Nontraditional routes to family building such as surrogacy are often misunderstood. We are on a mission to debunk these myths and shine a light on the truth surrounding this life-changing and life-creating journey.

Myth #1: Parents via surrogacy won’t bond with their baby

Through our extensive experience in this field our team has witnessed first hand the incredibly strong bonds between intended parents and their babies born through surrogacy. Choosing surrogacy is a deeply intentional decision, born from a strong desire to become parents. We often find this commitment fosters a strong emotional connection even before the child is born, as parents actively participate in every step of the process. Additionally, surrogacy often involves overcoming various challenges, whether emotional, medical, or legal. This journey can intensify the emotional investment parents feel, leading to a heightened sense of gratitude for their child.

Click here to learn more about bonding with your baby prior to their birth.

Myth #2: Compensated surrogacy is not altruistic

“Life is a gift, and being able to create that gift for others, is one of the highest standards that I hold for myself as a surrogate, as a mother. To help somebody else and make their dreams come true.” Chanel, third-time surrogate and surrogate with NewGen Families.

Some intended parents may be concerned that working with an agency and a compensated surrogate is less altruistic, however we know first hand that compensation does not negate a person’s altruistic motives. The two elements can co-exist together and we believe that a surrogate can embark on a journey to help another family whilst being compensated for the time, dedication and experience they bring to the process. Many surrogates have personal connections to infertility or have experienced the joy of parenthood and want to share that with others who cannot build their families on their own. NewGen’s thorough screening process ensures that our surrogates are highly motivated by the desire to help others. 

Myth #3: The surrogate will change her mind and want to keep the baby

There is a common misconception that a surrogate will want to assume parental responsibility for your child after birth. We understand this concern can be a source of worry for intended parents.

Firstly, surrogates undergo many months of rigorous screening to ensure their medical and psychological suitability for a surrogacy program. They must have at least one child of their own and have typically completed their own families before becoming a surrogate. They understand that they are undergoing IVF for the sole purpose of becoming pregnant and carrying the child for someone else. They embark on this journey to help others achieve their dream of parenthood.

Secondly, working with an experienced surrogacy agency and attorney is the most secure way of pursuing surrogacy. In addition to NewGen’s extensive screening process for surrogates, we can refer you to experienced attorney’s who will safeguard your parental rights through a Gestational Carrier Agreement and Pre or Post Birth Order.

• A Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA) is a contract between the intended parents and their surrogate, mediated by each party’s attorney, that includes compensation agreements as well as either parties stipulations for the pregnancy and birth. 
• Pre-birth Order: A legal document that establishes the intended parent(s) as the full legal parent(s) of the child before the surrogate gives birth. 
• Post-birth Order: Similar to a pre-birth order except that the paperwork cannot be filed until after a surrogate has given birth to your baby. 

Myth #4: Single parents should not pursue surrogacy

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the fulfillment of being a parent and that the joy of creating a loving family should not be limited by your relationship status.  That’s why we are committed to providing comprehensive support, guidance, and access to a network of professionals who understand and cater to the unique needs of single parents. 

Myth #5: Surrogacy is only for wealthy couples

While surrogacy can be costly, intended parents from various financial backgrounds pursue surrogacy. Some intended parents will access inheritance or retirement funds, equity in their homes, work second jobs, or work with charities that provide financial assistance for surrogacy. 

Myth #6:  Surrogacy Is the same as adoption

Surrogacy and adoption are fundamentally different processes and understanding the distinctions is crucial. In gestational surrogacy, typically one or both intended parents have a genetic connection to the child and were involved in the conception process via IVF. The gestational carrier (or gestational surrogate) then becomes pregnant for the purpose of helping the intended parents bring their child into the world.

In contrast, adoption is the legal process that unites a child who has already been conceived — and sometimes already born — with adults who take legal responsibility and assume the role as their parent. In an adoption arrangement, an adoptive parent brings a child into their family who is typically not biologically related to the family.

Myth #7: Surrogacy Is an Easy Process

Surrogacy is sometimes portrayed as a simple and straightforward solution, but the reality is much more complex. The journey involves medical procedures, legal agreements, psychological evaluations, and significant emotional investment. It’s important for intended parents and surrogates prepare for a journey that can be filled with ups and downs, requiring patience and resilience.