ABSTRACT
The gametes may or may not come from the intended parents, as gestational surrogacy may take place with embryos from donor oocytes, sperm, or embryos. In recent years, men, either single or in a homosexual relationship, desiring to become parents, have utilized gestational carriers. Psychological evaluation and counseling are recommended for all contracting parties involved in a gestational carrier pregnancy to carefully define expectations during the pregnancy and any future relationship between the gestational carrier, intended parents, and offspring. Limited research has investigated the experience of the children whose mother contracts to become a gestational carrier. One of the ethical issues surrounding the use of gestational carriers lies in the indications for use of a surrogate. With the increasing sophistication of assisted reproduction, fresh and frozen embryo transfer protocols have been established. After embryo transfer, hormonal replacement is continued to support the pregnancy until 12 weeks of gestation.
