For audiences that aren't familiar with the concept of Surrogacy, it is a situation when a person carries and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple. It's usually done through IVF (in vitro fertilization).
Its important to know the types:
There is the gestational surrogacy, using IVF with donor or intended parents' eggs/sperm. It simply just means that there is no genetic link to surrogate.
There is also the traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate's own egg is used. Here, there is a genetic link. (The surrogate is the biological mother). I believe its this type of surrogacy that tends to lead to problems later because the surrogate mother could get emotionally attached to her baby since there is a genetic link between them.
My Opinion: Biology Doesn't Automatically Equal Parental Rights 💭
Personally, I see Surrogacy as a form of contract and fully informed agreement.
By nature, I am a very attached person and could be sentimental especially when its comes to family.
I know that if I were the one carrying a child for nine months, the emotional bond could be intense. Pregnancy changes your hormones, your body, your feelings, and sometimes your thinking. That's why surrogacy is not for everyone.
However, I understand that a contract should be respected. Typically, Surrogacy laws tend to let the surrogate be on his/her way and not have any affair to do with the child after birth and I think believe this is the most logical process to avoid issues in the future.
Once a surrogate signs the contract and fully understands her role, any emotional attachment afterward does not automatically translate into parental rights. If the law allows the surrogate to change her mind after birth or interfere in the baby's affairs, things would fall apart quite intensely.
It makes more sense that after the Surrogate signs the agreement, the surrogate has no parental rights or authority over the child. This protects everyone, including the baby.
But What About Cases Where the Surrogate Is the Biological Mother?
Recall that I talked about traditional Surrogacy where the biological mother is genetically linked to the baby.
The emotional complication can be higher. However, if the agreement was fully informed and voluntary, I still believe the intended parents should retain the parental rights.
It wasn't an accidental conception. It was planned and there was an agreement and the surrogate promised to help the intended parents have a child. It would definitely be unfair for the surrogate to later demand parental involvement to the couple.
Final Thoughts 💭
Surrogacy needs to have trust, honesty, psychological maturity, and legal support. To have everything going smoothly:
The surrogate should understand her position.
The intended parents should recognize and value her sacrifice.
Therefore, to specifically answer the question:
No, I don't think the surrogate should have any influence in the child's matters.
After the signing of the contract and the safe delivery of the child, the surrogate mother should leave in a manner that acknowledges the significant service she has performed. Surrogacy is a beautiful thing, but it all works best when all parties keep to their word and the agreement reached.
Thank You for Reading ♥
