Gestational Carrier and Surrogacy
A surrogate or gestational carrier is a female who has consented to carry the pregnancy for someone else (a single person or a couple intending to start a family). The gestational carrier has the fertilized egg (embryo) implanted in her uterus. It is important to note that since the gestational carrier does not contribute the egg for the pregnancy, she does not share any biological or genetic connection to the baby.
What is the difference between a surrogate and a gestational carrier?
- A gestational carrier is a female who agrees to carry the pregnancy by implanting a fertilized embryo in her uterus. In this case, the egg for the embryo is from another woman. Hence, the fetus will not have any genetic connection to the gestational carrier in this case.
- A surrogate is a woman who contributes her egg for a pregnancy, and post-fertilization of her egg with a sperm (through ICSI/IVF) also carries the pregnancy. In this case, the surrogate will have a genetic connection with the fetus.
You may require and choose to use a surrogate or gestational carrier based on your medical and personal circumstances.
At CReATe we urge you to discuss your options with your fertility specialist. Your fertility specialist will assist you in understanding the emotional, cultural, and financial consequences of using an available surrogate or gestational carrier.
Who should consider surrogacy or using a gestational carrier?
If any of the following conditions apply to you, you may consider opting for a surrogate or gestational carrier.
- If the expectant mother has intrauterine scarring, heart disease, or other medical issues that might impact the pregnancy’s success or the baby’s health.
- If the expectant mother lacks a uterus or has a co-morbidity that may prevent pregnancy.
- If the expectant mother’s uterine wall is too thin for embryo implantation,
- Same-sex -male couples or single men looking to start a family.
Who can be a Gestational Carrier or a Surrogate?
You can choose an available surrogate or gestational carrier from your family or friends. CReATe Fertility Centre Toronto offers a well-developed program for determining an individual’s suitability as a surrogate or gestational carrier. This suitability assessment involves legal, medical, genetic, and psychological evaluations to confirm their eligibility.
If you don’t have access to a known gestational carrier or surrogate and want an anonymous source, CReATe Fertility Centre Toronto can connect you with government-approved organizations to assist you. These organizations will also recommend lawyers to help you with legal compliance and process documents.
How can a Gestational Carrier or Surrogate become pregnant?
The female whose egg is to be used for the pregnancy (surrogate or intending mother) goes through the hormone stimulation and egg harvesting process. The eggs are fertilized with the intended father’s or a known/anonymous donor’s sperm. The embryo(s) produced are then implanted in the uterus of the gestational carrier/surrogate, who will carry the pregnancy to term. Depending on the circumstances, either the surrogate (also the egg donor) or the gestational carrier will go through a standard IVF cycle.