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 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).

• 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.

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 Argentina 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 Argentina 

Surrogate pregnancy is a social reality in Argentina and has been practiced for many years. The country is equipped with very advanced fertility clinics. Nothing prevents couples or individuals from resorting to these practices. 

The  Law 26,862  of  Medically Assisted Human Reproduction also known as ‘National Law on Assisted Fertilization’, was approved by the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies in Congress assembled on June 5, 2013, and promulgated on 25 June of the same year

Cost of Surrogacy in Argentina 

The surrogacy cost in Argentina 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 Argentina. Your surrogacy cost in Argentina will depend on the type you select. You have chosen a compensated or altruistic surrogate mother, which will raise the price. 

It approximately ranges from USD 66,000 to USD 69,900.

Several factors affect your surrogacy costs in the country. Your gametes and surrogate mother’s reproductive health are crucial in determining the charge. The following aspects will affect the cost of surrogacy in Argentina:

• Surrogate: You will select a surrogate mother through any centre or agency that will require a price for medical diagnosis, her compensation, essential needs, travel, food, living, and other nutrients and assistance need during pregnancy. You can provide surrogate mother insurance that may not cover the entire process. The surrogate mother cost in Argentina will affect your entire expenses. 
• Agency: You will choose the surrogate mother from an agency. They have different prices for providing the most advanced and best services. It can increase your total cost in the country. They offer services according to the patient’s needs. It will affect the entire budget.
• Legal: The surrogacy process includes a legal framework between both parties for their rights to the child. It involves an experienced family lawyer to form the contract for your process.
• Donor assistance: You require donor eggs or sperm to attain successful pregnancy results.