Debunking the Top 5 Myths About Gestational Surrogacy and Surrogates
Surrogacy is an advanced process of parenthood that has gained considerable popularity in the United States for several decades. It has been emerging as a preferable alternative option rapidly, thereby giving wings to the dreams of many people willing to embrace parenthood.
Initially, it was considered as an effective solution for reproductive medicine, allowing couples facing medical conditions and fertility issues to gain the opportunity to be parents. However, presently, single parents and even same-sex couples are willing to embrace parenthood, thereby contributing to the rising popularity and demand for the surrogacy process.
While the process is highly efficient and easy, numerous misconceptions and myths are associated with it. Are you someone who is considering exploring the process and wants to become a surrogate mother or an intended parent? If yes, then it is essential for you to clear all your doubts and learn about the facts before initiating the journey.
Starting from the basic concept of gestational surrogacy to navigating through the common myths and misconceptions, this blog explores the facts that drive the process.
Let’s dive in right away!
Understanding Gestational Surrogacy
Are you wondering if gestational surrogacy is something new and different?
Well, no! Gestational surrogacy or surrogacy is the process where the embryo is created in the laboratory using the eggs and sperm from the intended parents and then transferred to the uterus of the gestational carrier using a medically advanced process. In this process, there is no genetic connection between the baby and the surrogate mother, and that is what the difference is in contrast to the traditional surrogacy practice. The carrier should be healthy to make the pregnancy successful, undergo medical screening before the process is initiated, and be under constant monitoring.
Apart from helping people experience the essence of parenthood through a biological child, there are innumerable benefits associated with this process. Additionally, this process is emotionally fulfilling for both the intended parents and the gestational carrier. While the former gets to extend their family, the latter gets to rejoice, cherishing the hope and happiness. Some of the best things about gestational reproductive support are that the parents get to have a biological connection, and the single parents as well as the same-sex couples get to live their dreams of extending their family.
Myths vs. Facts: Shattering Common Myths and Unveiling Truths
What myths have you heard about surrogacy?
There are innumerable misconceptions associated with the process, making it a problem for people considering this method to become parents. Hence, it is crucial to dispel the myths and lay out the facts to help you make informed decisions. Whether you are a gestational carrier or an intended parent, you must have accurate information.
#Myth 1: The surrogate is related to the baby.
Most people have this common misconception that the surrogate mother is genetically related to the baby, thinking about the traditional process. This is hardly practiced at the present time owing to the various genetic risks that might occur from carrying mother to child.
Fact: Presently, the gestational reproductive procedure is practiced everywhere, and the gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the baby. She is just the carrier of the baby as the embryo is implanted in her uterus from the eggs and sperm taken from the intended parents.
#Myth 2: Surrogates are Mostly Interested in Money
How often have you heard people stating that women are interested in becoming surrogate mothers just for money?
It is one of the common myths about the process of surrogacy that prevails even today. But does a woman choose to become a contributor in this process only because of the financial benefits?
Fact: While there is basic financial compensation involved due to their efforts and time, women choose to become gestational carriers for several other reasons. The chief motive is always to help people and enable them to experience the joy of parenthood. The potential birth facilitators are not just screened for medical examinations but also for interest and commitment to ensure complete dedication to the process.
#Myth 3: Surrogacy is for the Wealthy People
Do you know only celebrities and wealthy families opt for surrogacy?
Of course not!
This is yet another misconception that stops many couples from exploring this alternative option of reproductive medicine.
Fact: Surrogacy is not just limited to economically superior families or celebrities who do not want to get pregnant. This myth exists mainly due to the high cost of the process. However, the expenditure of the procedure depends on several factors, such as:
- If the intended parent is using their egg or seeking help from an egg donor
- Agencies, as the fees tend to differ
- Medical and health insurance coverage
Considering all these essential criteria, the surrogacy cost estimation tend to depend accordingly. Therefore, it is important to choose reliable and appropriate agencies in the USA.
#Myth 4: Anyone can be a surrogate.
Another common misconception that you might come across is that anyone can be a gestational carrier. However, this claim is not very true, as many women are not medically fit enough to get pregnant with a child.
Fact: There are several lists of criteria and requirements for someone to be able to become a gestational carrier. While the top priority is to experience a healthy pregnancy, other factors tend to differ from one state to another. However, the birth facilitator undergoes several medical screenings for physical and mental health to ensure that she meets every requirement.
#Myth 5: The surrogate mother may try to take parental custody
It is yet another common myth that a surrogate mother might keep the baby after delivery. Additionally, a lot of people also hold this misconception that the intended parents might not be able to develop the bond if the birth facilitator tries to gain parental rights for the child.
Fact: The fact is that in the gestational reproductive process, this is impossible. The gestational carrier cannot develop any kind of genetic relationship or any kind of emotional connection. The pre-procedure involves psychological counseling of the carrier. As a matter of fact, the procedure involves both parties abiding by a legal contract. It ensures that the gestational contributor has no parental rights over the baby, and the entire rights are subjected to the intended parents in surrogacy.
Conclusion
Understanding the facts and getting over the misconceptions by dispelling these common myths helps people embrace surrogacy from a positive aspect. While these are some of the common myths, they are not the only ones. It is essential to learn about them and talk to a professional expert to explore this process and check if that is the best possible way for you.
At Happy Future Surrogacy, we are committed to bringing transparent and reliable information to help you make informed decisions. If you want to embark on a journey as a surrogate mother or an intended parent, contact us today.
