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Gestational surrogacy
1Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge CB3 7TR, UK. brinsdenp@aol.com
Human Reproduction Update
|December 3, 2003
Summary
Gestational surrogacy, using in vitro fertilization (IVF), enables women without a uterus to have genetically related children. This treatment option shows good success rates and limited complications.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Assisted Reproductive Technology
Background:
- Gestational surrogacy offers a solution for women with medical conditions preventing pregnancy, such as an absent uterus.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) is integral to creating embryos for gestational surrogacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gestational surrogacy using IVF.
- To assess pregnancy rates and ethical considerations in gestational surrogacy.
Main Methods:
- Embryo creation via IVF using commissioning couple's gametes.
- Embryo transfer to a screened, fertile surrogate host.
- Routine IVF procedures adapted for gestational surrogacy.
Main Results:
- Clinical pregnancy rates up to 40% per embryo transfer.
- Live birth rates of 60% reported in some series.
- Gestational surrogacy has been largely complication-free with reassuring follow-up data.
Conclusions:
- Gestational surrogacy is a successful treatment for women unable to carry their own genetic children.
- Ethical and legal issues are minimized compared to other surrogacy types.
- This assisted reproductive technology provides a viable option for a specific patient group.
Keywords:
Genetics and Reproduction