Most people do not question the idea that two men require the support of a surrogate to grow their families. But, in lesbian couples, either spouse could theoretically serve as the gestational carrier for the couple’s children. However, married lesbian couples may also benefit from working with surrogates, contrary to what many people assume.
What are some of the more common reasons for women in same-sex relationships to consider surrogacy?
1. Health challenges
Pregnancy comes with a host of medical risks. In some cases, both of the aspiring parents may have medical concerns that make pregnancy particularly dangerous for the mother or the child. When neither spouse is in a position to safely carry a pregnancy to term, surrogacy is a viable option.
2. Advanced age
Improvements in reproductive technology have allowed women in their 40s and beyond to carry pregnancies with successful births. However, complication risks increase with maternal age. Same-sex couples who wait until they achieve financial stability or career success to grow their families may decide that working with a surrogate is the best option given the age of the spouses.
3. Concerns about jealousy
Perhaps both spouses would like to have a genetic connection to the child or the experience of carrying the baby. Maybe the spouses fear the possibility of a gestational relationship potentially complicating custody matters if they ever divorce. Working with a surrogate eliminates the likelihood of jealousy related to the pregnancy experience damaging the bond between spouses. It also ensures that both spouses have the same legal connection to the child.
Same-sex couples looking to grow their families using medically assisted reproduction may benefit from considering every option, including partnering with a surrogate. While lesbian couples do not always require surrogacy services, they may benefit from considering surrogacy as one of their options regardless.