Yes, a woman can carry a pregnancy for another woman through a process called gestational surrogacy. In this process, a woman, known as a surrogate, agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another couple or individual who is unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. This typically involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), where an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor is fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The fertilized egg is then implanted into the surrogate's uterus.
Key points to remember:
- Gestational surrogacy is a common and well-established method of assisted reproduction.
- The surrogate does not share any genetic connection with the child. She simply carries the pregnancy for the intended parents.
- The intended parents are the legal parents of the child.
- Surrogacy laws vary widely from country to country. It is important to understand the legal framework in the specific jurisdiction where the surrogacy is taking place.
