With surrogacy gaining popularity, many people have questions and misconceptions about this extraordinary journey.
One common question is whether the baby is genetically related to the surrogate. The short answer? If you are a gestational surrogate, there is NO genetic connection between the surrogate and the baby.
We’ll dive into this topic below.
Gestational surrogacy vs. traditional surrogacy
To address this important question, let’s break down the difference between the two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational.
Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is both the egg donor and the surrogate, does result in a genetic relation between the surrogate and the baby—but today, this process has become much less common than gestational surrogacy.
With gestational surrogacy, the intended mother’s egg or a donor egg is fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm, and the embryo is implanted in the surrogate’s uterus using in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this case, there is no genetic relation between the surrogate and the baby.
How surrogacy works at SPS
At Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS), we exclusively work with gestational surrogates.
As a gestational surrogate, your role is to provide a nurturing environment for the embryo to grow. This commitment ensures a safe and healthy pregnancy, fostering the intended parents’ dream of building a family.
Embarking on this journey also offers you the unique opportunity to play an integral role in bringing a family’s dreams to life…and is a wonderful way to achieve multiple life goals. (Read “Why Becoming a Surrogate Is an Amazing Way to Start 2023”)
Two more common questions
Now that we’ve answered one frequently asked question, let’s tackle a couple more concerns that might be on your mind as you navigate the world of surrogacy.
1. What if the intended parents change their minds along the way and decide they don’t want the baby?
This is highly unlikely. Intended parents have already endured a lengthy and emotional journey trying to have a baby. Choosing surrogacy is often the realization of their long-cherished dream, making any thought of changing their minds incredibly rare.
What’s more, surrogacy involves iron-clad legal agreements that lay out everything, from pre- to post-birth parentage orders, giving both parties a solid understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
2. What if the surrogate wants to keep the baby?
Rest assured, there is NO need to be concerned about this. Here’s why:
First, as we discussed above, gestational surrogacy has become much more common than traditional surrogacy, which means there’s no biological relationship between the surrogate and the child—and no basis for claiming parental rights.
Second, regardless of genetic ties, both parties (and their attorneys) have agreed to legally binding agreements that lay out all the details, including a pre- or post-birth parentage order establishing parental rights. In many cases, the intended parents’ names will be placed on the birth certificate at the hospital.
Third, it’s incredibly rare for a surrogate to want to “keep” the baby. Surrogacy is a partnership. Surrogates and intended parents develop a close relationship over the course of the pregnancy, and surrogates are incredibly excited for the intended parents when the baby finally arrives.
We’ve been doing this for 30 years and have helped to bring more than 900 babies into this world…and this has never even been a question.
We hope this info gives you a clear understanding and a sense of ease as you navigate the world of surrogacy!
Are you hoping to become a surrogate in California? Follow the links below!
Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services
Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate over 30 years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy agency that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.
Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.
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