Surrogacy: A Beacon of Hope
For many individuals and couples unable to carry a pregnancy, surrogacy represents a path to fulfilling their dreams of parenthood. At St. Ives Hospital, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate, ethical, and professional surrogacy services tailored to your needs.
How Does Surrogacy Work?
Surrogacy involves the partnership between intended parents and a surrogate who carries the pregnancy to term. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Preparation: Intended parents provide genetic material (sperm and/or egg) or use donor material for IVF.
- Fertilization: An embryo is created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and implanted in the surrogate.
- Pregnancy: The surrogate carries the baby, supported by expert medical care and counseling.
- Birth: After delivery, the baby is handed over to the intended parents, fulfilling their dream of parenthood.
Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy
Understanding the differences between traditional and gestational surrogacy is key to making informed decisions:
- Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate’s egg is used, making her the biological mother. This approach is less common due to legal and emotional complexities.
- Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate has no genetic link to the baby. This method, facilitated by IVF, ensures legal clarity and emotional simplicity.
At St. Ives, we exclusively focus on gestational surrogacy to provide a seamless, conflict-free experience.
Why Choose St. Ives Hospital for Surrogacy?
St. Ives is renowned for its commitment to excellence, transparency, and patient care. Here’s why we’re your best choice:
- Ethical and Legal Excellence
Our process is fully compliant with Nigerian laws, ensuring the rights of both the surrogate and the intended parents are protected. We handle all legal documentation, including surrogacy contracts and parental rights agreements, so you don’t have to worry about complexities.
- Emotional and Psychological Support
We understand that surrogacy can be an emotional journey. Our team provides counseling for intended parents and surrogates, ensuring mental and emotional well-being throughout the process.
- Expert Medical Care
From IVF procedures to prenatal check-ups and delivery, our medical team ensures the highest standard of care for the surrogate and baby. We also coordinate all medical appointments, making the process stress-free for you.
Step-by-Step Surrogacy Process
Here’s a roadmap of what to expect when you choose St. Ives for your surrogacy journey:
- Consultation and Planning: Meet our experts to discuss your goals and understand the surrogacy process.
- Screening and Matching: We select a surrogate who meets strict medical and psychological criteria.
- IVF and Embryo Transfer: Our fertility specialists oversee the creation and implantation of embryos.
- Pregnancy Management: Regular medical monitoring and counseling support are provided throughout the pregnancy.
- Delivery and Parenthood: After delivery, legal procedures ensure you are recognized as the baby’s legal parents.
Common Questions About Surrogacy
- Is surrogacy right for me?
Surrogacy is ideal for individuals who cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical conditions or same-sex couples looking to grow their family.
- What does the surrogacy cost include?
At St. Ives, our transparent pricing covers surrogate care, medical procedures, counseling, and legal documentation.
- Can I have contact with the surrogate?
Yes, we encourage a respectful and supportive relationship between the surrogate and intended parents.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
At St. Ives Hospital, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can make your dream of parenthood a reality.
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