If you’re considering becoming a gestational surrogate, there are lot of questions you’ll need to ask beforehand to make sure that you’re prepared for the experience. One topic you’ll need to think about? Abortion and surrogacy.
No matter where you stand on the debate, abortion remains a hot-button topic. However, it is not a topic that can be ignored in a gestational pregnancy. In fact, it’s something that needs to be decided on before you can even finalize your match with the intended parents.
In this guide, we’ll go over why the intended parents might consider terminating a pregnancy, what happens when you’re not comfortable with the idea of surrogacy and abortion, and more. If you have any questions when it comes to the termination of pregnancy and surrogacy, you can reach out to us at any time through our free contact form.
Why Would the Intended Parents Consider Termination of Pregnancy in Surrogacy?
We know that the topic of abortion and surrogacy can give many prospective surrogates pause. But there are several reasons why the intended parents would consider termination of a pregnancy in surrogacy.
For one, the embryo might not be developing properly. With the help of reproductive endocrinologists, the intended parents can find out quickly whether or not the embryo will result in a successful birth. If it starts to develop abnormally, then they might consider abortion and surrogacy. We know this might be difficult for you as the gestational surrogate if it does happen. But some intended parents consider termination a better option than waiting for a natural miscarriage later on.
In other cases, more than one embryo will be transferred to a woman’s uterus in the hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy. If the intended parents have more embryos implanted than they’re comfortable with, then they might choose to go the path of surrogacy selective reduction for one or more of the embryos. This will also reduce the risks of carrying multiples.
Another reason that intended parents might consider abortion during surrogacy is because the fetus has a life-threating disability or developmental disorder. Although rare, it is possible for genetic or congenital deformations to occur. If the intended parents know that the baby won’t survive on its own outside the womb, or if they know the baby will be born with a debilitating disorder, then they might make the tough decision to terminate the pregnancy.
Lastly, the intended parents might choose termination in order to save your life if you have developed a complication that puts your life at risk. There are some cases in which abortion is the only option. Both parties may come to the decision to terminate the pregnancy to protect your life as the gestational carrier.
Abortion and surrogacy might be hard to understand. But please know that the intended parent are not making this decision lightly. They have dreamed and prayed for the chance to be parents for months and oftentimes years. They would not consider abortion during the pregnancy unless they truly felt like it was the best and only option. Before you finalize a match with them, they will make sure that this is something that you’re comfortable with.
What if I’m Not Comfortable with Surrogacy and Termination?
We know that the idea of abortion as a gestational surrogate might be hard to come to terms with. While these discussions are a normal part of surrogacy, they might not be something that you ever thought about. In an ideal surrogacy, selective reduction or abortion never has to occur. But if you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate, you need to think about your comfort level if these situations should happen.
Before you become a surrogate, think about where your boundaries lie. Are you okay with abortion only in a life-or-death situation? What if the child has special needs that the intended parents aren’t equipped to handle?
What situations the intended parents will terminate a pregnancy for and what you’re comfortable with will be decided upon in your surrogacy contract. If you have questions or concerned about surrogacy contract termination language, you should always discuss these with your attorney.
Does this Mean I Can’t be a Surrogate?
Not necessarily. While your surrogacy specialist and the intended parents will always take your comfort into account, it is their embryo at the end of the day. As such, all decisions regarding surrogacy and termination or selective reduction fall to them. Being against either won’t necessarily disqualify you from becoming a gestational surrogate. But it might be harder to find intended parents who share the same viewpoint. If you are absolutely against the idea of surrogacy and termination, then you should be prepared for a longer wait. Keep in mind that some agencies may have their own requirements when it comes to gestational surrogacy, abortion and selective reduction.
Any intended parent considering surrogacy wants to do whatever it takes to have a healthy, safe pregnancy. In some cases, surrogacy and termination along with surrogacy selective reduction are the best way to make sure that happens. And most intended parents want to find a surrogate who is on the same page as them.
We know that abortion and surrogacy can be difficult to think about. After all, becoming a surrogate means that you want to help the intended parents complete their family or become parents for the first time. That’s why if you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to a surrogacy professional or a fertility clinic for more information.
