Recently, a San Francisco woman, 36, died during childbirth. She had been carrying a child for another family, but complications occurred during the delivery. The woman’s husband and two children were left without a mother. This was the second time she had acted as a surrogate for the same family.
The surrogacy industry has grown steadily over the past few years. The number of gestational carriers nearly tripled from 2007 to 2016, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surrogacy agencies and lawyers have worked hard to improve safety measures for surrogates. As a result, a tragic situation like Seraphina Harrell’s is becoming less common.
Although modern medical care has dramatically reduced the risk of pregnancy, deaths still occur. In one case, the mother died just eight days after giving birth. It is crucial to understand the risks involved when choosing a surrogate mother. The surrogate mother’s health and safety should be her top priority.
Before a surrogate becomes pregnant, she should share her medical history with the intended parents. The intended parents and surrogates meet before the pregnancy and are usually in constant contact during the pregnancy. The intended parents are typically present at the hospital for childbirth.
While the risks of being a surrogate are real, they are often worth it. A woman on Reddit who became a surrogate for her best friend six years ago said that the experience was worth it. Sadly, the woman’s friend passed away before the baby was born, and she found herself in a precarious position.
Maternal mortality is a serious issue that must be addressed in surrogacy. The Surrogacy Bill 2016 offers some protection for the surrogate mother during the surrogacy process but does not cover post-delivery care. It is essential to consider the costs involved and ensure the surrogate’s health is regarded as a maternal health safeguard.
Surrogacy is a complex process that involves emotional, legal, and medical issues. Although the surrogate must understand and accept the inherent risk of death, she must be willing to face the risks. In addition to considering the financial and emotional benefits of being a surrogate, she must consider the risks to her life and her family.
The surrogate should have a clean medical history and a desire to help the intended parents. Surrogates may carry a child for a stranger, a friend, or a family member. Sometimes, health care providers may order screenings and assessments to ensure the surrogate is medically appropriate and understands the risks involved.
In some surrogacy cases, the intended parents and surrogate have a written agreement that defines the relationship. The intended parents conceived baby X with the intended father’s sperm. Unfortunately, the intended father could not continue sustaining his life and died unexpectedly five months into the pregnancy. This left the new mum a widow. This case highlights the importance of shared intention.