It Takes Three: Gestational SurrogacyGestational surrogacy is when a woman, called a surrogate mother, is pregnant and gives birth to a baby who is not genetically related to her. Gestational surrogacy usually occurs when a couple is unable to become pregnant and/or carry a baby. In most cases, it is because the woman has an unhealthy or non-existent uterus. Gestational surrogacy is also sometimes used by same-sex couples who want to start a family. The pregnancy is created using a medical procedure called in vitro fertilization, in which fertilized eggs are transferred into the surrogate mother's uterus using a needle. The entire gestational surrogacy process is usually handled by a surrogacy agency. They take care of everything from finding a surrogate mother to the in vitro fertilization process. However, couples and surrogates are usually represented by independent attorneys because gestational surrogacy involves a lot of legal work. Gestational surrogacy is a long and demanding process, both emotionally and physically, that requires the full dedication of all parties involved. There are many legal negotiations and the process is not cheap, but intended parents are willing to go through the process in order to have a child that is genetically related to them. The gestational surrogacy process begins when the intended parents, the couple who will have a baby through a surrogate, meet with a surrogacy agency. Intended parents must first meet with their attorney, representatives of the surrogacy agency, and mental health professionals. They will then determine whether or not the couple is right for surrogacy. The couple must also undergo a psychological examination and a test for sexually transmitted diseases. The surrogate mother...... middle of paper ......ive or negative, gestational surrogacy opens the door for people and couples of all types to be able to start their own family with their own genes. Works Cited Colenso, Maria. “How Surrogacy Works” Discovery Health. Internet. May 1, 2011. “Gestational Carrier Program.” Shady Grove Fertility. Np, and Web. April 30, 2011. “The process of becoming a surrogate mother.” Become a surrogate mother. Np, and Web. April 30, 2011. “Gestational GPA.” IVF Nova. Np, and Web. April 21, 2011. “New Hope Surrogacy.” Surrogacy of a new hope. Np, and Web. May 1 2011. .