Surrogacy in Guatemala is still under some controversy about using a surrogate mother to have a baby. The legal process is also tricky because it varies from Country to the other. There has been a lot of questions about the legality and costs of surrogacy in Guatemala . This article will explore more about the state of surrogacy in Guatemala . 

What is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a procedure where a female partner couldn’t carry a pregnancy because of some reason, so another woman agrees to carry the pregnancy for the couple. She lends her womb to them and the couple pays for all the medical expenses, her accommodation expenses, medications, and fee as a token of gratitude (in compensating method).  The woman who lends her womb is called a surrogate or gestational carrier. Usually, a surrogate is a young, healthy, and fertile woman. Through IVF, a fertility expert transfers an embryo made with fertilizing the intended father’s sperm and intended mother’s egg into the surrogate’s uterus. 

Types of surrogacy 

The term “surrogacy” is generally used to describe a couple different scenarios.

• A traditional surrogate both donates her own egg and carries a pregnancy for an individual or couple. The pregnancy is usually achieved through intrauterine insemination (IUI) with sperm from the intended father. Donor sperm may also be used.

• A gestational carrier carries a pregnancy for an individual or couple using an egg that is not the carrier’s. The egg may come from either the intended mother or a donor. Likewise, sperm may come from the intended father or a donor. Pregnancy is achieved through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Types of gestational surrogacy. 

Gestational surrogacy can be further subclassified into:Gestational surrogacy with an embryo from both intended parents (GS/IP): The surrogate is implanted with an embryo created by in vitro fertilization (IVF).using the intended mother’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm.

1. Gestational surrogacy and egg donation (GS/ED): The surrogate is implanted with an embryo created by IVF, using the intended father’s sperm and a donor egg whereby the donor is not the surrogate. The resulting child has genetic relation to the father but not the mother.
2. Gestational surrogacy and donor sperm (GS/DS): The surrogate is implanted with an embryo created by IVF, using intended mother’s egg and donor sperm. The resulting child has genetic relation to the mother but not the father.
3. Gestational surrogacy and donor embryo (GS/DE): A donor embryo is implanted in a surrogate. The resulting child has no genetic relation to the intended parents or the surrogate.

Reasons for surrogacy 

There are many reasons people choose surrogacy:

• Health issues prevent a woman from getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term.
• Infertility issues prevent couples from either getting or staying pregnant, like recurrent miscarriages.
• Same-sex couples wish to have children. This may be two men, but women also find this option attractive because the egg and resulting embryo from one partner can be transferred and carried by the other partner.
• Single people want to have biological children.

How to find a surrogate

• Some people find a friend or family member who’s willing to serve as a surrogate. Others turn to surrogacy agencies — in the Guatemala or abroad — to find a good match. 
• Agencies first screen candidates to ensure they meet the criteria associated with the process. 
• Then they cross-match your own wants/needs to find the best situation for your family.

How to Choose a Surrogate

Right now there aren’t any regulations about who can be a surrogate mother. But experts agree on a few points about how to select one.

You should choose surrogates who:

• Are at least 21 years old
• Have already given birth to at least one healthy baby so they understand firsthand the medical risks of pregnancy and childbirth and the emotional issues of bonding with a newborn
• Have passed a psychological screening by a mental health professional to uncover any issues with giving up the baby after birth.
• Sign a contract about their role and responsibilities in the pregnancy, such as prenatal care and agreeing to give you the baby after birth.

Surrogacy in Guatemala 

Surrogacy is Guatemala is open to everyone regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. In addition, the cost of surrogacy in Guatemala is much lower than in the United States. By utilizing a surrogacy agency, intended parents can find the process to be very simple and inexpensive. While there are no guarantees in surrogacy, the cost of multiple attempts is significantly lower in Guatemala.

Intended parents may wish to find a local surrogate agency to help them work with a surrogate mother in Guatemala. By having a local agency, intended parents can have easy access to those in charge of the surrogacy contract and can easily be updated as to any progress made.

The benefit of choosing Guatemala for international surrogacy is that it is fairly close to the United States.

While there may be many other countries that offer low cost surrogacy options, some of them are located further away from the United States. The relative proximity of Guatemala is an added benefit. Travel will be cheaper and quicker for intended parents. In addition, intended parents are closer should any complications arise.

Cost of surrogacy in Guatemala

The surrogacy cost in Guatemala is much more affordable than in western industrialized nations. It is reasonable and does not have any law or regulation controlling the form. Any person from another country can choose the process and become a parent successfully in Guatemala . Your surrogacy cost in Guatemala will depend on the type you select. You have chosen a compensated or altruistic surrogate mother, which will raise the price.