Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about how surrogacy really works. As a team of surrogacy experts, we believe it’s our job to help set the record straight. So, we’re tackling one important topic here: genetic connections in surrogacy.
When it comes to our full-service program, we only complete gestational surrogacies. But, what exactly does that mean, and how does that impact how a surrogate mother is genetically related to the child she carries?
We’re glad you asked. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear about genetic relationships in the surrogacy process. This way, you can understand exactly what modern surrogacy entails.
Want to learn more? Contact our surrogacy team today with all of your questions.
Are Surrogate Mothers Related to the Baby They Carry?
When many people think of surrogacy, they still think of traditional surrogacy. This kind of surrogacy involves a woman donating her own egg and her uterus to help someone else become a parent. Therefore, she’s both the carrier and the biological mother of the child in her womb. When she gives birth, she has inherent parental rights to the baby — even though she voluntarily signed up for surrogacy with the intended parents. This, in fact, is where the term surrogate “mother” originated.
When intended parents and surrogates ask us, “Is a surrogate mother genetically related to the child?” it’s usually because they’re familiar with this kind of traditional surrogacy.
However, for the safety of everyone involved, our team does not complete traditional surrogacies. Instead, we guide clients through gestational surrogacy — in which a surrogate is not genetically related to the baby she carries. Instead, the embryo is created with the intended parents’ gametes (or with the aid of a sperm or egg donor). The fertilized embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, where it grows until the baby is full-term.
When the baby is born, he or she is not related to the woman who delivered him or her. The surrogate has no parental rights, and the baby is easily transferred to the custody of the intended parents (thanks to the hard work of a legal team behind the scenes).
When you work with any reputable surrogacy professional, you can expect them to only complete gestational surrogacies like this.
Does a Surrogate Mother Transfer DNA to the Baby?
Genetics and assisted reproduction can be confusing. But, reassure yourself by knowing that a surrogate mother does not share DNA with the baby she carries in her uterus.
DNA is carried on chromosomes, and it can only be transferred during the conception process. Because this all takes place outside of a gestational surrogate’s uterus, there is no way for her to transfer or share genetic material with the baby she carries.
Even though they carry babies in their wombs for nine months, surrogates do not contribute DNA to the intended parents’ child. Instead, they act as “babysitters” — simply “housing” the baby until he or she is old enough to be safely brought into the world.
Can a Baby Look Like the Surrogate Mother?
Intended parents who are new to surrogacy often have fears about the process. Many choose surrogacy to have a genetic connection with their future child — with the hope of seeing their own eyes, noses, or smiles reflected back at them through their little ones.
So, they may have another big question, conscious or unconscious: Does the baby look like the surrogate mother?
Again, because a surrogate does not pass her genetic material to the baby she carries, the baby will not have the characteristics of the woman who carried him or her. Instead, the baby will have the DNA of the intended parents (or any egg or sperm donor used in the IVF process).
That said, intended parents should keep in mind that having a genetic child doesn’t mean their child will always look like them. Even families who have conceived and given birth naturally to biological children have no guarantee shared genetics will present themselves clearly in their offspring. Like most things when it comes to genetics and DNA, the results are often due to chance and luck.
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We know it can seem embarrassing to ask questions like, “Will the baby look like their surrogate mother?” or “Do surrogate mothers pass DNA to the babies?” But, remember that our surrogacy team is always here to answer your questions and address your concerns, no matter how big or small they may be. No question is dumb when it comes to this complicated, life-changing journey.
To learn more about surrogacy with our full-service program, contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and, when you’re ready, help you get started with a surrogacy journey in Pennsylvania.
