Actress Lily Collins, best known for her role in the Netflix series Emily in Paris, recently announced the birth of her baby, Tove, via surrogacy. Her story has sparked great interest, opening up conversations about this alternative within assisted reproductive treatments.
But what exactly is surrogacy? Who can opt for this method, and what medical and legal aspects should be considered?
Surrogacy is an assisted reproductive treatment in which a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another person or couple, who will be the baby’s parents. In most cases, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is used to create an embryo with the intended parents' gametes or donor gametes, which is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
This process is supported by medical and legal studies to ensure the safety of both the surrogate and the baby.
There are various medical and personal reasons why a person or couple may turn to surrogacy. Some of the most common cases include:
Each case is evaluated by reproductive medicine specialists to determine if surrogacy is the best option for achieving a successful pregnancy.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an essential part of the surrogacy process. This procedure allows the creation of embryos from the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or, if needed, from donors.
The main steps include:
Thanks to advancements in assisted reproduction, preimplantation genetic testing can now be performed to select embryos with the highest developmental potential, reducing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. a significant difference in identifying potential barriers and finding the most effective treatment options.
Surrogacy has different legal frameworks depending on the country where it is performed. In Mexico, it is a regulated process permitted under the Procreative Will Law, ensuring the rights of both the intended parents and the surrogate.
Legal agreements establish from the outset the rights and responsibilities of each party, including the surrogate’s consent and the baby’s legal protection.
Since announcing that she had her baby through surrogacy, Lily Collins and her husband, Charlie McDowell, have received negative comments about their decision. While surrogacy has allowed thousands of families worldwide to have a baby, it remains a debated topic. Why does surrogacy spark such controversy?
The main debates revolve around ethics, legal regulation, and the rights of surrogates. Some argue that surrogacy could be exploited in contexts where surrogates lack sufficient legal or economic protections. However, in countries with clear regulations, such as Mexico, legal agreements and protection measures are in place to ensure the well-being of all parties involved.
Despite divided opinions, the reality is that surrogacy remains a valid and necessary option for many individuals who want to become parents but are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves.
Lily Collins’ story has brought surrogacy to the forefront of the conversation as one of the available assisted reproduction options. For many people facing difficulties in achieving pregnancy, surrogacy represents a real and safe opportunity to have a baby.At Ingenes, we have reproductive medicine specialists and cutting-edge technology to support those seeking alternatives to fulfill their dream of starting a family. With 20 years of experience and over 50,000 babies born, at Ingenes we know how to make the extraordinary possible. If you want to learn more about assisted reproductive treatments, our experts are available to guide you on your journey towards your baby.
