Surrogacy facts for kids

Legal rules about surrogacy around the world:      Allowed for payment and without payment      No specific law, but it happens      Allowed only without payment      Allowed only between close family members      Not allowed at all      Rules are unclear or not set

Surrogacy is when a woman agrees to become pregnant and carry a baby for another person or couple. After the baby is born, these people become the child's parents. The woman who carries the baby is called a surrogate mother.

People might choose surrogacy for different reasons. For example, a single man might want to have a child. Sometimes, a woman might have health problems that make pregnancy too risky for her. Or, a woman might not be able to have children through her own pregnancy.

Understanding Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a way for people to have a family when they cannot carry a pregnancy themselves. The surrogate mother carries the baby. She helps the intended parents welcome a child into their lives.

Who is a Surrogate Mother?

A surrogate mother is the woman who carries the baby. She becomes pregnant and gives birth to the child. After the birth, the baby goes to the intended parents. These are the people who will raise the child.

Why People Choose Surrogacy

There are many reasons why people might choose surrogacy.

• Health Reasons: Some women have medical conditions. These conditions might make it unsafe for them to get pregnant. Surrogacy offers a safe way to have a child.
• Infertility: Some couples or individuals cannot get pregnant. This could be due to problems with their reproductive system. Surrogacy can help them become parents.
• Single Parents: A single man might wish to have a child. Surrogacy allows him to start a family.
• Same-Sex Couples: Male same-sex couples often use surrogacy. It helps them have biological children.

Surrogacy Laws Around the World

The rules for surrogacy are different in various countries. Some countries allow surrogacy, while others do not.

• Not Allowed: In places like China, Japan, Germany, and France, surrogacy is against the law.
• Rules Vary: In Australia and New Zealand, paying a surrogate mother is not allowed. This is called commercial surrogacy. However, altruistic surrogacy (where no money is exchanged, except for expenses) might be permitted.
• More Common: Some countries have made surrogacy more common. This is often because the process is less expensive there.

It is important for people to understand the laws in their country. This helps them make informed choices about surrogacy.

Images for kids

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  Intended parents attend the birth of their child by a gestational surrogate.

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  Harinegameshin Transfers Mahavira's Embryo, from a Kalpasutra manuscript, c. 1300-1350, Philadelphia Museum of Art

See also

In Spanish: Vientre de alquiler (práctica) para niños