Surrogacy and Health Issues

Surrogacy refers to the carrying of a pregnancy and giving birth to a child for intended parents. It is an arrangement where the womb of a female is said to be rented for a couple who is unable to otherwise give birth to a child. Two main types of surrogacies are known, gestational and traditional. Surrogacy brings along many, apart from physical health, her physiological as well as psychological health is a matter of deep concern. Some women experience emotional distress, whilesome women might experience psychological reactions like depression or refusal when surrendering the child, grief, sorrow etc. The overall procedure of Surrogacy has been known to involve some risks and medical complications like Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome, Preterm labour, Gestational diabetes, Preeclampsia, Placental abruption, Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. The side effects of fertility drugs given to conceive the embryo properly include mood swings, hot flushes, irritability and headache. Additionally, risk of transferring hepatitis and HIV can also not be denied. Some other common side effects which might occur includeSevere exhaustion, Nausea and vomiting, Heartburn, Indigestion, Weight gain, Dizziness, Acne, Swelling and pain in joints, Bleeding gums, Breast pain, Anaemia etc. Thus it becomes very important to develop best quality infrastructure and medical facilities for the surrogate mothers along with providing them a reasonable amount of physical, emotional and financial benefits.