FAQs about surrogacy and surrogate mothers Surrogacy means that a woman gives birth on behalf of another person. Full and partial surrogacy are usually distinguished from each other. In a full surrogacy in Germany, pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg that is not in the surrogacy is implanted in her womb. The egg is either the expectant mother or the donated egg, and fertilization occurs through in vitro fertilization. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate's own egg is fertilized.
Can expectant parents require a surrogate mother to have an abortion in the case of a twin pregnancy? Abortion is allowed if the pregnancy involves clear health risks to the surrogate mother or foetus. Abortion is not allowed due to twin pregnancies.
Who becomes a surrogate mother? All surrogacy is voluntary and there are many reasons to become a surrogate. All surrogate mothers go through rigorous screening, medical and psychological tests, and preparation for the process involved in surrogacy. Only those women can become surrogates who already have at least one child of their own and at least one pregnancy behind them without complications. In addition, surrogacy is regulated by each country's own legislation.
Does a surrogate mother have the right to terminate a pregnancy? If it is medically justified, that is, if the health or life of the mother or child is in danger, the surrogate mother is allowed to have an abortion. Otherwise, she must not terminate the pregnancy. From a parental perspective, an abortion is a breach of contract that results in the termination of the contract, and depending on the circumstances, the surrogate mother may have to pay damages to the parents. Such a situation is highly unlikely, as the surrogate mother’s preparation has been comprehensive and she is fully positioned to complete the pregnancy. After all, there are no common reasons for having an abortion, because the child is not intended to remain in the surrogate family and the surrogate mother is not responsible for the child's upbringing and maintenance.
What happens if a surrogate mother changes her mind? The surrogate mother usually treats the child with care, and normally pregnancy creates a bond between the woman and the child. It is a natural part of pregnancy and there is nothing strange about it. However, the surrogate mother has been aware from the outset that the child she is carrying does not belong to her and that she will give up the child as soon as she is born. Prior to the surrogacy process, a woman undergoes several tests at surrogacy agency Germany to determine if she is physically and mentally ready to be a surrogate mother. She signs a surrogacy agreement and knows from the start that the child is not her.