Other risks include medical problems, emotional issues, the risk of cost transparency, and the impact on a child’s feelings if they find out that someone else is carrying them.
If you are curious about the risks involved in surrogacy, keep reading for more details.
Read more: When does surrogacy go wrong?
What are the risks of surrogacy?
As we said above, Surrogacy can help people and couples become parents who can’t have children independently, but it comes with some risks. These risks can be divided into three groups: medical, mental, and financial/legal.
The risks of surrogacy include:
1. Medical Risks
Some health risks can happen to both the mom and the baby during gestational surrogacy and surrogacy in general. According to new studies, women who become pregnant through IVF or natural conception are less likely to have problems than women who become pregnant through surrogacy. Some essential health risks are:
- Postpartum Complications: Surrogates are at an increased risk for severe postpartum issues such as postpartum hemorrhage and infections12.
- Pre-eclampsia: This condition, characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy, is more prevalent among surrogates, potentially leading to serious health problems for both mother and child12.
- Preterm Birth: There is a higher likelihood of delivering babies prematurely in surrogacy arrangements, which can lead to various health challenges for the newborn12.
- General Pregnancy Risks: Like any pregnancy, surrogacy carries risks such as miscarriage (10-20% of pregnancies), ectopic pregnancy (approximately 2%), gestational diabetes, and hypertension34.
There are more health risks with gestational surrogacy because of the IVF process, which can cause more problems like infections or bad responses to fertility drugs.
Read more: Surrogacy Statistics Worldwide
2. Emotional Risks
The emotional world of surrogacy is complicated, and it can cause big problems for your mental health. Surrogates might go through:
- Issues with Attachments: Getting close to the baby can make you feel bad when you give the child to the parents-to-be. This can show up as sadness or a sense of loss after giving birth.
- Anxiety and Stress: The process of surrogacy can take a long time and be full of unknowns, which can make pregnancy more stressful. Some studies show that surrogates may be more likely to be depressed during and after giving birth.
- Relationship Strain: The mental toll of surrogacy can also hurt relationships with family and partners because of stress or having different opinions about the arrangement.
Read more: surrogacy’s pros and cons
3. Financial and Legal Risks
Surrogacy is often a costly process that requires a lot of money from the intended parents. Important law and financial things to think about are:
- Prices That Are Too High: Surrogacy can have very high prices, covering things like medical bills, court fees, and paying the surrogate. People who want to have children should be ready for these financial responsibilities.
- Legal Complexities: Laws are hard to understand because surrogacy agreements need detailed legal documents that spell out everyone’s rights and duties. If there are misunderstandings or disagreements about these deals, they can be challenged in court.
Overall, surrogacy is a good choice for many people who want to have a child, but it is important for everyone involved to understand these risks entirely. For these problems to happen less often during the surrogacy process, it’s important to have the right medical screening, mental support systems, and legal protections.
But the most important question arises: where can I do surrogacy with less risk?
Read more: Altruistic surrogacy
Where can I do surrogacy with less risk?
There are different levels of risk with surrogacy based on the country, state, or agency involved, as well as whether you use a family member or friend as a surrogate.
Surrogacy can be hard to understand, but picking the right place to do it can greatly lower many risks, such as physical, emotional, and financial ones. Iran has become a well-known place for surrogacy, and it has a lot of benefits that can help lower these risks.
Iran has emerged as a notable destination for surrogacy, offering several advantages that can help mitigate these risks.
Read more: IVF in Iran
Benefits of Surrogacy in Iran:
- Comprehensive Medical Care
- Rigorous Screening: Surrogate mothers in Iran undergo thorough medical evaluations to ensure their physical and mental health. This includes assessments to confirm they have had at least one healthy pregnancy, which helps reduce the risk of complications during gestation.
- Advanced Fertility Clinics: Iran has many advanced fertility centers that utilize the latest assisted reproductive technologies. These clinics are staffed by experienced professionals who are well-versed in IVF and surrogacy procedures, enhancing the chances of a successful outcome.
- Legal Framework
- Legal Recognition: Surrogacy is legally recognized in Iran for Iranian and foreign couples. Although there are no specific laws governing all aspects of surrogacy, the practice is supported by religious fatwas, providing a level of legal security for intended parents.
- Clear Contracts: Contracts between intended parents and surrogates outline responsibilities and rights, which helps prevent legal disputes. These agreements cover crucial aspects such as medical expenses and the surrogate’s obligations during pregnancy.
- Financial Affordability
- Lower Costs: The cost of surrogacy in Iran is significantly lower than in many Western countries. Total expenses typically range from $11,000 to $20,000, making it a more accessible option for many couples. This affordability can alleviate the financial stress associated with the surrogacy process.
- Inclusive Packages: Many clinics offer comprehensive packages that cover all necessary procedures, including IVF, legal fees, and surrogate compensation. This transparency in pricing helps intended parents better manage their budgets and expectations.
After you have reviewed all the risks of surrogacy, you can contact us for a one-on-one meeting to discuss all the details you are concerned about. We book a consultation with our fertility expert and are transparent about every situation you may face.
Iran Health Agency wants to be your trust partner in surrogacy for your peace of mind; for more details, please click on the link below:
Sources:
- https://theconversation.com/surrogacy-is-booming-but-new-research-suggests-these-pregnancies-could-be-higher-risk-for-women-and-babies-239574
- https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj.q2100
- https://rmanetwork.com/blog/gestational-surrogacy/
- https://www.americansurrogacy.com/surrogate/risks-of-being-a-surrogate-mother
- https://www.americansurrogacy.com/surrogate/risks-of-being-a-surrogate-mother
