In-vitro Fertilisation
A Few Facts About In-vitro Fertilisation With Surrogacy Arrangements
The word in-vitro is a Latin phrase which means ‘in the glass’. As suggested, this refers to the way by which egg cells are fertilised outside womb with sperm. This term was originally used because the fertilisation processes were carried out in glass containers, like test tubes. This is also where the colloquial term of ‘test tube babies’ originated for babies conceived by means of in-vitro fertilisation, or IVF. Today the word ‘in-vitro’ refers to any biological procedures performed outside of the organism in which it would normally be found, while ‘in vivo’ refers to procedures where the tissues remains within the living organism.
For couples who have been struggling to fall pregnant this is one of the preferred methods when other assisted reproductive methods have failed. In-vitro fertilisation is also the way by which surrogacy is able to befall. In such instances the ova, or eggs, are removed from the ovaries of the woman who is not the surrogate, unless she is unable to do so. The sperm, taken from the man from the commissioning couple, is then used to fertilise the eggs in a fluid medium. Once the egg/s have been fertilised, it is transferred to the uterus of the surrogate mother with the intent to create a successful pregnancy.
With regards to surrogacy arrangements it is obligatory that a surrogacy motherhood agreement be written and presented to the High Court of South Africa which falls within the area of jurisdiction of the commissioning parents or parent. Only once the agreement has been confirmed may the in-vitro fertilisation process begin.
It is essential that the commissioning parents or parent seek the assistance of a specialised attorney whose role would be to explain the legal aspects of such an agreement, drawing up the surrogate motherhood agreement, as well as afford the intended parent/s with legal representation throughout the process. Should you require legal assistance contact Adele van der Walt Attorneys. Their knowledge and experience on this matter is exactly what you require to ensure that all will go as planned, from the moment the in-vitro fertilisation begins until you hold your newly born baby in your arms for the first time.
For more information on this subject, please give us a call at (SA) or e-mail us at susann@avdw.co.za
