Alternatively, the intended parent may be a single male or a single woman who is unable to bring a pregnancy to full term so he/she can use surrogacy.

Using a gestational carrier surrogacy may be the best choice for you if you're unable to conceive because your uterus is irregular or missing. Some women are unable to carry a child to term. A variety of causes account for this, including failure of the embryo to implant, repeated miscarriage, hysterectomy or a pelvic disorder. Some women experience problems such as dangerously high blood pressure, a heart condition or liver disease, so that pregnancy would entail a serious health risk for them. Some people may come to terms with their childlessness. Others may find adoption or fostering an acceptable alternative, although this option is limited by the number of babies and children offered for adoption. For others surrogacy may be seen as a possible solution. Because surrogacy involves another person taking on the risks of pregnancy, it is only acceptable as a last resort, where it is impossible or very dangerous for the intended mother to carry a child herself.

Typically, you and your partner will undergo an procedure such as to produce an embryo that's biologically yours. Your embryo will then be placed in the uterus of a gestational carrier, who'll carry the baby to term. When the child is born, the carrier will turn the baby over to you and sign away her parental rights.

Gestational carrier arrangements are usually set up either as independent adoptions, in states where they're legal, or more commonly by arranged through agencies. Some physicians specialize in working with gestational carriers and can help you make an arrangement.

Pluses

There are many reasons for infertility - If you and your partner are unable to conceive on your own, a gestational carrier offers you a chance to parent your own biological child by having your surrogate carry an embryo created from your egg and your partner's sperm. If you set up an open arrangement, you can be intimately involved in the details of your baby's development and have a say in your gestational carrier's nutrition and health care during the pregnancy.

If a woman can become pregnant but has health issues that prevent her from carrying a baby, then surrogacy is a viable option.

Same sex couples can adopt via surrogacy.

Some surrogate mothers note that they feel happy to be able to provide a baby for a family who might otherwise not have one.

In an open surrogate situation, the birth mother and adoptive parents may become close, a situation that can benefit everyone, including the baby.

Minuses

In addition to the possible, using a gestational carrier is expensive, highly controversial, and legally complex, often involving intricate contracts and arrangements. In several states, using a gestational carrier is illegal, which forces couples to make agreements under the table. Also surrogacy is a lengthy and medically invasive process for the surrogate mother and involves anxiety on the part of everyone.

Sometimes surrogacy can even involve guilt on the part of the surrogate mother for giving up her baby.