It is no secret that we believe wholeheartedly that gestational surrogates are angels here on earth. These women provide a selfless act to help others build their family. We love to hear their stories and why they chose to embark on that path. However, we have noticed that more often than not, women who are interested in surrogacy all have the same moment of pause before deciding to become a surrogacy angel. These women are under the impression that they would be biologically related to the child and that is simply not the case. Before we get into that, let’s go back to the beginning.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an arrangement whereby a woman (the gestational carrier) agrees to bear a child for another person or persons who will become the child’s parent(s) after birth.

The Surrogacy Process

Surrogacy is a reproductive technology in which a woman (the Surrogate or Gestational Carrier) carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple (the intended parents). The Surrogate is not genetically related to the child. The Intended Parents (IPs) will have an IVF cycle providing their own eggs and sperm (or donor egg or donor sperm) in order to create viable embryos to transfer to the Gestational Carrier (GC).

The Surrogate and the IPs must enter into a contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party. This contract must be approved by a court of law. The Surrogate must also undergo a medical evaluation to determine if she is medically qualified to carry the pregnancy. The Surrogate and the IPs must also undergo psychological evaluations to ensure that they are emotionally and mentally prepared for the process. After the contract is signed and the medical and psychological evaluations are completed, the IPs and the Surrogate can begin the process of embryo transfer, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Once the Surrogate carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby, the IPs assume legal and financial responsibility for the child. The process of surrogacy is complex and involves medical, legal, and emotional considerations.

Surrogates are not Biologically Related to the Baby

There are several reasons why a Surrogate is not related to the baby she carries:

Legal reasons:

Surrogacy agreements are legally binding contracts that specify the intended parents will be the legal parents of the child.

The Surrogate’s name is not listed on the amended and legal birth certificate, and the IPs are the ones who take the baby home from the hospital.

Surrogates typically have no legal rights or responsibilities towards the child they carry depending on the surrogacy laws of the state they deliver at.

Genetic reasons:

The Surrogate is not the biological mother of the child as the egg used in the surrogacy process is usually provided by the Intended Mother or an Egg Donor.

The sperm used in the surrogacy process is also usually provided by the Intended Father or a Sperm Donor.

Mental health reasons:

Surrogates are generally not emotionally attached to the child they carry, as they understand that the baby is not theirs and that they will not be raising it.

Surrogates are typically prepared for the emotional separation that comes with surrogacy and understand that their role is that of a carrier, not a mother.

Surrogates are given psychological counseling and support throughout the process of surrogacy to help them prepare for the emotional separation that comes with giving up the baby.

Why Become a Surrogate Angel

There are a variety of reasons why a woman may choose to become a surrogate. For some, it may be a desire to help others who are struggling to start a family. Surrogacy can provide an opportunity for a woman to give the gift of parenthood to someone who may not be able to have a child on their own. Additionally, surrogacy can be a way for a woman to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment by playing a vital role in creating a new life.

For other women, surrogacy may be a personal journey. Some women may have had a positive experience with their own pregnancy, and they may want to pay it forward by becoming a surrogate for someone else.

Additionally, some women become surrogates for financial reasons. Surrogacy can be a way for a woman to earn a significant amount of money, which can be used to support herself and her family.

It’s important to note that surrogates go through a rigorous screening process before being matched with intended parents, to make sure that the woman is physically and emotionally capable of handling a pregnancy for someone else. Additionally, the woman must have her own children or have given birth before. The process of surrogacy is also closely supervised by a team of medical professionals, which helps to ensure the health and safety of both the surrogate and the baby.

Testimonials of Our Angels

If you are looking to learn more about surrogacy, please review some stories from our angels: