Common Myths Around Surrogacy in the USA and Key Tips to Tackle Them!
Surrogacy itself is a big blessing for millions of individuals and couples across the globe. Yet, this practice is constantly surrounded by random myths and misinterpretations. While most of these myths are baseless, few of them have been encouraged due to the lack of awareness among people around them. In the coming parts of this blog, we will talk about a list of such myths along with related facts about surrogacy in the USA.
Common myths around surrogacy
Myth 1: Surrogacy is Illegal in the USA.
Fact: Surrogacy is legal in the United States of America, but laws and regulations vary from state to state. Moreover, commercial surrogacy in the United States is also legal, again with the variation within the states.
Moreover, a few states have inclusive laws that support surrogacy, whereas others have restricted or no laws at all. That said, it’s fundamental for intended parents and surrogates to work with legal specialists who are well-versed in the surrogacy laws of their particular state to explore the method legally and securely.
Myth 2: Surrogacy is only a procedure made for the riches
Fact: Surrogacy can be expensive, but it isn’t solely for the wealthy people. That said, the cost of surrogacy incorporates compensation for the surrogate, medical costs, legal expenses, and agency fees, among others. In any case, there are different financial options and resources accessible to assist intended parents in managing surrogacy, such as instalment plans, loans, grants, and insurance coverage. This is where it’s vital to investigate these choices to make surrogacy more accessible to everyone.
Myth 3: Surrogates are forced into this practice
Fact: Ethical surrogacy is continuously based on the principles of consent and values. Moreover, surrogates eagerly opt to become gestational carriers and go through a proper screening process. Besides, they have the right to choose their intended parents and enter into a legal contract that outlines their rights, obligations, and compensation. So, according to the international surrogacy laws in the USA, any such coercion is not permitted.
Myth 4: Surrogates are encouraged in this practice due to money
Fact: While surrogates do get compensation for their time, efforts, and the risks included in pregnancy, their inspiration goes beyond monetary reasons. That said, numerous surrogates are driven by the urge to assist others make families and get through the bliss of parenthood. Besides, emotional and altruistic reasons often play a critical part in their choice to become a surrogate via commercial surrogacy in the United States.
Myth 5: Surrogacy is the same as “Womb Renting
Fact: The term “renting a womb” could be a misinterpretation and misrepresents the surrogacy procedure. Besides, surrogates are not “rented” but are regarded and compensated for their valuable role in helping others have kids. Moreover, surrogacy may be a collaborative effort between intended parents and surrogates built on trust, kindness, and shared objectives.
Myth 6: Surrogates are biologically related to the child.
Fact: In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate isn’t genetically related to the child she carries. Moreover, the embryo is created from the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm and is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. Also, this implies that the child is biologically related to the intended parents or donors, and not the surrogate.
Myth 7: Surrogacy is an assured way of having a baby
Fact: Whereas surrogacy via an altruistic surrogacy agency comes with a good success rate, it isn’t without its challenges. Moreover, variables such as the quality of the embryo, the surrogate’s health, and other medical factors can impact the outcome. That said, success isn’t ensured, and it may require different endeavours.
Myth 8: Surrogates have no emotional association with the child.
Fact: Surrogates often frame emotional bonds with the baby they carry, indeed in spite of the fact that they are not biologically related. Moreover, this emotional connection could be a confirmation of the care and love surrogates bring to the procedure. Besides, intended parents and surrogates work together to set up boundaries and keep up open communication all through the journey.
Myth 9: Surrogacy is only meant for the heterosexual couples
Fact: Surrogacy is accessible to all people and couples, irrespective of their sexual preference or sexual orientation character. Moreover, same-sex couples and single individuals often turn to surrogacy to create their families. Also, the key is finding an appropriate surrogate and connecting with a trusted altruistic surrogacy agency.
Myth 10: Surrogacy is highly secretive
Fact: Surrogacy can be as private or as open, depending on the preferences of the involved parties. Moreover, a few families choose to keep the process secret, whereas others embrace openness and keep up continuous connections with their surrogates. Regardless, it’s a personal choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
How to deal with all the Myths and Misconceptions around surrogacy?
While we just talked about all the myths and misconceptions around commercial surrogacy in the USA, let’s talk about the best ways to deal with them
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Educate Yourself
The first step in dealing with surrogacy myths is to educate you about the procedure. To do that, look for dependable sources of data such as books, websites, or medical experts who specialize in surrogacy. Moreover, learning the facts will enable you to counter any myths with exact information.
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Connect with the experts
Counselling with specialists within the field of surrogacy, including fertility experts, surrogacy agencies, and legal experts, can give you profitable bits of knowledge and guidance. Besides, they can assist you in exploring the surrogacy journey and ward off any misconceptions about commercial surrogacy in the United States.
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Connect with support groups
Joining support groups for intended parents, egg donors, surrogates, or those fascinated by surrogacy can be incredibly useful. Moreover, these groups give a secure space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others who have gone through the surrogacy procedure. Besides, hearing real-life stories can offer assistance to dispel all those myths.
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Open Communication
Compelling communication with your surrogate or intended parents is significant. Moreover, building up a solid bond and open exchange can offer assistance in exposing these common myths around surrogacy by cultivating belief and understanding. Also, being honest about your sentiments and desires can lead to a smoother surrogacy journey.
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Be prepared to educate others
Surprisingly, surrogacy myths may come from companions, family, or associates who may not completely understand the procedure. Hence, you must be prepared to educate them by sharing exact details and individual experiences. By doing so, you’ll offer assistance to counter such myths in your own social circle.
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Utilize Public Resources
When sharing information about surrogacy via an altruistic surrogacy agency or checking it online, utilize true and legitimate sources. Moreover, search for organizations, medical experts, and surrogacy agencies that give precise and up-to-date data. Besides, stay wary about depending on unsubstantiated data from informal websites or social media.
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Look for legal guidance
Legal issues related to surrogacy can be complex, and myths related to International surrogacy laws can be deceiving. This is where counselling with a lawyer who specializes in reproductive law is basic. That said, these experts can assist you regarding the legal viewpoints of surrogacy in your particular area and guarantee that all parties’ rights are ensured.
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Focus on the Positive Stories
Whereas it’s basic to address common myths around surrogacy and misinterpretations, it’s also critical to focus on the positive stories and experiences of those who have effectively gone through surrogacy. Moreover, these stories can revive trust and give a more precise viewpoint on the surrogacy journey.
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Opt for surrogacy awareness
Consider pushing for surrogacy awareness in your community or through social media forums. Moreover, by sharing your surrogacy experience or supporting organizations that advocate surrogacy awareness, you’ll contribute to dispersing myths and misconceptions.
Final words
Surrogacy within the United States of America could come as a legal, ethical, and emotional way for individuals and couples to realize their dreams of parenthood. While it comes with challenges, understanding the truths behind the common myths around surrogacy can help intended parents and surrogates make educated choices.
Besides, surrogacy may be a collaborative journey that incorporates the values of belief, sympathy, and shared trust in the long run. Besides, it has brought delight and joy to numerous families and serves as a perfect way of bringing that most awaited happiness in the intended parent’s lives.