By Mallorey English

You’ve decided to pursue gestational surrogacy as an intended parent! Hooray! As you’re doing your research and preparing for the matching process, you may come across some rumors that cause a bit of concern. Some involve the gestational surrogacy journey in general, while others involve the role of intended parents. Most, however, regard the gestational carriers themselves. You aren’t sure what is true and not, making you waiver on your decision to continue your gestational journey.

Don’t worry. Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno is aware of the stereotypes, misconceptions and rumors circulating around. We are here to put your mind at ease. This week, we will be debunking five common myths about gestational carriers.

Common Misconceptions About Gestational Carriers

Myth #1: The gestational carrier is the biological mother of the child

Debunked: False! This misconception speaks to the other type of surrogacy, known as traditional surrogacy. Gestational carriers have no genetic or biological connection to the child whatsoever. This is because the baby she is carrying is from the intended parents’ egg and sperm. With traditional surrogacy, on the other hand, the surrogate would be genetically related to the baby, having used a sperm donor or a sperm sample alone to become pregnant.

Gestational surrogacy is achieved through the IVF process, where genetic samples from one or both intended parents are fertilized and then implanted into the carrier. This is a huge benefit for intended parents who want to share that connection with their child. 

Myth #2: The gestational carrier can be any woman

Debunked: Not necessarily. Gestational carriers must undergo an extensive and intensive screening process to make sure that they are healthy and able to carry a baby to term safely. Depending on where you live, there may be specific requirements that you will have to meet before you can become a gestational carrier. For instance, in the state of Nevada, you have to have had at least one successful pregnancy and be raising children of your own. You also must pass a psychological evaluation and background check.

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno ensures that all of our gestational carriers fit both state requirements and that of their doctor and fertility specialist. We will not match intended parents with gestational carriers — or vice versa — who are unfit or agreeing to the gestational journey for the wrong reasons. If you are interested in more information regarding the requirements of a gestational carrier, be sure to check out our resources here. 

Myth #3: Your gestational carrier will seek parental rights to the baby

Debunked: Understandably, this is every intended parent’s nightmare and the reason this myth is as prominent as it is. But no. This is not possible. Because the gestational carrier holds no biological connection over the child, she is not qualified to seek parental rights. She cannot change her mind and keep the baby after he or she is born. A gestational carrier completely understands what she is agreeing to and has no intention of keeping the child. 

When it comes to traditional surrogacy, however, this has the potential of happening. That’s why it’s banned in most states in the US, and strong legal agreements are written up to prevent this as much as possible. But, with gestational surrogacy, the child belongs to the intended parents. Please check out this interview to learn more.

Myth #4: The gestational carrier is in it only for the money and won’t care about the baby

Debunked: This one is extremely untrue and the cause of much damage to gestational carriers and their reputation. While compensation may or may not be included in the agreement, gestational carriers genuinely care more about the intended parents and want to help them have a family they couldn’t otherwise have. Many simply love the feeling of being pregnant. 

Being a gestational carrier is not how you make a living. It’s not a job. It’s a heartfelt offer to help. If this isn’t enough to convince you, maybe this will be. As part of their background checks, gestational carriers have to meet financial requirements and can’t receive any sort of government subsidy. 

Myth #5: Gestational surrogates are basically wombs for hire

Debunked: Absolutely not! Gestational surrogacy is not a sales transaction in any way, shape, or form. Unfortunately, there are many who are unwilling to educate themselves and are convinced that gestational surrogacy is all about money. That gestational carriers are forced into agreements. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Not only is gestational surrogacy an ethical practice, but it’s also a legal one. No one is coerced or persuaded. Everyone involved in the gestational journey agrees on their own accord. If a match doesn’t work out, the intended parents and gestational carriers both have the freedom to say no and move on.

Both the intended parent(s) and the gestational carrier have attorneys who represent their interests during the process. The attorneys ensure that no rights or interests are infringed upon. It’s all legitimate!

Myths about Gestational Carriers

There are certainly many myths about gestational carriers that you’ll come across in your research as you prepare for the gestational surrogacy journey. But remember not to let your imagination get the better of you. Be sure that you are collecting information from reliable sources and asking questions of industry professionals. If you have any further questions about the gestational surrogacy journey, we’re more than happy to answer them for you! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

Be safe, and, as always, be well, friends!

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. For information specific to Las Vegas, please visit our sister site, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas. For information specific to Reno, please visit our sister site, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno. You can also call us to speak to someone now.
Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno) | 775-738-4673 (Elko)

Sources

PBS.org: “Surrogacy Facts and Myths: How Much Do You Know?” https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/surrogacy-facts-and-myths-how-much-do-you-know/