Surrogate Mothers
Contracts
Cupressus
Embryo Transfer
Perinatal outcome after in-vitro fertilization-surrogacy. (1/61)
The perinatal outcome of pregnancies (both single and multiple) established after in-vitro fertilization (IVF)-surrogacy was evaluated and compared to the outcome of pregnancies that resulted from standard IVF. Analysis of medical records and a telephone interview with physicians, IVF-surrogates, and commissioning mothers were conducted to assess prenatal follow up and delivery care in several hospitals. 95 IVF-surrogates delivered 128 liveborn (65 singletons, 27 sets of twins and two sets of triplets). The commissioning mothers and the IVF-surrogates average ages were 37.7 +/- 5.0 and 30.4 +/- 4.7 years old respectively. IVF-surrogates carrying twin and triplet gestations delivered substantially earlier than those who gestated singleton pregnancies (36.2 +/- 0.4 versus 35.5 versus 38.7 +/- 0.3 weeks gestation respectively; P < 0.001). Twin newborns were significantly lighter than singleton infants born through IVF-surrogacy (2.7 +/- 0.06 versus 3.5 +/- 0.07 kg; P < 0.001). The incidence of low birth weight infants rose from 3.3% in the single births to 29.6% (P < 0.01) in the twins and to 33.3% in the triplets born through IVF-surrogacy. The incidence of prematurity was significantly greater in both twins delivered by IVF-surrogates (20.4%) and infertile IVF patients (58%). The occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and bleeding in the third trimester was four to five times lower in the IVF-surrogates, independently of whether they were carrying multiples. The incidence of Caesarean section was 21.3% for singleton gestations, while two times higher in the IVF-surrogates carrying multiples (56.3%). Postpartum complications occurred in 6.3% of patients and the incidence of malformation was similar to those reported for the general population. The results provide general reassurance regarding perinatal outcome to couples who wish to pursue IVF-surrogacy. (+info)Social aspects in assisted reproduction. (2/61)
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive techniques have become common practice in many countries today, regulated by established legislation, regulations or by committee-set ethical standards. The rapid evolution and progress of these techniques have revealed certain social issues that have to be addressed. The traditional heterosexual couple, nowadays, is not considered by many as the only 'IVF appropriate patient' since deviations from this pattern (single mother, lesbians) have also gained access to these treatments. Genetic material donation, age limitation, selective embryo reduction, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, surrogacy and cloning are interpreted differently in the various countries, as their definition and application are influenced by social factors, religion and law. Financial and emotional stresses are also often described in infertile couples. Information as deduced from the world literature regarding IVF regulation, as well as about the existing religious, cultural and social behaviours towards these new technologies, is presented in this article in relation to the social aspects of assisted reproduction. (+info)Organizational selection and assessment of women entering a surrogacy agreement in the UK. (3/61)
In the UK, surrogacy procedures are unregulated and not monitored. Information concerning the selection and assessment of intended (the mother commissioning) and surrogate mothers (the mother carrying and delivering the baby) is therefore not generally available (BMA, 1996). It is important to determine what type of assessment is used, and how selection takes place within the organizations dealing with surrogate motherhood arrangements. The present survey enquired about the incidence, selection and assessment procedures of all registered surrogate and commissioning couples, and aimed to find out what advice and support is given. Eight organizations took part in the survey, six were clinics and two agencies dealing with surrogate arrangements. Two voluntary organizations/helplines were also surveyed, but their data are not relevant to the results presented here. An interview and questionnaire approach was used. Psychosocial assessment was minimally addressed by all organizations, and no fixed procedures for assessment and selection were employed. Despite this, few incidences of controversial cases were reported. Confidence in this practice could be increased in the future if both parties embarking on a surrogacy arrangement knew they were properly selected and assessed. A regulatory body could monitor consistent use of professional evidence-based criteria prior to arrangements. (+info)Fifteen years experience with an in-vitro fertilization surrogate gestational pregnancy programme. (4/61)
The purpose of our study was to review and evaluate retrospectively the experience of an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) surrogate gestational programme in a tertiary care and academic centre. In a 15 year period from 1984 to 1999, a total of 180 cycles of IVF surrogate gestational pregnancy was started in 112 couples. On average, the women were 34.4 +/- 4.4 years of age, had 11.1 +/- 0.72 oocytes obtained per retrieval, 7.1 +/- 0.5 oocytes fertilized and 5. 8 +/- 0.4 embryos subsequently cleaved. Sixteen cycles (8.9%) were cancelled due to poor stimulation. Except for six cycles (3.3%) where there were no embryos available, an average of 3.2 +/- 0.1 embryos was transferred to each individual recipient. The overall pregnancy rate per cycle after IVF surrogacy was 24% (38 of 158), with a clinical pregnancy rate of 19% (30 of 158), and a live birth rate of 15.8% (25 of 158). When compared to patients who underwent a hysterectomy, individuals with congenital absence of the uterus had significantly more oocytes retrieved (P < 0.006), fertilized, cleaved and more embryos available for transfer despite being of comparable age. IVF surrogate gestation is an established, yet still controversial, approach to the care of infertile couples. Take-home baby rates are comparable to conventional IVF over the same 15 year span in our programme. Patients with congenital absence of the uterus responded to ovulation induction better than patients who underwent a hysterectomy, perhaps due in part to ovarian compromise from previous surgical procedures. (+info)The importance of a genetic link in mothers commissioning a surrogate baby in the UK. (5/61)
Reproductive technologies have enabled genetic and gestational links between parents and children to become separate from social relationships and inter-personal ties within families. The meaning of family is discussed, by drawing on research with infertile women who become parents as the result of surrogacy. The complexities of family are highlighted by addressing the consequences of babies carried and delivered by women who are not the biological parents of the child, or by women who are the biological mother of the child but who relinquish their genetic material to another woman. In all, 29 women completed a questionnaire on various aspects of their infertility, surrogacy, and the importance of a genetic link. The study identified some characteristics of women who have become mothers as a result of surrogacy, and some of their reactions to this way of creating families. In general, women who could use their own genetic material tended to believe a genetic link was important. Those who could not use their own genetic material were less uniform in their beliefs about the importance of a genetic link. The cognitive dissonance observed in this population has implications for the future of reproductive technology assisting couples in becoming a family with or without genetic relatedness. (+info)Interpretations, perspectives and intentions in surrogate motherhood. (6/61)
In this paper we examine the questions "What does it mean to be a surrogate mother?" and "What would be an appropriate perspective for a surrogate mother to have on her pregnancy?" In response to the objection that such contracts are alienating or dehumanising since they require women to suppress their evolving perspective on their pregnancies, liberal supporters of surrogate motherhood argue that the freedom to contract includes the freedom to enter a contract to bear a child for an infertile couple. After entering the contract the surrogate may not be free to interpret her pregnancy as that of a non-surrogate mother, but there is more than one appropriate way of interpreting one's pregnancy. To restrict or ban surrogacy contracts would be to prohibit women from making other particular interpretations of their pregnancies they may wish to make, requiring them to live up to a culturally constituted image of ideal motherhood. We examine three interpretations of a "surrogate pregnancy" that are implicit in the views and arguments put forward by ethicists, surrogacy agencies, and surrogate mothers themselves. We hope to show that our concern in this regard goes beyond the view that surrogacy contracts deny or suppress the natural, instinctive or conventional interpretation of pregnancy. (+info)Gestational surrogacy: a feasible option for patients with Rokitansky syndrome. (7/61)
Rokitansky syndrome is a developmental defect characterized by agenesis of the uterus and vagina but normal gonads and secondary sexual characters. It is not commonly transmitted as a dominant genetic trait. Surrogacy, which is legally and ethically accepted in the UK and other countries, has made it possible for the patients with this syndrome to have their own genetic children. Six patients with Rokitansky syndrome underwent 11 ovarian stimulation cycles that resulted in 11 fresh and three frozen embryo transfer procedures into six prospective surrogate mothers. Both commissioning and surrogate couples were properly screened and counselled and their treatment was approved by the clinic internal review committee (ethics committee). The treatment cycles resulted in six clinical pregnancies (42.9% pregnancy rate per embryo transfer and 54.5% per oocyte retrieval) and three live births (21. 4% per embryo transfer, 27.3% per retrieval and 50% per patient). Gestational surrogacy is a viable treatment for patients with Rokitansky syndrome. Such patients should be well informed and supported to be able to have a family using their own genetic gametes. (+info)Outcome and follow-up of children born after IVF-surrogacy. (8/61)
This study addresses various outcomes and follow-up of children born after IVF-surrogacy. Recent reports on perinatal outcome after IVF-surrogacy and on data generated by the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) Registry between 1991 and 1995 were examined. A review of recently published perinatal outcomes of children born after IVF-surrogacy, including the developmental information of 110 children after the first 2 years of life, was undertaken. The birth weights for singleton pregnancies following IVF-surrogacy and IVF were similar, whereas the birth weights of twins and triplets born from the IVF-surrogates were significantly heavier than those delivered from conventional IVF patients. Preterm delivery was increased in twin and triplet gestations in all segments analysed. The incidence of low birth weight was significantly lower in children born after IVF surrogacy than in those born after IVF, for all births recorded. The incidence of congenital abnormalities following IVF and IVF-surrogacy was within the expected range for spontaneous conceptions. Speech delays were predominant in the multiple births, but neither speech nor motor delays persisted at 2 years of age in children born after IVF-surrogacy. These findings would imply that a gestational carrier would provide potential environmental benefits for the infant. (+info)A surrogate mother is a woman who carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple, called the intended parents. This can occur through traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the intended father's sperm and she is genetically related to the child, or gestational surrogacy, in which the embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors is transferred to the surrogate mother's uterus. Surrogacy arrangements are complex and involve legal, ethical, and emotional considerations. It is important for all parties involved to have a clear understanding of the process and to work with experienced professionals in order to ensure a successful outcome.
A medical definition of "contracts" generally refers to a condition in which an organ or tissue shrinks and hardens due to abnormal thickening of its collagen fibers. This process can occur in any type of tissue, but it is most commonly seen in the skin, heart, and lungs. The medical term for this condition is "fibrosis."
In the context of the skin, contracts may refer to a type of scar that forms after an injury or wound healing. These scars can cause the skin to become tight and restrict movement, particularly if they occur around joints.
In the heart, contracts may refer to a condition called "cardiac fibrosis," which occurs when the heart muscle becomes thickened and stiff due to excess collagen deposits. This can lead to heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.
In the lungs, contracts may refer to a condition called "pulmonary fibrosis," which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lung tissue. This can make it difficult to breathe and can lead to respiratory failure if left untreated.
"Cupressus" is a genus of evergreen trees that belong to the family Cupressaceae. This genus includes several species of cypress trees, which are native to different parts of the world. Some common examples of trees in this genus include the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), the Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica), and the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). These trees are known for their tall, slender trunks and their small, scale-like leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. They are often used as ornamental plants and for timber production.
Embryo transfer is a medical procedure that involves the transfer of an embryo, which is typically created through in vitro fertilization (IVF), into the uterus of a woman with the aim of establishing a pregnancy. The embryo may be created using the intended parent's own sperm and eggs or those from donors. After fertilization and early cell division, the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus of the recipient mother through a thin catheter that is inserted through the cervix. This procedure is typically performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure proper placement of the embryo. Embryo transfer is a key step in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and is often used as a treatment for infertility.
In medical terms, disclosure generally refers to the act of revealing or sharing confidential or sensitive information with another person or entity. This can include disclosing a patient's medical history, diagnosis, treatment plan, or other personal health information to the patient themselves, their family members, or other healthcare providers involved in their care.
Disclosure is an important aspect of informed consent, as patients have the right to know their medical condition and the risks and benefits of various treatment options. Healthcare providers are required to disclose relevant information to their patients in a clear and understandable manner, so that they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
In some cases, disclosure may also be required by law or professional ethical standards, such as when there is a legal obligation to report certain types of injuries or illnesses, or when there is a concern for patient safety. It is important for healthcare providers to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of disclosure in each individual case, and to ensure that they are acting in the best interests of their patients while also protecting their privacy and confidentiality.
I believe there may be a misunderstanding in your question. "Mothers" is a term that refers to individuals who have given birth to and raised children. It is not a medical term with a specific definition. If you are referring to a different word or term, please clarify so I can provide a more accurate response.
Pregnancy is a physiological state or condition where a fertilized egg (zygote) successfully implants and grows in the uterus of a woman, leading to the development of an embryo and finally a fetus. This process typically spans approximately 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters, and culminates in childbirth. Throughout this period, numerous hormonal and physical changes occur to support the growing offspring, including uterine enlargement, breast development, and various maternal adaptations to ensure the fetus's optimal growth and well-being.