Building a family is a deeply personal journey, and for some, surrogacy offers a path to parenthood when other options may not be possible. At Indiana Fertility Institute, we understand the emotional and logistical complexities of this process, especially in a state like Indiana, where surrogacy laws require careful navigation. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the medical aspects of surrogacy while connecting you with trusted professionals to support every step of your journey.
Surrogacy is a family-building option where a woman, known as a surrogate, carries and delivers a child for intended parents. This path to parenthood can be an option for individuals or couples facing medical, biological, or other challenges in building their families.
There are two types of surrogacy:
Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child.
Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate uses her own eggs, making her the genetic mother of the child. This method is rarely used and comes with additional legal complexities.
Surrogacy may be recommended in the following situations:
Individuals with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe or impossible
Couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss
Women with uterine abnormalities or absence of a uterus
Same-sex male couples or single men who wish to have a biological child
Surrogates are compassionate individuals who choose to help others build their families. They undergo rigorous medical, psychological, and legal screening to ensure they are physically and emotionally prepared for the journey. Most intended parents work with professional surrogacy agencies to find qualified surrogates. These agencies provide essential services, including matching intended parents with surrogates, coordinating logistics, and navigating legal requirements.
The medical process of surrogacy involves:
Screening and Preparation: The surrogate undergoes thorough health evaluations. Intended parents also undergo medical testing and fertility assessments.
IVF Treatment: Eggs and sperm are retrieved from the intended parents or donors and combined in a laboratory to create embryos. One or more embryos are then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
Pregnancy and Delivery: The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and delivers the baby. Throughout the pregnancy, the fertility clinic monitors the surrogate’s health and provides medical support as needed.
Many families have successfully grown through surrogacy in Indiana, but it’s important to understand the legal landscape that shapes the process. Gestational surrogacy is permitted, and with the support of an experienced reproductive attorney, intended parents and surrogates can navigate the necessary legal steps to protect everyone involved. While surrogacy contracts are not considered legally enforceable in Indiana, additional legal actions can make surrogacy a viable path to parenthood for many aspiring families.
Some important legal considerations for surrogacy in Indiana include:
Medical need – Intended parents must demonstrate a medical reason they are unable to safely carry a pregnancy.
Who can pursue surrogacy – Both individuals and couples, including LGBTQ+ intended parents, are eligible to pursue surrogacy in Indiana.
Genetic connection – At least one intended parent must have a genetic connection to the child in order to establish legal parentage.
Establishing parentage – Legal steps to confirm parental rights take place after birth and vary based on each family’s specific situation.
Traditional surrogacy – Surrogacy involving the surrogate’s own egg is legally more complicated and generally discouraged in Indiana.
Because Indiana’s surrogacy laws can be complex, partnering with a knowledgeable reproductive attorney is essential.
At Indiana Fertility Institute, we provide comprehensive medical support for surrogacy journeys, including:
Conducting fertility evaluations for intended parents
Managing IVF treatment and embryo transfer procedures
Offering guidance on selecting and coordinating with surrogacy agencies
Comprehensive screening for egg and sperm donors (if applicable)
Monitoring the surrogate’s health during early pregnancy
While we do not provide surrogacy matching services or legal representation, we work collaboratively with trusted surrogacy agencies and reproductive attorneys to support every step of your journey.
While surrogacy is not explicitly prohibited, the legal environment is complex, and surrogacy agreements may not be enforceable. It is essential to consult with a reproductive attorney.
Most intended parents work with reputable surrogacy agencies that specialize in matching and supporting surrogates and intended parents.
Surrogates undergo comprehensive medical evaluations to minimize risks. Common risks are similar to those of any pregnancy, including complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
Yes, same-sex couples can pursue surrogacy, though navigating the legal aspects may require additional steps. Working with experienced professionals is crucial.
Using donor eggs can help couples and individuals build the families of their dreams. To learn more, schedule an appointment with our reproductive specialists in Indiana today. We look forward to being a part of your family-building journey.