Surrogacy has a complex history that spans hundreds of years. The concept of surrogacy can be traced back to ancient times, although the methods and motivations have significantly evolved over the years.
Here is an overview of the historical background of surrogacy.
Back in time
Surrogacy has roots in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. In these societies, infertile couples often used surrogacy as a means to have children and ensure an heir. In ancient Babylon, for example, surrogates were employed to give birth to children on behalf of infertile wives of wealthy men.
Religious and mythological references
Surrogacy is also mentioned in various religious and mythological texts. In the Hebrew Bible, the story of Sarah and Abraham involves the use of a surrogate, Hagar, who gave birth to Ishmael. Similarly, in Hindu mythology, there are references to surrogacy-like arrangements, such as the story of Kunti and Karna.
Modern surrogacy
Modern surrogacy practices began to develop in the late 20th century with advancements in reproductive technologies. In 1976, attorney Noel Keane facilitated negotiations and drafted the first legal surrogacy agreement. The agreement was designed to benefit traditional surrogates, who did not receive financial compensation for their services. Additionally, it also helped approximately 600 children be born through surrogacy.
The first in vitro fertilization
in 1978, the birth of Louise Brown marked a significant milestone in the field of surrogacy as she was the first baby born through in vitro fertilization (IVF) for a couple struggling with infertility. The egg from the intended mother was retrieved and fertilized in a laboratory using the sperm of the intended father. The resulting embryo was then transferred to the surrogate who carried the child to birth. This groundbreaking event is often referred to as the “first test tube baby,” with the biological mother being the intended mother in this case.
This breakthrough opened up possibilities for gestational surrogacy, where the embryos created through IVF are implanted into the uterus of the surrogate. The technique was developed by the consulting gynecologist Patrick Steptoe and the research physiologist Robert Edwards of Cambridge.
Compensation to the surrogate
In 1980, surrogacy contracts were generally considered legal, but they were not enforceable due to the lack of defined surrogacy laws. Elizabeth Kane became the first surrogate to receive legal compensation in the United States when both parties agreed to traditional surrogacy.
The first gestational surrogacy
The first successful gestational surrogacy journey took place in 1985, where a surrogate carried a child who was not genetically related to her on behalf of intended parents. This created a new realm of possibilities for intended parents and surrogate mothers.
Legal and ethical developments
When surrogacy gained recognition, legal and ethical considerations emerged. Different countries and regions have implemented diverse approaches to regulating surrogacy and the laws surrounding it change regularly. Several countries have adopted surrogacy and developed comprehensive legal frameworks to protect the rights of intended parents, surrogates and children born through surrogacy. Others have implemented stricter regulations or banned the procedure altogether.
Surrogacy nowadays
In recent year’s surrogacy has become more accepted and accessible, with advances in medical technology and the growing recognition of diverse family structures. Assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF and embryo transfer, have made surrogacy a viable option for couples and individuals struggling with infertility or medical conditions that prevent pregnancy. However, surrogacy remains a complex and evolving issue, with ongoing debates about legal, ethical and socio-economic aspects.
Surrogacy practices, laws and social attitudes towards surrogacy vary significantly between different countries and cultures. Therefore, it is recommended to research the specific regulations and practices related to surrogacy in your country or region with the help of a surrogacy agency like Tammuz, which is knowledgeable in the field of surrogacy and the countries where the procedure can be performed.
Tammuz surrogacy agency began to be active in 2008 and joined the fight to obtain rights for parents who cannot give birth. Tammuz family specializes in organizing and coordinating surrogacy programs for heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, HIV carriers and singles, and has accompanied hundreds of happy families who have fulfilled their dreams.
Tammuz is known for providing comprehensive services to its clients that include legal and medical advice, selection of surrogates, coordination of treatment cycles, monitoring during pregnancy and emotional support. The agency works in cooperation with fertility clinics and medical experts in Israel and abroad and has branches in more than 15 countries worldwide.
Tammuz works in countries with regulations and therefore has all the guarantees associated with the surrogacy procedure, including accompaniment and emotional support throughout the process, with plenty of tested and proven recommendations.
Tammuz Surrogacy Agency is celebrating fifteen years of successful operation with a vision for many more years of activity, progress, and numerous fulfilled families embracing their children and fulfilling their dream.
Tammuz Family
We are an international surrogacy, fertility, and egg donation company. For more information, write to info@tammuz.com
This content was created for general educational purposes only and might change with time. Speak to your doctor about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, as the content here does not replace a care plan as determined by a physician.
