Myths and Facts About Surrogate Pregnancy

Surrogate pregnancy is a hotly debated subject. A lot of the controversy surrounding this infertility solution centers around the misconceptions about surrogate pregnancy.

Our fertility specialists — Drs. Kevin and Kathy Doody, Dr. Anna Nackley, and Dr. Robin Thomas — at CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, offer many options to help patients achieve their dreams of having a family. We use gestational surrogates for people who are unable to carry a baby on their own.

Here, we debunk some myths and share some facts surrounding surrogate pregnancy so you can gain a better understanding of this option and how beneficial it is to so many parents.

Myth: Surrogate pregnancy is illegal

Fact: Laws surrounding surrogate pregnancy differ in each state. Some states don’t recognize the surrogacy contract and consider it void and unenforceable. It’s important to know the laws surrounding surrogacy in your state before embarking on the journey. 

Texas is a surrogate-friendly state and recognizes and enforces gestational surrogate contracts. 

Myth: The surrogate will keep the baby

Fact: Gestational surrogates have no genetic ties to the baby, and we only use gestational surrogates for surrogacy.

This is a common fear many intended parents (IPs) have surrounding surrogate pregnancy. A traditional surrogate uses her own egg for the pregnancy. This type of surrogate is legally more challenging than a gestational surrogate because the surrogate has genetic links to the baby.

A gestational surrogate has no genetic or biological ties to the baby. For this type of surrogacy, we use eggs and sperm from the IPs or donor egg and donor sperm to create the embryo we implant into the uterus of the surrogate. 

Myth: Anyone can be a surrogate

Fact: Surrogates go through a rigorous screening process and must meet specific criteria.

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine offers guidelines for the ideal surrogate, which includes:

• Healthy women ages 21-45 (ideally 35 or younger)
• A history of at least one full-term pregnancy
• A history of no more than five pregnancies
• Good overall health 
• A stable home environment

People who choose to become surrogates often do it for altruistic reasons. They may enjoy pregnancy or find it immensely rewarding to be able to help others add to their family.

Myth: IPs struggle with baby bonding

Fact: Bonding with the baby happens after birth.

Because you don’t carry the baby, you may fear that the baby may not bond to you. However, the bond between the IPs and baby forms after birth, through the care and love you give your baby.

Surrogate pregnancy is a gift for people who want children but are unable to carry a baby through pregnancy and childbirth. Don’t let the myths surrounding this infertility option keep you from pursuing it. 

If you have questions about surrogate pregnancy or any other infertility treatment, we can provide all the answers you need. Call the CARE Fertility office near you, or request a consultation appointment online today.