Five surrogacy myths you should discard

Assisted reproductive technologies, particularly surrogacy, have become a beacon of hope for many individuals and couples striving to build a family. However, misconceptions and misinformation continue to shroud the process, leading to doubts and confusion.  

To make informed decisions about surrogacy, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction. So, here are some common myths that need to be debunked.

• The surrogate mother is the biological mother

One of the most common misconceptions about surrogacy is that the surrogate mother is the child’s biological mother. However, this is not always the case.

According to studies, there are two types of surrogacy — traditional and gestational.

Traditional surrogacy is the artificial insemination of the surrogate mother with the intended father’s sperm, making the surrogate the biological mother of the child.

However, in gestational surrogacy, which is the widely used form today, the surrogate carries an embryo created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donors’ sperm and egg. Since the surrogate’s egg is not used, she has no genetic connection to the child.

• Babies born through surrogacy are different from naturally conceived babies

This is a myth and the fact is that babies are the same as those conceived naturally — the only difference is how the pregnancy begins.

A baby born through surrogacy develops in the womb just like any other child. The only difference is how the pregnancy begins — through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) rather than natural conception.

Once the embryo is implanted, the surrogate carries the pregnancy like any expectant mother, ensuring the baby receives the necessary nutrients and care.

In the end, there is no biological or developmental difference between a baby born via surrogacy and one conceived naturally.

A study by the National Institute of Health stated that “there were no major psychological differences between children born after surrogacy and children born after other types of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or natural conception”.

Another study revealed that children born through gestational surrogacy show no differences in temperament, behavioral development, cognitive abilities, or socio-emotional growth compared to naturally conceived children.

Surrogacy is simply another pathway to parenthood, and the child born through it is just as healthy, happy, and well-adjusted as any other.

• Women who choose surrogacy are lazy or unwilling to carry a pregnancy

Surrogacy is often a medical necessity, not a matter of convenience.

According to a study, many choose surrogacy after “all possible tools for self-pregnancy have been exhausted”.

Many women turned to surrogacy due to health conditions that make pregnancy risky or impossible. These may include uterine complications, repeated pregnancy loss, severe medical conditions like heart disease, or treatments such as chemotherapy that affect fertility.

For some, surrogacy is the only option to have a biological child while protecting their health.

• A child born through surrogacy won’t bond with the intended parents.

There are several ways the bond between a child and their parents is built aside from pregnancy.

Research shows that babies recognise their parents through voice, scent, and touch from an early stage.

If parents start talking to the baby in the womb, attending medical appointments, and being present in every step, the bond will be built even before the baby arrives.

Once the baby is born, skin-to-skin contact, feeding, and daily care further strengthen the emotional connection.

Just like in adoption or other assisted reproductive methods, what truly matters is the love and commitment the parents provide.

• Surrogacy is illegal in Nigeria.

Surrogacy is not illegal in Nigeria, but there is no legal framework for it.

According to CableCheck, the National Health Act and the Child Health Act do not prohibit surrogacy in Nigeria.

However, to ensure a smooth process, intended parents are advised to seek legal counsel to draft a surrogacy agreement and establish parental rights after birth.