There are many misconceptions about gestational surrogacy. For example, people often assume that the surrogate is the child’s biological mother. However, this is not the case. A gestational surrogate is a woman who carries and delivers a baby for another couple or individual. The baby is not biologically related to the surrogate.
Quick Facts About Gestational Surrogacy
People also assume that surrogates are paid a lot of money for their services. While it is true that surrogates are compensated for their time and effort, they are not paid exorbitant amounts of money. In fact, most surrogates report that they do it for the satisfaction of helping others have children.
Another common misconception about gestational surrogacy is that it is always done for couples who are unable to conceive on their own. While this is one reason why couples may opt for gestational surrogacy, it is not the only reason. For example, gay couples or single men and women may also use gestational surrogates to have children.
If you are considering gestational surrogacy, it is important to do your research and learn as much as you can about the process. This blog article provides some surprising facts about gestational surrogacy that you may not be aware of.
1. The Term “Surrogacy” is The Same As “Gestational Carrier”
When people use the terms "surrogacy" or "surrogate," they are referring to the women who will carry their child. She is also referred to as a "gestational carrier." The terms are frequently used alternately, causing confusion among people.
2. Gestational Surrogacy is Not Legal Everywhere
While gestational surrogacy is becoming more and more popular, it is still not legal in all parts of the world. There are many countries that have no legal framework for gestational surrogacy at all, making it impossible for couples to enter into a legally-binding agreement with a surrogate. In other countries, gestational surrogacy may be legal but there are strict rules and regulations surrounding the process. For example, in some countries the surrogate must be a close relative of the couple, while in others the surrogate must be over the age of 21.
This can make it very difficult for couples who want to use gestational surrogacy to have a child. If you are considering gestational surrogacy, it is important to research the laws in your country or the country where you plan to have the procedure done. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a situation where the surrogate is not legally obligated to follow through with the agreement, or worse, where you are not legally allowed to bring your child home with you.
3. Agencies Prefer Women with Previous Pregnancies
There are many reasons why agencies prefer women with previous pregnancies to become gestational surrogates. One reason is that these women have already been through the pregnancy process and know what to expect. They are also more likely to have had a successful pregnancy and birth before, which is a good indication that they will be able to carry a baby to term as a surrogate.
Another reason why agencies prefer women who have already had children is that they tend to be more emotionally stable and better equipped to handle the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. These women also tend to have more support from their families and friends, which can be vital during the surrogacy process.
If you are interested in becoming a gestational surrogate, talk to a reputable agency about your options. Be sure to let them know if you have previously been pregnant, as this will increase your chances of being matched with intended parents.
4. It is Not Just for the Young
You've probably heard that your prime child-bearing years are before the age of 35. Anything beyond that, you are more likely to be classified as "high-risk." Right? There are some expectations with surrogacy. While many surrogacy agencies prefer women less than the age of 40, previous pregnancy history and overall health often take precedence over age. Women of a certain age who are mentally, emotionally, and financially stable can still become surrogate or intended parents.
5. Gestational Carriers can Become Pregnant While Carrying a Baby for the Intended Parents
As incredible as it may appear, a woman can become pregnant while already carrying another child for intended parents. This phenomenon is known as “Superfetation”.
Superfetation is an extremely rare phenomenon that occurs when two or more fertilized eggs are present in the uterus at the same time. However, the embryos are at different stages of development. The second pregnancy could occur maybe weeks after the first pregnancy!
6. Gestational Carriers do not Become Emotionally Attached
Gestational carriers (GCs) are not emotionally attached to the babies they carry because they are not the biological mother. The baby’s genetic material comes from the intended parents or from donor eggs and sperm, so the GC has no biological connection to the child.
Some GCs do form strong bonds with the intended parents during the pregnancy, but those relationships are based on mutual respect and appreciation, not on a maternal connection. After all, the GC is carrying and giving birth to a baby that she will never raise as her own.
It’s important to remember that GCs are carefully screened and selected for their mental and emotional stability. They understand the importance of carrying a baby for another family, and they are able to separate their personal feelings from the professional role they have been hired to fill.
7. You can be a Gestational Carrier More than Once
Just as some mothers give birth multiple times, gestational carriers can do the same. It is entirely up to her whether she stays with the same or a different family. It is not unusual for gestational carriers to be asked to carry multiple children for the same family. Indeed, many gestational carriers report a strong sense of connection with the families they assist and are grateful for the opportunity to play such an important role in their lives. These women are frequently portrayed as surrogacy's superheroes or angels.
8. You Must Have Your Own Legal Council
If you are considering gestational surrogacy, it is important to have your own legal counsel. This is because the contract between the surrogate and the intended parents is a legally binding agreement. The contract will outline the obligations of each party, as well as the compensation that will be paid to the surrogate.
It is important to have your own legal counsel because they can help you understand the contract and make sure that it is fair. They can also help you negotiate with the surrogate if there are any disagreements.
While some people may try to convince you that you don't need legal counsel, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If something goes wrong, you will be glad that you had someone on your side who knows the law.
Bottom Line
Gestational surrogacy is a topic that is often shrouded in mystery. In this article, we sought to dispel some of the myths about gestational surrogacy and give you some surprising facts about this growing trend. If you are considering gestational surrogacy as an option for starting your family, we hope that this article has given you some food for thought.
