Surrogacy has become an increasingly visible and powerful way to build families, yet many misunderstandings continue to cloud how people perceive it. From outdated assumptions to dramatic media portrayals, myths about surrogacy can discourage intended parents and diminish the incredible role of surrogates.
Today, in honor of family diversity and reproductive choice, we’re setting the record straight on five of the most common myths about surrogacy — and revealing the truth behind this deeply human journey.
❌ Myth #1: Surrogates can change their mind and keep the baby.
✅ Truth: Legal contracts protect everyone involved.
One of the most common fears — especially for intended parents — is that a surrogate might become emotionally attached to the baby and refuse to give it up.
But here’s the truth: In gestational surrogacy (the most common form today), the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby. She carries an embryo created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors.
More importantly, a thorough legal process takes place before the pregnancy begins, ensuring that parental rights belong exclusively to the intended parents. Once those contracts are signed and medical clearance is obtained, the surrogate cannot legally claim custody.
More: Compensation for Surrogate Mothers: What You Should Know
❌ Myth #2: Surrogacy is unnatural or goes against nature.
✅ Truth: It’s a medical option — rooted in compassion and science.
Critics sometimes frame surrogacy as “unnatural” or interfering with the course of biology. But in reality, surrogacy is a carefully managed medical process that empowers individuals and couples facing infertility, health risks, or same-sex partnership limitations to become parents.
Thanks to advancements in IVF and reproductive medicine, surrogacy offers a safe, ethical, and medically sound path to parenthood, giving hope to those who might otherwise never have the chance to grow their family.
❌ Myth #3: Surrogates are exploited women from low-income backgrounds.
✅ Truth: Reputable surrogacy is built on consent, autonomy, and support.
This harmful stereotype erases the voices of the surrogates themselves. In reality, most surrogates are financially stable women — often already mothers — who choose this journey intentionally and thoughtfully.
Ethical agencies have strict screening processes that evaluate a surrogate’s physical, emotional, and financial readiness. Surrogates are fully informed, supported, and compensated fairly for the immense commitment they make.
Rather than exploitation, many surrogates describe the experience as empowering, purposeful, and life-changing.
❌ Myth #4: Surrogacy is only a last resort.
✅ Truth: Surrogacy is a valid, proactive choice.
While some may assume surrogacy is a “last-ditch option” after years of infertility, that’s far from the full picture.
For many people — including LGBTQ+ couples, single parents by choice, and women with medical conditions — surrogacy is a chosen path from the beginning. It’s not a fallback, but a forward-looking decision made with intention and care.
No matter the reason, every surrogacy journey is valid — and every family built this way is just as real and worthy of celebration.
❌ Myth #5: Surrogates have no emotional connection to the journey.
✅ Truth: Many surrogates find the experience deeply meaningful.
While surrogates understand from the start that the child is not theirs, that doesn’t mean the experience is emotionless.
In fact, many surrogates describe a deep emotional connection to the journey itself — the bond they form with the intended parents, the pride in helping create a family, and the strength they feel in accomplishing something so profound.
It’s a journey of purpose, resilience, and immense generosity — not detachment.
More: Becoming a Surrogate: Is It the Right Choice for You?
💛 Final Thoughts: Love Makes a Family
Surrogacy is not a myth, and it’s not just science — it’s a powerful expression of love, trust, and collaboration. It’s about helping people fulfill their dreams of parenthood in a world where families come in many forms.
By understanding the truth about surrogacy, we can break down stigma, uplift real stories, and honor every path to family.
Want to learn more about becoming a surrogate or growing your family through surrogacy? Contact us — we’re here to support your journey.
