Surrogacy: Facts, Myths, and History

Surrogacy is a concept that harbors wrong misconceptions and myths. There are ample reasons why couples opt for a surrogate mother or a gestational carrier, and infertility is not the only reason. The heightened myths surrounding this procedure has made it seem extremely commercial, wiping out the actual emotions tied to it.

Generally, there are two types of surrogacy - gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy. Even with the higher success rates, surrogacy is extremely stigmatized by myths, which we are going to shatter today.

Table of Contents

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• Myths and Facts about Surrogacy
• What is the History of Surrogacy in India?

Myths and Facts about Surrogacy

Surrogacy is not just stigmatized but is wired with a lot of myths and misconceptions.

Myth: Only Rich People Can Afford Surrogacy

While it is true that wealthy people and famous celebrities are relying on surrogacy in the present day, it doesn't justify this myth. The main reason behind this misconception is that the cost of surrogacy is never static or determinable.

The expenses surrounding a successful surrogacy is dependent on several factors. Whether it is a traditional procedure, the agency fees, the surrogate mother's charges, the health insurance coverage, and a few other factors.

Several surrogate mothers have everything covered by their health insurance, in which case the parents wouldn't have to pay extra charges for birth. So, to fact check, surrogacy is not necessarily a wealthy affair but requires systemic planning.

Myth: Surrogacy is for Women Who Want to Save their Figure

The majority of the women who choose surrogacy over carrying their baby, are likely struggling with infertility. While the experience of pregnancy and becoming a mother is a subjective feeling, several women believe that they would instead give birth rather than getting a surrogate.

But, if their body isn't capable of making that possible, opting for surrogacy is not a bad option at all. It allows them to experience the process of pregnancy and have their child at the end of the pregnancy term.

Saying that women opt for surrogacy to save their figures is a complete myth because surrogacy is all about a woman helping another woman experience the bliss of parenthood.

Myth: It will be Difficult to Bond with the Baby

While it is true that pregnancy creates a unique bond between the mother and the child, who is to say that the same bond can’t be established once the baby is born? When talking about surrogacy facts, it is one of the most talked about pointers.

Once the child is born through surrogacy, they are immediately handed over to the intended parents for the skin to skin contact. and all the bonding exercises that are needed to help the child recognize its actual parents.

Myth: What if the Surrogate Mother Wants to Keep the Baby?

Pregnancy is an extremely emotional ride, especially when you are a surrogate mother growing a child in the womb. While it is common for these mothers to feel connected to the child they deliver, they don't take away the kid from their intended parents.

The majority of the clinics that conduct surrogacy often make the surrogate mother and the intended parents undergo a thorough clinical as well as psychological assessment to ensure that both parties are ready to commit and not back out from it.

If required, you can also draw up contracts with an attorney's help to ensure that nothing takes a turn for the worse at the end of the pregnancy.

Myth: Surrogate Mother will be the Biological Mother of the Child

No, not always. As we mentioned in the beginning, there are two types of surrogacy. The gestational surrogacy uses the sperm and egg from the intended parents, and then transfers the same into the womb of the surrogate. If it is gestational surrogacy, then the intended mother is the baby's biological mother and not the surrogate mother, even if she has carried them in her womb.

However, In traditional surrogacy, the sperm is retrieved from the intended father while the surrogate donates her own egg for the pregnancy. In that case, yes, the surrogate will be the biological mother of the child.

What is the History of Surrogacy in India?

When looking up the surrogacy definition, you will unfurl many facts that you likely didn't know about the procedure. But, when did this start? What is the history behind the procedure?

The first legal surrogacy agreement was drawn in 1976 by lawyer Noel Keane. It was a traditional surrogacy, but the surrogate wasn't provided with any compensation. Keane took this as an experience and later founded his infertility center.

The first popular tale of surrogacy dates back to 1984 and the Baby M case. Bill and Betsy Stern hired a surrogate for their baby. Mary Beth Whitehead, the surrogate was compensated with $10,000 for the procedure. But, things took a turn when Whitehead refused to sign over her baby's rights and took custody of the newborn daughter.

When discussing India's surrogacy history, commercial surrogacy in the country was finally legalized in 2005 by the government. With the growing infertility clinics and the cost-effective procedure, India soon became one of the famous countries for surrogacy.

Countries, where surrogacy is legal, are:

• Australia
• Canada
• India
• Greece
• Georgia
• Ukraine
• Israel
• Laos
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Thailand
• South Africa
• UK
• USA

Take Away

While discussing surrogacy facts, we must sit down and destigmatize the concept first. Opting for surrogacy doesn't make the intended parents any less. It doesn't diminish a mother's love for their child, nor does it make them any less competent as a mother. The moment we break down these myths, it becomes easier for us to accept this concept and accept it.

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