If you have exhausted all other methods of having children, there are options to creating a family today that could not ever be imagined in our parents time.  "Rent a womb", I don't mean any disrespect to either side.  Those in the position of offering their womb for money are bringing happiness to so many couples and those in the position of paying to "rent a womb" provide a financial incentive to women who otherwise may not find the means to support their current children.  Provided the new parents are not just trying to preserve their "girlish figures" or "don't have time to take off from their busy careers" and the surrogate moms are not jeopardizing their own health and are able to carry a baby to full term, then the reasons are pure and noble to go through surrogacy and by all means this is just a god given advancement in science that we all should enjoy. 

The first step is to decide on the best the kind of surrogacy. There are two types of surrogacy - genetic and gestational and to understand the terminology used in this industry.  (See separate blog entry for terminology)

Genetic
The surrogate is the genetic mother of the resulting child. In this the surrogate is artificially inseminated with the father(or a male sperm donor). Genetic surrogacy is simpler compared to gestational surrogacy. A DNA test at birth can determine for sure whether the child was produced as a results of the artificial insemination.  If a family has any doubt about the artificial insemination's success, a PreNatal Paternity Test can also be performed but everyone should understand the risks involved to both fetus and mother.

Gestational

In this the surrogate is not the genetic mother of the resulting child. The eggs(oocytes) are extracted from the mother(or egg donor) and mixed with the sperm from the father(sperm donor) in-vitro(in a test-tube, culture plate or similar vessel) that has an environment that will simulate that of the fallopian tubes.  A short biology lesson - a woman's eggs mature and move out of the ovaries into the woman's fallopian tubes where they are fertilized by sperm and move down the fallopian tube to the uterus in a normal pregnancy.  In in-vitro fertilization, the embryo is transferred into the surrogate's uterus.

In detail, in case of gestational surrogacy, the egg-donor is prepared by administering follicle stimulating (hormonal) medications to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. This procedure takes about 4-6 weeks. These medications cause more than one egg to mature and the eggs will be retrieved before they are released from the ovaries. These retrieved eggs are then fertilized by the sperm in a Petri dish in an incubator.

When the fertilized eggs reach the four to ten cell stage of development; they are called embryos and are ready to be placed in the womb of the surrogate, which is simultaneously prepared to receive the embryo so that it could be carried to term.

Again, DNA testing is recommended to assure the new parents are actually the biological parents of the embryo.  Paternity and Maternity Tests can be performed either at birth or prenatally via amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling, in order to confirm that the donor egg and sperm did indeed produce a child.  Since there risk involved with PreNatal Paternity Testing,  a doctor should explain to both sides any circumstantial risks.

Not all eggs which are retrieved get fertilized and not all of the fertilized eggs are used in the current IVF cycle. Some of the embryos are cryopreserved for future IVF procedures.  Deciding on the fate of the cryopreserved embryos early on in the procedure and in writing will eliminate unnecessary stress afterwards.   

Cost

Finally, you can find a surrogate in the United States by contacting your local Fertility Center or In-Vitro Fertilization Center.  www.ivfnj.com is one such site in New Jersey.  However, skyrocketing medical insurance costs have once again put the United States at a financial disadvantage and many other countries are offering Surrogacy Programs.  For a list of countries offering Surrogacy programs check out www.medicaltourism.com.  The DNA Lady does not endorse any of these sites and strongly recommend potential families investigate fully the facility they intend to use.   

 

All families are a blessing, no matter how you arrive at them or how you define them. 

There is a flurry of activity and paperwork and emotional highs and lows that go along with any pregnancy.  This is not the time to worry about "hurt feelings" or "political correctness".  You are in the process of having a baby via a surrogate mom and while most Surrogate Agencies are reputable, it is best to have a private DNA test performed to confirm this is your genetic or biological baby.

Today's DNA tests are non-invasive and to determine if the correct sperm and egg were fertilized a prenatal paternity or maternity test can actually be conducted in order to remove any doubts as early as 9 weeks into the pregnancy.  If the surrogate mother is undergoing an amniocentesis (usually after 12 weeks) or chorionic villis sampling (usually after 9 weeks) as part of her regular genetic testing during pregnancy, then at the same time, a Prenatal Paternity or Maternity Test can be performed.  A lab technician will remove a small sample of the amniotic fluid or fetal cells, which can be matched to the genetic mother and/or father to determine parentage.  A non-invasive cheek swab of the surrogate mother should also be collected to rule out any discrepancy.

While most Surrogate Agencies offer DNA testing at birth, it is strongly suggested that you conduct your own private DNA test at the same time for confirmation.  If your surrogate mother is outside of the United States, the Consulate will require a DNA test conducted by an AABB accredited laboratory to issue a U.S. passport for your child to travel back home.

 

 

Many individuals who were adopted are searching for information about their biological parents or general information about their family origins. 

 

Males can test their Y-DNA to:

• trace the paternal line
• determine possible original surnames
• connect with genetic cousins
• learn about your suggested geographic origins
• find your deep ancestral ethnic origins

Both males and females can test their mtDNA to:

• trace the maternal line
• connect with genetic cousins
• learn about your suggested geographic origins
• find your deep ancestral ethnic origins

There are at least 17 different types of DNA testing options available for adoptees to begin their ancestry heritage search.  As this subject can be very confusing with all its terminology, biology, pricing, best test case scenario - it is best to call your local DNA expert to determine which test or combination of tests is best suited for your circumstances. 

Test Example:

mtDNA Plus

Both men and women may take this test. It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines (excludes all paternal lineage). If you are interesting in determining your mother's line, this may be a good test for you. A panel of twenty-two SNPs is included for backbone haplogroup placement (see DNALady's dictionary for definition of Haplogroups and SNPs).  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal line. You will receive a certificate and report describing the testing process and the meaning of the matches. Results are placed in our database. When another person shows identical results, if both parties have signed a Release Form then we will inform you of the match.

Y-DNA37+mtDNA

Y-DNA 67+mtDNA

Only available to males, these tests are a combination of a male specific Y-chromosome test and a maternal lineage mitochondrial test. THe number of markers you request (37 or 67) will determine cost of the test.  A Y-haplogroup is determined and backed by our SNP Assurance Program. For the mtDNA test, a panel of twenty-two SNPs is included for backbone haplogroup placement. When another person shows identical results within our database, if both parties have signed a Release Form, then we will inform you of the match. The customer will also receive a certificate and report describing the testing process and the meaning of thirty-seven marker and mtDNA matches.

 

Irrespective of the test you chose, be sure to use a laboratory that is accredited by the AABB, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH and other national DNA collection institutions to insure accuracy and reliability of tests.   Having a local DNA collection expert to meet with in person (rather than ordering tests over the internet or through 800 #), allows you to ask follow up questions in person once you receive your results.  The local DNA collection expert may have experience with other DNA tests that she/he can apply to your situation as well.