Surrogacy vs IVF: Unraveling the Intricacies of Creation
What are Surrogacy and IVF?
In the evolving landscape of assisted reproductive technologies, surrogacy and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) stand out as transformative options offering hope and possibilities. These methods provide alternative pathways to achieve the dream of having a child, addressing various fertility issues and individual circumstances.
- Surrogacy:
Surrogacy is a legal and medical arrangement where a woman, known as a surrogate or gestational carrier, agrees to carry and deliver a child for another individual or couple, known as intended parents. The surrogate can be genetically related to the child in traditional surrogacy, where her own egg is fertilised with the intended father’s sperm, or not genetically related in gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries an embryo created using the intended mother’s egg and the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm) through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF):
IVF is a fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. After fertilisation, the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus to establish a pregnancy. IVF can involve various techniques, including conventional IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), tailored to individual fertility needs.
What are the Differences and Similarities Between Surrogacy and IVF?
Navigating the realm of assisted reproductive technologies can be a profound journey filled with hope, challenges, and decisions. Two transformative options, surrogacy and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), stand out as pathways to parenthood, offering alternative solutions for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. While both surrogacy and IVF share the common goal of helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of having a child, they differ significantly in their nature, processes, and considerations.
Differences Between Surrogacy and IVF
- Nature of Procedure:
Surrogacy involves a woman carrying and delivering a child for another individual or couple, while IVF is a fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved and fertilised in a laboratory.
- Genetic Connection:
Surrogacy may or may not involve a genetic connection between the surrogate and the child, whereas IVF allows for genetic contributions from intended parents or donors.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations:
Surrogacy involves complex legal agreements addressing parental rights and compensation, while IVF requires informed consent and decisions about embryo handling. Surrogacy only through IVF is legal in India.
Similarities Between Surrogacy and IVF
- Medical Procedures:
Both involve fertility assessments, hormone treatments, and medical procedures guided by specialists.
- Cost and Financial Considerations:
Both can be costly, with expenses varying based on medical procedures, legal fees, and ongoing care.
- Emotional Support and Counselling:
Both may involve emotional support and guidance to navigate fertility treatment and family-building challenges.
Should You Do IVF or Surrogacy?
Deciding between IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and surrogacy is a significant and deeply personal choice that depends on various factors, including medical history, emotional readiness, financial considerations, and personal preferences. Both options offer alternative pathways to parenthood, each with its own set of benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations.
The decision between IVF and surrogacy is deeply personal and should be made after careful consideration of medical advice, emotional readiness, financial implications, and personal values. It may be helpful to seek counselling, support, and guidance from fertility specialists, legal professionals, and support networks to explore the options, address concerns, and make an informed decision that resonates with your individual circumstances and aspirations on the journey to parenthood.
Eva IVF and Women’s Centre offers a highly individualised approach to IVF, maximising success rates. We also operate a surrogacy clinic with experienced legal and medical teams to create a positive experience for intended parents.