby, courtesy of their surrogate and RMI.
At Reproductive Medicine Institute, surrogacy allows our patients in the Chicago area to start their families, whether they are unable to do so or simply desire otherwise. Please contact us today to schedule a personal consultation with one of our physicians, and see firsthand what RMI can do for you.