Surrogacy Changes Over the Years

The surrogacy process has undergone significant changes over the years in terms of its legal and medical aspects.

Here are some key changes that have taken place:

1. Legalization: In many countries, surrogacy was not legally recognized until recently. Although more and more countries have legalized surrogacy, the legal framework varies greatly from country to country. Here in the US, there are still three states where paid surrogacy is illegal: Michigan, Louisiana, and Nebraska. Also, there are states where it’s not illegal, but there aren’t clear-cut laws on the books, so it doesn’t protect the intended parents and surrogates as much as states that are considered surrogate-friendly.
2. Medical advancements: The medical procedures involved in surrogacy have become more advanced over the years, making the process safer and more effective. For example, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is now a commonly used technique for surrogacy, whereas earlier, it was not widely available.
3. Gestational surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate mother carries a child conceived through IVF using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, has become more popular than traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother’s own egg is used. This is because gestational surrogacy is less legally and emotionally complicated.
4. Commercial surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is paid for her services, has become more common in recent years. However, it is still illegal in some countries and heavily regulated in others.
5. Surrogacy agencies: The rise of surrogacy agencies has made the process more accessible and streamlined. These agencies often provide various services, from matching intended parents with surrogates to handling legal and financial matters.

Overall, the surrogacy process has become more widely accepted over the years, making it easier for intended parents and surrogates to navigate the process. However, it is important to note that the surrogacy process still involves complex legal and ethical issues, and it is essential to approach it with caution and care. If you are considering surrogacy, working with a surrogacy agency such as Shared Conception can be the best route. In the absence of an agency, all the paperwork, compliance, communication with the surrogate, medical information, and other essential requirements become the Intended Parents’ responsibility. You can learn more about working with a surrogacy agency in our February blog: Why You Should Use a Surrogacy Agency.