Infertility and other reproductive challenges affect a growing number of couples of reproductive age in China. At the same time, some same-sex couples and single individuals also hope to have children of their own. As a result, more people are exploring overseas IVF and surrogacy as possible family-building options.
However, surrogacy is not appropriate for everyone. To help readers better understand who may consider this pathway, Jiabao Libao takes a closer look at the question: Which families may consider overseas surrogacy?
Women Without a Uterus
This may include women who were born without a uterus, such as those with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, as well as women who have undergone a hysterectomy because of illness or other medical reasons.
If viable eggs or embryos are available, gestational surrogacy may be considered as a way to achieve pregnancy through a gestational carrier.
Women With Severe Uterine Abnormalities
Certain structural uterine conditions can make implantation or carrying a pregnancy extremely difficult.
Examples include severe congenital uterine abnormalities or extensive, treatment-resistant intrauterine adhesions, such as severe Asherman syndrome. If doctors determine that the uterine environment cannot safely support a pregnancy, gestational surrogacy may be evaluated.
People With Recurrent Miscarriage or Repeated Implantation Failure
Some women experience multiple miscarriages or repeated failed embryo transfers despite previous fertility treatment.
If a comprehensive medical assessment suggests that the primary problem is related to the uterine environment rather than embryo quality or another treatable condition, gestational surrogacy may provide an alternative pathway.
Because recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure can have many different causes, a thorough medical evaluation should always come first.
Women With Medical Contraindications to Pregnancy
Some women may be able to conceive but have serious health conditions that make pregnancy unsafe.
These may include severe cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, certain autoimmune conditions, or other medical problems where pregnancy could pose significant risks to the mother or baby.
In such cases, a gestational carrier may allow the family to pursue parenthood without requiring the intended mother to carry the pregnancy herself.
Older Women Who Are Not Medically Suitable for Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related risks generally increase with maternal age, particularly when combined with underlying health conditions.
For women over 45, whether pregnancy is medically appropriate should be assessed individually based on cardiovascular health, metabolic conditions, uterine status, and overall physical condition.
If viable embryos are available but carrying a pregnancy is considered medically unsafe, gestational surrogacy may be another option to discuss.
Same-Sex Couples and Single Intended Parents
Some same-sex couples and single individuals may also consider overseas surrogacy because natural conception is not possible within their family structure.
For male same-sex couples, this may involve IVF using donor eggs and sperm from one or both intended fathers, followed by embryo transfer to a gestational carrier.
Single intended parents may also explore donor-assisted reproduction and surrogacy where legally permitted.
Eligibility varies substantially between countries, so legal requirements relating to marital status, sexual orientation, genetic relationships, and legal parentage should be confirmed before treatment begins.
Families With Known Genetic Risks
Families with known hereditary conditions may consider IVF combined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) when medically appropriate.
PGT can help identify embryos affected by certain chromosomal or specific inherited genetic conditions before transfer. If the intended mother is also unable to carry a pregnancy safely, an appropriately screened embryo may then be transferred to a gestational carrier.
Families With Multiple Previous IVF Failures
Some couples have undergone several IVF cycles without achieving an ongoing pregnancy, which can create significant physical, emotional, and financial pressure.
If viable frozen embryos remain and doctors determine that repeated implantation failure is primarily related to the uterine environment, gestational surrogacy may be considered rather than continuing repeated embryo transfers to the intended mother.
Overall, overseas surrogacy may be relevant for people who are medically unable to carry a pregnancy, those with serious uterine conditions, some families with recurrent pregnancy failure, same-sex couples, single intended parents, and certain families with complex reproductive needs.
Whether surrogacy is appropriate depends on medical assessment, embryo availability, personal circumstances, and the laws of the destination country.
If you are interested in learning more about overseas surrogacy, you can contact us for further information. We can explain the general process and help you better understand which options may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
