Growing Generations
Surrogacy for Intended Parents
June 4, 2024 at 7:00:00 PM
Whether you’re an intended parent or considering becoming a surrogate, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction when exploring the surrogacy journey. At Growing Generations, we want you to feel confident about your choice to pursue surrogacy. Below, we unveil the facts about surrogacy by debunking 6 of the most common surrogacy myths we encounter.
Myth #1: Women only become surrogates for the money.
One of the biggest reasons surrogates do what they do is because they believe in helping others grow a family. By becoming a surrogate, you can help someone achieve their goal of becoming a parent despite the difficulties and challenges they face. Becoming a surrogate is not an easy journey and even though surrogates are compensated for their time and effort, money is not the primary motivating factor for becoming one.
Myth #2: A surrogate shares genetic material (DNA) with the baby.
By definition, a surrogate is someone who agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or couple, giving birth to a baby who has no genetic connection to her. Intended parents create an embryo—either with their own genetic material or that of selected donors—which is implanted into the surrogate through the IVF process. This embryo is not genetically linked to the surrogate in any way.
Myth #3: Surrogates can change their minds and keep the baby.
No, surrogates can NOT change their minds and keep the baby. Before the delivery of the baby, legal contracts about parentage are signed by both the surrogate and the intended parents. When working with a surrogacy agency, the legal counsel ensures that both parties agree on all the details of the surrogacy process. They will call out any legal risks or oddities before the surrogacy journey is undertaken.
In addition, possible surrogates undergo a rigorous screening process to assess their emotional well-being, including tendencies toward attachment. These screenings ensure that our surrogates are emotionally and mentally prepared for their surrogacy journey.
Myth #4: Any woman can become a surrogate.
Before becoming a surrogate, certain requirements need to be met. Surrogates must be between the ages of 21 and 38 years old and have at least one uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. There are additional health requirements, lifestyle requirements, and financial requirements as well, including body mass index (BMI) restrictions.
After meeting all these requirements, potential surrogates go through a meticulous screening process that includes an in-depth online application, telephone consultation, wellness testing and evaluations, medical examinations, blood screening, a criminal background check, a personal finance review, and a check of insurance options.
Because of the nature of the surrogacy journey, these requirements are in place for the safety and well-being of both the prospective surrogate and the baby they will be carrying.
Myth #5: Intended parents control all aspects of the pregnancy.
Contrary to the myth, the surrogacy journey is built on mutual agreement, trust and understanding between intended parents and surrogates. While intended parents have preferences and expectations regarding the pregnancy, they do not have unilateral control over every decision. Surrogates maintain autonomy over their bodies and health. Their well-being and that of the baby is a priority throughout the process.
Intended parents and surrogates work together to establish clear boundaries and expectations. This collaborative approach ensures both parties feel respected and supported as they navigate through their shared surrogacy journey.
Myth #6: Intended parents don’t bond with their baby.
The bond between a parent and their child transcends biological ties. The essence of parenthood lies in love, care, and nurturing. Intended parents embarking on their surrogacy journey are deeply committed to becoming parents and are emotionally invested in the well-being of their future child.
Intended parents have many opportunities to actively participate in every step of their surrogacy journey—from selecting a surrogate to attending prenatal appointments and finally, being present at the birth. These experiences foster a deep sense of connection and anticipation as they eagerly await the arrival of their baby.
A Clearer Path Forward
Surrogacy is often misunderstood due to common myths and misconceptions. Debunking these myths can foster a greater understanding and support for intended parents and surrogates alike. Having an open mind, a clear view of the facts, and a willingness to explore the surrogacy process can help you make the most of the richly rewarding journey in front of you.
If you are interested in becoming a surrogate or pursuing a path to parenthood, you can contact us by completing this form. Call us at (323) 965-7500 or email us at family@growinggenerations.com for more information.
Whether you’re an intended parent or considering becoming a surrogate, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction when exploring the surrogacy journey. At Growing Generations, we want you to feel confident about your choice to pursue surrogacy. Below, we unveil the facts about surrogacy by debunking 6 of the most common surrogacy myths we encounter.
Myth #1: Women only become surrogates for the money.
One of the biggest reasons surrogates do what they do is because they believe in helping others grow a family. By becoming a surrogate, you can help someone achieve their goal of becoming a parent despite the difficulties and challenges they face. Becoming a surrogate is not an easy journey and even though surrogates are compensated for their time and effort, money is not the primary motivating factor for becoming one.
Myth #2: A surrogate shares genetic material (DNA) with the baby.
By definition, a surrogate is someone who agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or couple, giving birth to a baby who has no genetic connection to her. Intended parents create an embryo—either with their own genetic material or that of selected donors—which is implanted into the surrogate through the IVF process. This embryo is not genetically linked to the surrogate in any way.
Myth #3: Surrogates can change their minds and keep the baby.
No, surrogates can NOT change their minds and keep the baby. Before the delivery of the baby, legal contracts about parentage are signed by both the surrogate and the intended parents. When working with a surrogacy agency, the legal counsel ensures that both parties agree on all the details of the surrogacy process. They will call out any legal risks or oddities before the surrogacy journey is undertaken.
In addition, possible surrogates undergo a rigorous screening process to assess their emotional well-being, including tendencies toward attachment. These screenings ensure that our surrogates are emotionally and mentally prepared for their surrogacy journey.
Myth #4: Any woman can become a surrogate.
Before becoming a surrogate, certain requirements need to be met. Surrogates must be between the ages of 21 and 38 years old and have at least one uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. There are additional health requirements, lifestyle requirements, and financial requirements as well, including body mass index (BMI) restrictions.
After meeting all these requirements, potential surrogates go through a meticulous screening process that includes an in-depth online application, telephone consultation, wellness testing and evaluations, medical examinations, blood screening, a criminal background check, a personal finance review, and a check of insurance options.
Because of the nature of the surrogacy journey, these requirements are in place for the safety and well-being of both the prospective surrogate and the baby they will be carrying.
Myth #5: Intended parents control all aspects of the pregnancy.
Contrary to the myth, the surrogacy journey is built on mutual agreement, trust and understanding between intended parents and surrogates. While intended parents have preferences and expectations regarding the pregnancy, they do not have unilateral control over every decision. Surrogates maintain autonomy over their bodies and health. Their well-being and that of the baby is a priority throughout the process.
Intended parents and surrogates work together to establish clear boundaries and expectations. This collaborative approach ensures both parties feel respected and supported as they navigate through their shared surrogacy journey.
Myth #6: Intended parents don’t bond with their baby.
The bond between a parent and their child transcends biological ties. The essence of parenthood lies in love, care, and nurturing. Intended parents embarking on their surrogacy journey are deeply committed to becoming parents and are emotionally invested in the well-being of their future child.
Intended parents have many opportunities to actively participate in every step of their surrogacy journey—from selecting a surrogate to attending prenatal appointments and finally, being present at the birth. These experiences foster a deep sense of connection and anticipation as they eagerly await the arrival of their baby.
A Clearer Path Forward
Surrogacy is often misunderstood due to common myths and misconceptions. Debunking these myths can foster a greater understanding and support for intended parents and surrogates alike. Having an open mind, a clear view of the facts, and a willingness to explore the surrogacy process can help you make the most of the richly rewarding journey in front of you.
If you are interested in becoming a surrogate or pursuing a path to parenthood, you can contact us by completing this form. Call us at (323) 965-7500 or email us at family@growinggenerations.com for more information.
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