A Presentation by LaTasha Harvey Advanced English 12 September 14, 2009

Surrogacy is the process in which a woman is hired to carry a couple’s child.

 Surrogacy can either be commercial (surrogate gets paid a fee) or it can happen out the goodness of someone’s heart.

 Some couples use surrogacy to avoid genetic defects.

 Some people do it simply for convenience.

 Gay male couples also use surrogacy so that at least one partner will be related to the child.

IInfertility is the most common reason surrogacy is used.

 Artificial insemination : Uses husband’s sperm and surrogate’s egg. The husband and surrogate are related to the child, the wife is not ; wife adopts child.

AArtificial Insemination by donor: Surrogate egg is fertilized by donor. Surrogate is related to the child, but the couple is not; couple adopts child

IIn Vitro Fertilization w/ embryo transfer: Uses wife’s egg and husband’s sperm, and fertilized egg is implanted in surrogate; both husband and wife are related to child.

 In Vitro Fertilization, Egg donor: An egg donor is combined with the husband’s sperm and then transferred. The husband is related to the child, but the wife and surrogate aren’t; wife adopts child.

 All compensated types of surrogacy are estimated around $55,  $12, in legal fees  $15, in surrogate fees.  The rest is for other various fees.

The couple usually asks general questions about the candidate's:  Name  Spouse  Children  Career  Personality

 Couples may also ask about the candidate’s health “Are you taking any medications?  They ask about previous surrogate experiences “Have you ever been a surrogate?”

 Potential surrogates may be asked about their financial status. “What are you looking for as compensation?”  They may also be asked about their feelings on the birth. “Who would you want present at birth?”

 Some people believe that the act of surrogacy is demeaning to women.  They see surrogacy as “baby-selling” and they consider it an immoral act.  Surrogate mothers are often referred to as having a “womb for rent ”.

 As of right now, surrogacy is recognized in VA.  However, VA laws prohibit commercial surrogacy and the law also prohibits gay couples from participating in the procedure.

 I believe that surrogacy is a perfectly good way to start a family.  I feel that if the couple has the money, time, and patience, then they should go through with the process.

Baby Emma Baby Manji