Yes, it is possible to put an egg and sperm in a surrogate. This is done through a process called in vitro fertilization (IVF) with gestational surrogacy.
What is IVF with gestational surrogacy?
IVF with gestational surrogacy involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a lab and then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus of a gestational surrogate (someone who carries the pregnancy for the intended parents). The key steps are:
- The egg and sperm are obtained from the intended parents or donors
- The egg is fertilized with sperm in the lab through IVF
- The resulting embryo develops for 3-5 days
- 1 or more embryos are transferred into the surrogate’s uterus
- The surrogate carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the baby for the intended parents
So the egg and sperm come from outside parties, but they are combined and implanted into the surrogate. The surrogate provides the womb environment but is not genetically related to the baby.
Why use a surrogate?
There are a few key reasons intended parents may pursue IVF with a gestational surrogate:
- The woman is unable to carry a pregnancy due to infertility, health issues, or age
- The woman has conditions that would make pregnancy dangerous or high-risk
- A same-sex male couple or a single man wishes to have a biological child
- Previous IVF attempts have failed and the surrogate provides a better chance
Using both the intended parents’ egg and sperm with a surrogate allows the couple to have a biological child when the woman cannot safely carry the pregnancy herself.
Requirements for IVF with gestational surrogacy
There are medical, legal, and ethical requirements involved in the IVF and surrogacy process:
- The intended parents, egg/sperm donors, and surrogate must undergo medical and psychological screening
- The surrogate must meet requirements around age, having a successful past pregnancy, and more
- Contracts are signed between all parties to outline legal rights and responsibilities
- Payments to the surrogate must comply with state laws and ethical guidelines
- Informed consent is ensured at each step of the medical process
Following these guidelines helps protect all parties physically and emotionally throughout the surrogacy journey.
Success rates
Success rates for IVF using a gestational surrogate may be higher than for other IVF procedures. Some key statistics:
- Pregnancy rates are around 35-40% per embryo transfer
- Surrogacy typically has higher live birth rates than using the intended mother’s uterus
- Surrogates under age 35 have the highest success rates (over 50% live births)
- Using frozen embryos has slightly lower success rates than fresh embryos
Success depends on the quality of the donated egg and sperm, the surrogate’s health, and other factors. Working with an experienced fertility clinic improves the chances.
Cost considerations
Using IVF with a gestational carrier has a high cost:
- IVF costs: Around $10,000-$15,000 per cycle
- Donor eggs or sperm: $5,000-$7,000 for frozen donor eggs/sperm
- Surrogate compensation: $25,000-$50,000 on average
- Agency fees: $15,000-$30,000
- Legal fees: Around $5,000-$7,000
- Other medical costs
The total cost often reaches over $100,000. Health insurance sometimes covers portions of IVF or testing costs. Many intended parents pursue third-party financing such as loans or grants.
Ethical considerations
Using surrogacy raises several ethical questions that intended parents should consider, such as:
- Does surrogacy exploit or commodify women’s bodies and reproductive capabilities?
- What long-term risks does surrogacy pose for the surrogate?
- Should there be compensation limits to avoid “buying” babies?
- How can rights and protections for surrogates be ensured?
- Should surrogacy be an altruistic act or is compensation ethical?
Addressing these concerns through legal contracts, psychological evaluations, and shared decision-making can help mitigate ethical issues. Ongoing counseling provides support throughout the process.
Legal considerations
The legal process for pursuing gestational surrogacy typically involves:
- Establishing parenthood – Contracts and court orders transfer legal parentage from the surrogate to the intended parents following birth
- Birth certificate naming intended parents as mother/father
- Obtaining a court order prior to embryo transfer (in some states)
- Post-birth adoption process to transfer rights to intended parents (in some states)
Laws regarding surrogacy, parentage, adoption, and compensation vary significantly by state. Working with an experienced surrogacy lawyer is crucial.
Finding an agency and surrogate
Reputable surrogacy agencies can help match intended parents with screened surrogates. Some key steps in the matching process:
- Intended parents work with the agency to compile profiles, complete consultations, and identify preferences
- Potential surrogates complete medical and psychological screening
- The agency provides profile matches for consideration
- Intended parents select and meet with one or more potential surrogates
- Compatibility assessments are made before officially matching
A personalized match based on shared expectations, beliefs, and goals can lead to a smoother surrogacy journey.
Conclusion
While complex, IVF with gestational surrogacy allows intended parents to have a biologically related child when the woman cannot carry the pregnancy herself. By working with medical professionals, legal experts, and surrogacy agencies, couples can take steps to pursue surrogacy in an ethical manner. Open communication and informed decisions are key throughout the process. When done carefully, surrogacy can successfully bring a child into parents’ lives.