We aren’t “Surrogate Mothers”
In the realm of assisted reproduction, precise language is crucial to convey the roles and relationships involved accurately. One term that often leads to misconceptions is "surrogate mother." In this article, we'll explore why this term is misleading and discuss the importance of using appropriate terminology in surrogacy.
The Evolution of Surrogacy Terms
Traditionally, the term "surrogate mother" referred to a woman who carried a child conceived with her own egg and the sperm of the intended father or a donor. This arrangement is known as traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate has a genetic link to the child. However, with advancements in reproductive technology, gestational surrogacy has become more prevalent. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate, often called a gestational carrier, carries an embryo created from the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, resulting in no genetic connection between the surrogate and the child.
Why "Surrogate Mother" Is Misleading
Using "surrogate mother" to describe a gestational carrier can be problematic for several reasons:
Lack of Genetic Connection: In gestational surrogacy, the carrier does not contribute her own egg; therefore, she has no genetic tie to the child. Referring to her as a "mother" inaccurately suggests a biological link.
Emotional Implications: The term "mother" carries significant emotional weight and societal implications. Using it in this context can create confusion about parental roles and potentially undermine the intended parents' position.
Clarity in Communication: Precise terminology helps all parties—intended parents, surrogates, medical professionals, and legal advisors—communicate effectively and understand their roles and responsibilities clearly.
Common Misconceptions and Misspellings
Public understanding of surrogacy is still evolving, leading to various misconceptions and even misspellings of related terms. Some frequently searched phrases include:
"Surrogacy mom": This term conflates the roles of the surrogate and the intended mother, leading to confusion.
"Sergeant mother": A common misspelling likely intended to be "surrogate mother."
"Surrogacy mother": Another inaccurate term that suggests the surrogate has a maternal role beyond the pregnancy.
Addressing these misconceptions is essential for educating the public and ensuring respectful and accurate representation of all parties involved in the surrogacy process.
Promoting Accurate Terminology
To foster a better understanding of surrogacy, it's important to use and promote precise language:
Gestational Carrier: Refers to a woman who carries a pregnancy with no genetic connection to the child.
Intended Parents: The individual or couple who plan to raise the child and who may have a genetic link to the embryo.
Surrogacy Arrangement: The agreed-upon plan between the gestational carrier and the intended parents outlining the terms of the pregnancy and parental rights.
By adopting and encouraging the use of accurate terminology, we can help demystify the surrogacy process and honor the distinct roles each party plays in this life-changing journey.