“Surrogate Mother” and Assisted Reproduction
In the realm of Assisted Reproduction, the term “surrogate mother” or “surrogate mom” has been traditionally used to describe women who carry pregnancies on behalf of Intended Parents. However, there is a growing recognition that the term “surrogate mother” is considered outdated and fails to capture the complexities and nuances of modern surrogacy arrangements. Let’s discuss why the term “surrogate mother” is being replaced by more appropriate and accurate language.
“Surrogate mother” or “surrogate mom” implies a traditional understanding of motherhood where the woman carrying the pregnancy is considered the child’s mother. However, in gestational surrogacy, the most common form of surrogacy today, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child she carries. Using the term “surrogate mother” can lead to confusion and undermine the understanding that the surrogate is acting as a gestational carrier rather than assuming the role of the child’s mother. Updating our language allows us to acknowledge and respect the distinction between genetic/parental and gestational connections.
Using outdated terminology such as “surrogate mother” can fail to recognize that women who choose to become surrogates are making a deeply personal and empowering decision. By adopting updated language, we affirm the autonomy and agency of women involved in surrogacy, emphasizing their active participation and choice in the process. Women that decide to become gestational surrogates do not want to become mothers of the fetuses they carry and do not consider themselves mothers of their Intended Parent(s) child(ren).
A surrogate’s role
Shifting away from the term “surrogate mother” allows us to focus on the specific gestational role undertaken by these incredible women. Terms such as “gestational carrier” or “gestational surrogate” better capture the essence of their involvement. These terms emphasize that the surrogate is providing a nurturing environment for the embryo to develop and grow, without implying a genetic connection or assuming the title of “mother.” This language shift aligns with the evolving understanding of assisted reproduction and ensures clarity and accuracy in communication.
Language is a powerful tool that reflects our evolving perspectives and understanding. As we strive for inclusivity, accuracy, and respect, it becomes essential to update our terminology to better represent the complexities of surrogacy. Moving beyond the term “surrogate mother” to more appropriate and respectful language, such as “gestational carrier” or “gestational surrogate,” allows us to honor the unique contributions of the women involved. Embracing this shift in language contributes to a more comprehensive and respectful narrative surrounding surrogacy, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse journeys of gestational carriers.
Surrogates are not mothers to the children they carry
Surrogacy arrangements are typically based on clear agreements and legal contracts between the surrogate and Intended Parents. Both parties enter into the process with the shared understanding that the surrogate’s role is to carry the pregnancy on behalf of the Intended Parents. The surrogates’ intention to help others become parents is often a primary driving factor, and they may have a strong desire to fulfill the Intended Parents’ dreams rather than raising the child themselves.
All potential surrogates undergo a thorough screening process to ensure they are emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey. This includes assessments by mental health professionals that help ensure that surrogates are aware of the emotional complexities involved and have a clear understanding of their role as gestational carriers. Surrogates often have a firm grasp on the distinction between their role as carriers and their own personal desires for having or expanding their families. Maintaining emotional boundaries can help surrogates navigate the process.
Additionally, surrogacy arrangements are governed by legal agreements that outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. In many jurisdictions, these agreements emphasize the Intended Parents’ legal and parental rights from the outset. Surrogates are aware of these legal frameworks and understand that they are acting as carriers on behalf of Intended Parents, with the understanding that the child they carry is not their own. Surrogates are not looking to have or raise more children of their own. In fact, potential surrogates must be done with their own family building to be eligible for surrogacy. Surrogates have their own biological families and surrogacy allows them to experience the joy of pregnancy and childbirth while helping others fulfill their dreams of parenthood.
Why women want to become gestational surrogates (formerly called surrogate mothers)
A surrogate mother, now known as a surrogate or gestational carrier, plays a remarkable role in helping individuals or couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. A surrogate is a woman that carries a pregnancy on behalf of Intended Parents. In gestational surrogacy, the most common form of surrogacy in locations where commercial surrogacy is legal and regulated, the surrogate is not genetically related to a child(ren) she carries via a surrogacy pregnancy. An embryo is created in a fertility clinic using the Intended Parents’ or donors’ eggs/sperm/embryos, and it is then examined for quality before being transferred toa surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate is not genetically related to child and provides a safe and supportive environment for the embryo to grow and develop into a baby.
Surrogates embark on this extraordinary journey often driven by a deep sense of compassion and empathy. They understand the profound desire of Intended Parents to experience the joys of parenthood and want to play a role in making that dream come true. Surrogates often have a genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact on their lives. Their decision to become a surrogate is often rooted in a belief that everyone should have the opportunity to create a loving family, regardless of biological limitations.
The surrogacy process
Becoming a surrogate involves a rigorous screening process to ensure a potential surrogate meets physical and emotional readiness and requirements. Surrogates undergo medical and psychological evaluations, along with legal procedures to establish the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. Once matched with Intended Parents, a surrogate receives medical support, including hormone treatments to prepare her uterus for embryo implantation. Throughout the pregnancy, she attends regular check-ups and maintains communication with the Intended Parents, fostering a supportive and trusting relationship.
A surrogacy journey can be a transformative experience for the surrogate. It is a profound opportunity for her to create a lasting bond with the Intended Parents, sharing in the joys, hopes, and dreams associated with the pregnancy. Many surrogates find immense fulfillment in witnessing the happiness and gratitude of the Intended Parents as they welcome their child into the world.
By choosing to become a surrogate, women empower others to realize their dreams of parenthood. They redefine the traditional notion of family, demonstrating that love, support, and the desire to nurture go beyond genetic ties.
Why surrogates must be done with their own families before become a gestational surrogate
The requirement that surrogates be done with their own families is a part of the ethical framework of most surrogacy journeys. There are several reasons why this requirement may be in place:
Secondary infertility in surrogacy
While IVF itself does not directly cause secondary infertility, certain factors associated with IVF treatment and the hormones used in gestational surrogacy can contribute to the development of secondary infertility in some cases. The process of IVF in surrogacy involves the use of fertility medications, hormone injections, and procedures such as embryo transfer. These interventions can occasionally lead to complications, such as damage to the reproductive organs or scar tissue formation, which may contribute to secondary infertility.
Physical Capacity
Pregnancy and the surrogacy journey can be physically demanding. Surrogates need to have the necessary physical and emotional capacity to navigate the challenges that may arise during the pregnancy, including potential medical complications. Being done with their own families ensures that surrogates can focus on the well-being of the surrogate baby without additional personal family obligations. Being done with their own families allows surrogates to dedicate themselves fully to the surrogacy process.
Reducing Potential Conflicts
Surrogacy arrangements involve complex legal, emotional, and logistical considerations. By being done with their own families, surrogates can minimize potential conflicts of interest or emotional attachments that could arise if they were seeking more children of their own while carrying a surrogate baby. This requirement helps establish clear boundaries and motivations.
It’s important to recognize that the requirement to be done with their own families is a practical consideration to ensure that the surrogate can provide the necessary physical, emotional, and logistical support throughout the surrogacy journey without any competing family aspirations or responsibilities.
FAQ: Surrogate Mother: Gestational Surrogacy in the Modern Era
Why is the term “surrogate mother” considered outdated?
The term “surrogate mother” is being replaced by more appropriate and accurate language because it fails to capture the complexities and nuances of modern surrogacy arrangements. In gestational surrogacy, the most common form of surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child she carries. Using the term “surrogate mother” can lead to confusion and undermine the understanding that the surrogate is acting as a gestational carrier rather than assuming the role of the child’s mother. Updated language, such as “gestational carrier” or “gestational surrogate,” emphasizes the specific gestational role and respects the distinction between genetic/parental and gestational connections.
Why do some women choose to become gestational surrogates?
Women who choose to become gestational surrogates often do so out of a deep sense of compassion and empathy. They understand the desire of Intended Parents to experience the joys of parenthood and want to play a role in making that dream come true. Surrogates often have a genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact on their lives. Their decision to become a gestational surrogate is often rooted in a belief that everyone should have the opportunity to create a loving family, regardless of biological limitations.
Why must surrogates be done with their own families before becoming gestational surrogates?
This requirement serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it ensures that surrogates have the necessary physical and emotional capacity to navigate the demands of the surrogacy journey, including potential medical complications. Secondly, it minimizes potential conflicts of interest or emotional attachments that could arise if surrogates were seeking to expand their own families while carrying a surrogate baby. Lastly, being done with their own families allows surrogates to dedicate themselves fully to the surrogacy process and focus on the well-being of the surrogate baby without additional personal family obligations.
Does IVF or surrogacy cause secondary infertility?
IVF itself does not directly cause secondary infertility. However, certain factors associated with IVF treatment and the hormones used in gestational surrogacy can contribute to the development of secondary infertility in some cases. The use of fertility medications, hormone injections, and procedures involved in IVF and gestational surrogacy can occasionally lead to complications that may affect future fertility. It’s important for individuals or couples considering these treatments to consult with a reproductive specialist or fertility doctor to understand and mitigate any potential risks.
