Myths about Gestational Carriers
Gestational surrogacy has become increasingly common in recent years and has continued to help many different types of intended parents, whether they may be single parents, couples dealing with infertility, or parents in same sex relationships. However, despite a rise in the amount of information that is available about gestational surrogacy, there are still some misconceptions about gestational carriers (AKA surrogates) and their roles. Gestational carriers are acting out of extreme selflessness, and understanding more about these generous women is extremely valuable.
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado is here to describe common myths about gestational carriers as well the truth behind them.
Myths about Surrogates
Although gestational carriers help many families achieve their dreams of having a child of their own, there are still things about gestational carriers that many people may not understand. Some common myths (and truths) about gestational carriers include:
Myth: Surrogates become the biological mothers of the child
One of the most common misconceptions about gestational carriers is that because a gestational carrier is the one who carries the child who is born, she is automatically the biological mother of the child. While this may be true in the case of surrogates in traditional surrogacy, which is pretty uncommon in the modern day, this is a myth when describing gestational surrogacy.
Truth: Surrogates are not biologically related to the child who is born
Although gestational carriers may help intended parents out tremendously by carrying their child to term, the gestational carrier is, in fact, not biologically related to the child In gestational surrogacy, an embryo from an already fertilized egg is implanted into the gestational carrier. Therefore, the biological mother of the child is the woman whose egg was used in the fertilization process — aka. the intended mother. This is appealing to many intended parents because they are able to maintain a genetic link with their child that the gestational carrier carries.
Myth: Surrogates choose to become pregnant for monetary compensation
Because there have been many cases of celebrities who have turned to gestational surrogacy, some people may think that gestational carriers only choose to help intended parents because they will receive compensation for it. While it is true that gestational carriers will be monetarily compensated for the huge changes their body will undergo during pregnancy, this is not the sole reason that gestational carriers choose to help out.
Truth: Surrogates are selfless and want to help another family out
Women who choose to become gestational carriers may have numerous different motivations behind their actions. However, one common trait that all gestational carriers share is that they love children and want to help another family enjoy the happiness a child will bring into their life. Making the decision to undergo another pregnancy is not one that should be taken lightly, and women who choose to help out by becoming a gestational carrier do so from the kindness of their hearts.
Myth: Any woman can choose to become a surrogate
Some people may believe that any woman is able to become a gestational carrier if she desires. However, each state has various different requirements for women who are looking to become gestational carriers. Although the requirements are not exceedingly difficult to meet, it is not true that just any woman may be a gestational carrier.
Truth: There are age, health, and stability requirements for surrogates
In the state of Colorado, there are numerous different types of requirements for women who want to become gestational carriers. Some of these requirements include being between 21 and 41 years of age, having already had a complication free pregnancy and successful delivery in the past, currently raising a child, and living a stable lifestyle with transportation and a support network. These requirements are in place to help prepare gestational carriers for undergoing another pregnancy, keep gestational carriers safe, and also increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and delivery.
Gestational carriers are extremely selfless members of our community who help many intended parents have children, despite the thought of having children seeming impossible. Learning more about gestational carriers can help to debunk some of the common myths about gestational carriers that people may currently believe.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Surrogate?
If you have questions about gestational carriers, or are a woman who is interested in becoming a surrogate, feel free to reach out to us at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado with any questions. We are able help to ensure that you meet the requirements to become a gestational carrier and will make sure you have legal representation, medical care, and hands-on support throughout the entire surrogacy process. We also have resources to help match gestational carriers with fitting intended parents! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information or with any questions that you may have.
If you are interested in surrogacy and want to learn more about your options, contact Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Meet the Author: Ashley Nies is an undergraduate student at Stanford University who is studying Human Biology and Political Science. Ashley is largely interested in various aspects of health and healthcare, and writes about these topics. She has taken classes on rhetoric, ethics and social media in health, as well as other creative writing classes during her freshman year at Stanford.
Ashley is from Las Vegas, Nevada, and considers herself to be fun-loving and adventurous. She values the importance of combining STEM with liberal arts education and hopes to integrate these in her writing.