The fertility counsellor’s role is most
important in the entire surrogacy process as he/she is the main coordinator and
is aware of the situation of both the parties. The counsellor is the first
contact point of both. Once a couple is diagnosed with infertility and opted
for surrogacy they first look for a reliable counsellor who can give them safe
and sound passage in this unknown terrain of surrogacy. It is very important
for both the intended parents and the surrogate
mother and her family to have faith in the counsellor and trust all the
guidelines formulated by her/him as this is in the best interest of both the
parties.
In the quest to complete family and achieve parenthood, when
the couple approaches the counsellor and shares their medical history, the
counsellor appraises them about the entire journey in details. It is when they
are informed about self cycle and donor cycle surrogacy. As per the likings of
the couple the counsellor suggests the profiles of available surrogates and
arranges meetings between them.
Surrogacy in India follows certain norms. Although all
the surrogates are pre screened and counselled for their role, once the couple
selects the surrogate mother, that particular lady is counselled gain by the
counsellor involving a clinical psychologist for the assessment of her
behaviour. This is of utmost importance as to make the process successful, her
willingness to cooperate and attitude should be gauged. Whether the surrogate
is suffering from any mental stress or hassled by her family will bear an
unwanted impact on her pregnancy. It is the responsibility of the counsellor to
see the support of her husband and family. Both the surrogate and her husband
receives counselling.
It is very important for the surrogate mother to have a child
of her own to get her informed consent in this. Having previous child is a
proven fact of her child bearing capacity. The legality of the process is also
explained in detail to both the parties, particularly the surrogate mother that
she will not have any right on this child. The legality also protects the
surrogates from any eventuality during pregnancy and gets a life insurance
coverage. A medico legal lawyer is engaged by the counsellor to look into the
interests of both the parties.
After conception also the surrogate mother may feel emotional
distress and needs support from the counsellor. He/she also alleviates any fear
the surrogate might be apprehensive of. She should be made aware of the medical
complications that may arise like hormonal changes, multiple pregnancy, bed
rest, gestational diabetes etc.
Similarly, the couple’s anxieties and worries will have to be
dispersed and dealt with. They can get impatient and ask all sorts of
questions. With great calmness, the counsellor has to handle it. The progress
of the pregnancy is reported to the parents time to time. A healthy
relationship between the intended parent and the surrogate mother for effective
communication should be worked upon.
After the delivery the smooth handing process and post partum
care of the surrogate is a prime objective of the counsellor.
Last but not the least, the financial bearing of this journey
takes a significant role in this. If this is an altruistic surrogacy, the
surrogate is known to the intended couple, then only the cost of medication,
diet and procedures are covered. If the surrogate mother is unknown and
requires compensation, then the couple should be guided accordingly and
explained in detail about each and every payment process. Surrogacy in Delhi provides low cost surrogacy to intended parents.
In short, the counsellor acts as a friend, philosopher and
guide to both the parties to minimise the negative risk and to maximise the
positive outcome. The counsellor will educate, guide and advice all the time to
ensure that all that is well ends well.
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