Traditional surrogacy has existed for hundreds, if not thousands of years – but in our modern era, technology and medical advancements have made the process easier and more efficient. Unfortunately, because of this rapid rate of change, and social media’s role in our lives, many falsehoods and misinformation are floating around. In this Family Creations article, we will clear up some common misconceptions about the gestational surrogacy process. We believe this topic is important because this centuries-old family planning option is worthy of consideration. Providing you with all our surrogacy facts can help you decide whether it’s right for you.
Surrogacy Myth #1 – After the baby is born, the surrogate can change her mind and keep the baby.
Wrong! Years ago, when modern-day surrogacy was still in its infancy (so to speak), a traditional surrogate (one that is biologically related to the child) fought to keep the child she gave birth to. After going to court, the intended parents were declared the child’s legal parents, and as a result, this case established legal precedence. When you choose gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate is not biologically tied to the child, lawyers prepare legal documents that protect the intended parents’ rights as the legal guardians. At Family Creations, surrogates are required to undergo a comprehensive physical and mental health evaluation and have at least one child as a way to show their experience with pregnancy and giving birth.
Surrogacy Myth #2 – The child will be biologically related to the surrogate.
It’s a surrogacy fact that either an egg from the intended parent or a donor egg is used for gestational surrogacy. The egg is fertilized in a lab and implanted in the surrogate through in vitro fertilization (IVF). This process means the child has no genetic connection to the surrogate. Instead, the surrogate’s role is to lovingly carry the developing child until birth.
Myth #3 – Women use surrogacy to avoid the physical effects of pregnancy.
Surrogacy is a popular topic on social media and entertainment websites. Unfortunately, many female celebrities who have chosen surrogacy can be unfairly targeted. Pregnancy is a beautiful process, and most women would do anything to carry and give birth to their own children. Surrogacy is often their best option for creating or expanding their family.
Myth # 4 – You can’t breastfeed your baby born to a surrogate.
An intended mother can breastfeed a baby born through surrogacy! A doctor can prescribe medication that provides the proper hormones and helps induce lactation. It may take some time and effort, but in many cases, the intended mother can breastfeed the baby.
Myth # 5 – Adopting a child in need is better than having a child born through surrogacy.
Many people who want children deeply desire to have children who are biologically related to them. For this reason, surrogacy is especially helpful for same-sex male couples and single men. At Family Creations, we believe that everyone has a right to the family of their dreams, and we seek to empower each individual or couple to build their family in the way that feels right to them.
We hope these facts about surrogacy have clarified some misconceptions. Whether you are thinking about helping a couple grow their family or are looking to find a surrogate, Family Creations can help make the process straightforward and rewarding. Apply to be a surrogate, or get started finding your perfect surrogate match today! Contact us with any questions you may have.