Surrogacy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฐ
surrogacy
[หsสrษษกษsi ]
Definition
reproductive process
Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple, who will become the child's parent(s) after birth. This process can be classified into two types: traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is also the biological mother, and gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate has no genetic link to the child as the embryo is created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors.
Synonyms
gestational carrier, reproductive assistance, surrogate motherhood.
Examples of usage
- They decided to pursue surrogacy to build their family.
- Surrogacy laws vary significantly from state to state.
- Many couples consider surrogacy as an option for infertility.
- Surrogacy arrangements often involve legal contracts.
- The surrogacy process can take several months to complete.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Aspects
- Surrogacy laws differ greatly around the world; in some places, itโs fully legal and regulated, while in others, itโs banned or heavily restricted.
- In many jurisdictions, contracts between surrogates and intended parents are legally binding, outlining responsibilities and expectations concerning the pregnancy.
Cultural Perspectives
- In ancient cultures, such as in Biblical narratives, surrogacy practices were often accepted as means to address infertility, like the story of Sarah and Hagar.
- The increasing visibility of surrogacy in popular media has shaped public perception, influencing societal views on family and parenthood.
Medical Science
- Advancements in reproductive technologies, like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), have made surrogacies more attainable for many couples struggling with infertility.
- Surrogacy can involve gestational carriers, who are not genetically related to the baby, or traditional surrogates, who use their own eggs.
Psychological Impact
- Surrogates often undergo emotional and psychological assessments to ensure they are mentally prepared for the experience of carrying another's child.
- Research suggests that children born through surrogacy can have strong bonds with their parents, similar to children conceived naturally.
Origin of 'surrogacy'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'surrogare', meaning 'to substitute', highlighting the role of one woman substituting for another in childbirth.
- The word 'surrogate' was first recorded in English in the 14th century, primarily as a legal term before gaining broader usage in reproduction.
The term 'surrogacy' is derived from the Latin word 'surrogatus', which means 'substituted or appointed'. The concept of surrogacy has been present in various forms throughout history, dating back to ancient civilizations, where women would act as surrogates for aristocratic families in order to secure lineage. In more modern contexts, the practice began to formalize in the 20th century, particularly in response to rising infertility rates and advancements in reproductive technology. By the 1970s, surrogacy gained more mainstream attention, particularly with the birth of the first surrogate child in the U.S. This led to legal and ethical debates regarding the rights of surrogates, parents, and children involved in these arrangements. The complexity of surrogacy laws, combined with varying cultural perceptions of parenthood and family structures, has continued to shape the discourse around surrogacy practices into the present day.