Gestational surrogacy offers people a chance to start a family. These individuals often have issues that prevent pregnancy in the more traditional sense.
Surrogacy can be a sensitive topic, and it is very important to separate fact from fiction. Outlined below are some of the most common misconceptions about gestational surrogacy.
The carrier is the biological mother
One of the most common misconceptions is that the gestational carrier shares DNA with the child. This is not true. The carrier does not use her own egg. Instead, the embryo is created in a laboratory using the biology of the intended parents or separate donors.
Surrogacy is only an option for the wealthy
While surrogacy can be expensive, it is not necessarily out of reach for hard-working couples. Many people utilize gestational surrogacy every year in the U.S.- and they aren’t all millionaires or celebrities. The cost of the surrogacy largely depends on specific circumstances. However, some surrogacy agencies are open to setting up affordable payment plans.
You have to provide a home for the surrogate
Another common misconception- largely fuelled by TV shows and movies- is that the surrogate has to live with you. This is not the case. Surrogates are typically carefully screened before being accepted. They’ll have to show they are physically and mentally well and financially independent.
Before embarking on your journey toward becoming a parent, it is essential to gather as much information as possible. Seeking legal guidance will help to provide clarity about your reproductive options so that you can decide if surrogacy is right for your family’s needs or not.