Study Reveals Health Risks in Surrogacy

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that surrogate mothers face significantly higher risks of severe complications during pregnancy compared to women who conceive naturally or via in vitro fertilization (IVF). The analysis, which evaluated data from over 863,000 singleton births in Ontario from 2012 to 2021, found that the risk of severe maternal morbidity was 8% for surrogates, notably higher than 4% for IVF and 2% for natural conception. Surrogates are at increased risk for conditions such as postpartum hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia, and they are also more likely to experience premature births. This research underscores the need for further investigation into the implications of surrogacy on maternal and neonatal health, especially as the practice becomes more common. Limitations of the study include insufficient data on the motivations of surrogates and the types of IVF used, which could influence outcomes. As surrogacy continues to rise in popularity, these findings raise important questions about the health and safety of surrogate mothers.