Surrogacy is a great option for people who face obstacles when trying for a baby. Some people face difficulties having children because they aren’t fertile. Others may suffer from medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe for the mother and child. Surrogacy may also be the best option for same-sex couples.
Many people looking to start a family don’t understand how surrogacy works. As people research their options, they may develop the wrong idea of how surrogacy works because of popular myths. If you or someone you know are considering surrogacy and feel uncertain about the decision, then you may want to consider reading the following:
Myth 1: Surrogates are always genetically related to the baby
Truth: Traditional surrogacy typically means the surrogate mother is fertilized by the legal father and she then carries and gives birth to a child, which would mean they have some genetic relation. While many people plan for traditional surrogacy, it isn’t the only method. Instead, an egg can be donated to be fertilized in a lab and implanted in the intended mother as a surrogate – this is called gestational surrogacy.
Myth 2: Intended parents can’t build relationships with children born from surrogacy
Truth: Many parents fear that surrogacy won’t allow them to build a bond with their children. It’s true that intended parents may not be able to experience every moment of the pregnancy. However, intended parents may be able to build a connection with the surrogate mother to allow some experience of the pregnancy and build a bond with the child.
Myth 3: Surrogates never get attached to the babies they carry
Truth: There is no guarantee that a surrogate mother will not create an emotional bond with the child they’re carrying. As a result, the intended parents may fear a surrogate mother will want to keep the child after birth. Intended parents may be able to create a legal agreement to help ensure they retain rights over a child and protect their interests. Intended parents may need to reach out for legal help to learn about their options.