With the leaps and bounds made in technology and the creation of more progressive legislation, the definition of “family” has constantly been evolving.
It has become more inclusive, welcoming other forms of family such as those with two fathers, two mothers, intentional single parent, or couples with adopted children becoming less rare than before.
But perhaps the best reflection of these changes, are the unexpected aspiring parents who are choosing to have a family through surrogacy.
Members of the LGBT Community
A 2013 research conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA shows that there are more female gay couples who are parents to a child under legal age more than male gay couples.
Similar to single men who are exploring surrogacy as an option, male gay couples also encounter the same gender bias when it comes to adoption, which would explain why they are less likely to be successful candidates.
In comparison, female gay couples are more favored by adoption agencies. Even when it comes to surrogacy, female gay couples pose an edge over male gay couples.
For one, surrogacy is easier and less expensive for women as compared to male gay couples who don’t have the biology to carry a baby.
But, with more male gay couples proving that they are capable parents as much as anyone else and more advocates pushing for legislative changes, the future of surrogacy for LGBT couples to build their own family is looking positive.
Single Men
Over recent years, the surrogacy industry has seen an unexpected trend in their clients’ demographic with the continuous rise of single men opting for surrogacy.
Although there isn’t an official statistical study yet on why there’s a growing number of single men turning to surrogacy services, there are a variety of reasons that could explain this.
One of them is the difficulty in adopting for single men because of gender bias. Recent studies done by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that single women greatly outnumber men when it comes to getting approved as adoptive parents.
Whether intentional or not, gender bias towards men subject them to more stringent rules when it comes to adoption. Many of them experience being on the waiting list for years without any assurance that they’ll be able to adopt.
However, the most surprising reason is also the most simple. These single men just want to be dads, even if that means doing it without a wife. For them, when it comes to fatherhood, the earlier the better. And through surrogacy in Georgia, it is possible for them do so.
Menopausal and Postmenopausal Women
Contrary to the trend in single men, women who are looking into surrogacy to become mothers are mostly those in their 50s or 60s.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women aged 50 and older who are having babies, have increased to almost 400 percent from 1997 (144 births) to 2012 (600). In fact, many in the medical field claim deliveries by older women are now already very commonplace.
However, there are also women who either fail to conceive using IVF or even when they could, their body can’t carry the baby to full term. And that’s when they opt for alternative means such as surrogacy and adoption to become mothers.
A shared profile among women who choose surrogacy, is that they are highly successful women, have had children before, and tried other means before considering a surrogate.
If you are thinking of having a baby through a surrogate, consulting with a reputable surrogacy service should help guide you through the process.
Sources
Is 50 the new 40 for motherhood?, CNN.com
How Two Men Make a Baby, Esquire.com
