Psychological screening and counseling of the potential surrogate is essential in order to discern not only whether the surrogate is an appropriate candidate, but also to assist the surrogate and the infertile couple with coping with the pregnancy, as well as the post-partum separation following the birth of the child. The surrogate must agree to abstain from sexual relations around the time of embryo transfer or artificial insemination, and the surrogate must furthermore agree to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco consumption during the course of the pregnancy, as well as to comply with the nutritional dictates of the obstetrician. Strenuous exercise or work must often be avoided following embryo transfer. While a pregnant woman would customarily expect to consult with her physician in private, the surrogate may expect one or both of the infertile couple will accompany her to obstetric appointments if they are in the same local area, and the surrogate's medical records and test results would be fully available to the infertile couple. The surrogate should expect the infertile couple to be present at birth, and the most intimate details of the pregnancy will be explored at court proceedings where it is established who are the ultimate parents of the child.
Privacy is a luxury unavailable in the surrogacy context.
However, this is not to say that those involved in the surrogacy should be subjected to unwarranted public scrutiny. This is simply one area of consideration, and provides some indication as to the complexities involved. Mark A. Johnson Copyright 1996. Inc. If you would like to include this information on your website, you may link to the page directly on our site. Guest commentary and representations by others do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the principals of TASC, and should furthermore be independently verified.