Common Myths About Surrogacy You Shouldn’t Believe

Despite its growing popularity in India, surrogacy is still a hush-hush topic in today’s society. The social stigma associated with it can make the already difficult experience of dealing with loss and infertility even more unbearable. Therefore, it should go without saying that clear communication around surrogacy is the need of the hour. In this blog, we want to dispel some common myths about surrogacy that you (and no one else) should believe.

Myth 1: The Surrogate Passes Her Genes To The Baby

In India, all surrogacy is gestational surrogacy, wherein the surrogate has no biological relation to the baby. Even if the couple needs donor eggs, the surrogate is not permitted to be their egg donor. Making sure the surrogate is not genetically related to the child simplifies legal procedures such as the issue of parental rights and inheritance.

Myth 2: Anyone can Choose to be a Surrogate in India

Not just anyone can become a surrogate. Surrogacy in India is a highly complex and regulated process. It is offered in accordance with the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. According to the Act, surrogates must meet the following legal requirements to qualify:

• She must be between 25 and 30 years old
• She must be married or have been married before
• She must have a child of her own. 
• She must be physically and mentally healthy

Myth 3: Parents Won’t Be Able To Bond With The Baby

One of the most common myths about surrogacy is that intended parents find it difficult to bond with the baby. While it is true that pregnancy and birth can strengthen parental feelings, they’re not essential to creating a loving parent-child relationship.

Surrogates carry babies with the understanding that they are protecting and nurturing your baby and helping you complete your family. Despite their emotional attachment to the baby, they are already ready to let go of it because they know it isn’t their child. Only the intended parents get the opportunity to forge a deep emotional bond with the baby.

Myth 4: Surrogacy Is Only For The Wealthy

Many feel like surrogacy is only meant for wealthy people and celebrities, as it is outrageously expensive. This, like other myths about surrogacy, is just an exaggeration and not true. Anyone who is experiencing infertility can choose surrogacy, as long as they are medically eligible.

The cost of surrogacy also depends on the additional services you need, such as egg donation, embryo testing, and so on. 

Myth 5: The Surrogate Lives With The Intended Parents

The intended parents are not responsible for the surrogate’s living arrangements. The surrogate will live separately for the entire duration of the pregnancy. Intended parents can meet her during doctor’s appointments and on other mutually decided days.

Myth 6: Women Choose Surrogacy For Their Body and Career

Surrogacy is a difficult, expensive, time-consuming process. Women who want to become mothers through surrogacy are not focused on matters like ‘saving their figure’ or worrying about how pregnancy will impact their body or career. In fact, they may have struggled with infertility before accepting surrogacy as the solution. Intended parents often find the surrogacy journey very emotional and challenging.

Surrogacy is only permitted in India if the couple has a known medical condition that makes it impossible or difficult for them to carry the child. Simply put, not just anyone can get a surrogate to have their baby; they need to have an actual medical reason to choose surrogacy in India.

Myth 7: Surrogacy is Medically Dangerous

All pregnancies and medical procedures carry a certain amount of risk, and surrogacy is no different. But risky doesn’t mean dangerous. Although medical complications are always a possibility with pregnancy, surrogates are carefully screened to ensure that they have a safe pregnancy with no major health concerns. This is also the reason surrogates need to have at least one child of their own, as it gives doctors insight into their pregnancy history and potential future problems.

Conclusion

Surrogacy can be beautiful, transformative, and highly rewarding. Don’t let unfounded rumors and myths keep you from developing a truer understanding of the surrogacy process.

If you’re looking for a trusted surrogacy clinic, it’s important to go with one that allows you to explore your options and choose what’s best for you. At Corion Fertility Clinic, we offer comprehensive, compassionate advice adhering to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act of 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can a surrogate try to keep a baby?
A. No, a surrogate cannot decide to keep the baby if she changes her mind. She signs a contract before the process begins stating that she gives up any rights over the baby once it is born.

Q. Is surrogacy only for NRIs or foreigners?
A. No, in fact surrogacy in India is not provided to foreigners. Only Indian citizens and OCI cardholders are legally allowed to pursue surrogacy in India.

Q. Is the baby biologically related to the surrogate?
A. No. In India, only gestational surrogacy is practiced, in which the surrogate cannot be related to the baby she is carrying. The baby will be biologically related to the people whose sperm and egg it was born from.

Q. Will my baby resemble the surrogate?
A. No, a baby born from surrogacy will not resemble the surrogate, as it does not share a genetic relationship with her.

Q. Can a surrogate have a miscarriage?
A. Yes, unfortunately, sometimes a surrogate can have a miscarriage. The fertility team then analyzes what could have caused it, and the couple can either try again or choose another surrogate.

Disclaimer

The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.