Unless a surrogate mother intends to use her own egg (and thus be biologically related to the child), pregnancy can only occur through in vitro fertilization, or IVF. The first step in the process: creating and retrieving the egg.

Choosing to carry a child for a friend is a selfless act that takes an incredible amount of love and sacrifice. The decision to become a surrogate mother for a friend requires a commitment that lasts in excess of nine months.