Surrogacy

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (the surrogate) agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another person or couple (the intended parents). This assisted reproductive technology is used when pregnancy is medically impossible or risky for the intended mother, or for same-sex male couples or single men who wish to have a biological child. There are two main types: traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate's egg is used (making her the biological mother), and gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries an embryo created using the intended mother's egg or a donor egg (having no genetic relationship to the baby).

Procedure Details

Gestational surrogacy, the most common form, involves several steps. First, eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor through an IVF procedure. These eggs are fertilized in a laboratory with sperm from the intended father or a donor. The resulting embryos are cultured for 3-5 days before the healthiest ones are selected. One or more embryos are then transferred to the surrogate's uterus through a simple outpatient procedure. Prior to this transfer, the surrogate undergoes hormonal preparation to optimize her uterine lining for implantation. If pregnancy occurs, the surrogate carries the baby to term and delivers, after which the child goes home with the intended parents. Throughout the process, all parties undergo extensive medical and psychological screening, and legal contracts are established to protect everyone's rights and responsibilities.

Recovery Information

• Embryo Transfer Time: 15-30 MIN
• Back to Work (Surrogate): 1-2 DAYS
• Anesthetist: NONE/LIGHT SEDATION
• Hospitalization Time: OUTPATIENT
• Pregnancy Duration: 9 MONTHS
• Stay Time for Intended Parents: Initial visit of 7-10 days, then return for birth

Benefits

• Enables biological parenthood for those who cannot carry a pregnancy
• Option for same-sex male couples to have biological children
• Solution for women with medical conditions preventing pregnancy
• Possibility for genetic connection to one or both intended parents
• Higher success rates compared to some other fertility options
• Allows women with serious health risks to avoid dangerous pregnancies
• Creates meaningful relationships between surrogates and intended parents
• Provides a path to parenthood when other options have failed

Why Choose Iran for Surrogacy

Iran offers several significant advantages for international patients seeking surrogacy arrangements:

• Comprehensive Legal Framework: Iran has established religious and legal frameworks for surrogacy, providing security for all parties involved
• Exceptional Cost Savings: Surrogacy in Iran costs 70-80% less than in Western countries, with comprehensive packages starting from $15,000-$25,000 (compared to $100,000-$150,000 in the US)
• Advanced Fertility Centers: State-of-the-art clinics equipped with the latest technology for IVF and embryo transfer
• Experienced Reproductive Specialists: Iranian fertility doctors have extensive experience with complex surrogacy cases
• Thorough Screening Processes: Comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation of surrogates
• Cultural Acceptance: Surrogacy is accepted within the Iranian religious and cultural framework
• All-Inclusive Packages: Comprehensive care covering medical procedures, legal services, surrogate compensation, accommodation, transportation, and interpreter services
• Streamlined Process: Coordinated approach to medical, legal, and logistical aspects
• Post-Birth Support: Assistance with documentation and travel arrangements for the newborn

Risks and Considerations

• Emotional complexity for all parties involved
• Potential legal complications in home country recognition
• Medical risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth
• Possibility of failed embryo implantation
• Ethical considerations regarding surrogate compensation and autonomy
• Need for clear legal agreements and expectations
• Cultural and language differences requiring sensitive navigation
• Varying international laws regarding parentage and citizenship

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for surrogacy arrangements include:- Women with medical conditions preventing pregnancy (absent/damaged uterus, recurrent pregnancy loss)- Women for whom pregnancy would pose serious health risks- Same-sex male couples wishing to have biological children- Single men desiring biological parenthood- Couples who have experienced multiple failed IVF attempts- Individuals or couples who understand the emotional, legal, and financial aspects- Those who can travel to Iran for key appointments and birth- Patients with realistic expectations about the process and outcomes

Preparation for Travel to Iran

Before traveling to Iran for surrogacy arrangements, intended parents should:- Consult with their chosen Iranian fertility center remotely- Complete initial fertility testing in their home country and share results- Obtain necessary medical visa (facilitated by most medical tourism providers)- Understand the legal framework and prepare necessary documentation- Arrange for egg retrieval and sperm collection/shipping- Consult with legal experts in both Iran and their home country- Prepare for multiple visits (initial consultation, embryo creation/transfer, birth)- Research their home country's requirements for bringing the child home- Establish communication channels with their surrogate (if desired)

Process in Iran

The surrogacy process in Iran typically includes:- Initial consultation and medical evaluation- Selection and screening of an appropriate surrogate- Legal contract establishment between all parties- IVF procedure to create embryos using intended parents' or donors' gametes- Preparation of surrogate's uterus with hormonal therapy- Embryo transfer to the surrogate- Pregnancy monitoring and prenatal care- Birth and transfer of the baby to the intended parents- Assistance with documentation for the child's travel home- Dedicated medical tourism coordinators to assist throughout the process- Translation services for all medical and legal communications

Long-Term Results

Surrogacy has high success rates when performed at reputable fertility centers with properly screened surrogates. In Iran, success rates for gestational surrogacy are comparable to those at leading global centers, with the significant advantage of lower costs and a supportive legal framework. Most intended parents report high satisfaction with their experience and outcomes. The emotional journey of surrogacy can be complex, but with proper support and clear expectations, it creates families that might otherwise not be possible. Iranian fertility centers often maintain relationships with international patients after the birth, providing guidance on any follow-up care or future family-building plans.