One of the most common concerns for intended parents considering surrogacy is whether the baby will look like the surrogate mother. The short answer is no—the baby will not inherit any physical traits from the surrogate. This article explains why, covering the genetic, legal, and medical aspects of surrogacy.
Understanding Genetics in Surrogacy
A child’s physical appearance, personality traits, and genetic makeup come entirely from the egg and sperm providers. Each person inherits 50% of their DNA from the egg provider and 50% from the sperm provider.
In surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not contribute an egg. Instead, an embryo—created using the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material—is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. This means that while she carries the baby, she does not pass on any genetic traits.
Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy
There are two types of surrogacy, but SILK Medical exclusively provides gestational surrogacy, ensuring that the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.
- Gestational Surrogacy (Used at SILK Medical)
- The surrogate carries an embryo created with an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor.
- The surrogate has zero genetic connection to the baby.
- This method is widely used due to its legal clarity and medical advantages.
- Traditional Surrogacy (Not Used at SILK Medical)
- The surrogate provides her own egg, making her the baby’s biological mother.
- This method raises complex legal and emotional issues and is not permitted in many countries.
Since SILK Medical only performs gestational surrogacy, intended parents can be fully reassured that the baby will not resemble the surrogate in any way.
How Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) Ensures the Baby’s Genetics
Intended parents often choose Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), which helps select the healthiest embryos before transfer. This testing allows parents to:
✅ Identify embryos free from chromosomal abnormalities.
✅ Select the most viable embryo for a successful pregnancy.
✅ Choose the baby’s gender, if desired.
Since the genetic makeup of the embryo is determined before implantation, there is no possibility of the surrogate passing on any genetic traits.
Legal Framework: The Surrogate Has No Parental Rights
Georgia has one of the most supportive surrogacy laws in the world. Under Georgian legislation, intended parents are automatically recognized as the baby’s legal parents from birth.
- The surrogate mother has no parental rights over the baby.
- The intended parents’ names appear directly on the birth certificate.
- The surrogate cannot legally claim the child, as the law defines the intended parents as the legal guardians.
This provides absolute clarity and for parents who choose surrogacy in Georgia.
The Role of the Surrogate Mother: Carrier, Not Contributor
While the surrogate does not pass on any genetic material, she plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Does the Surrogate’s Health Affect the Baby?
Yes, but only in terms of development, not genetics. The surrogate’s nutrition, prenatal care, and overall health can influence fetal development, but they do not alter the baby’s genetic makeup.
This is why SILK Medical carefully selects and monitors surrogates, ensuring they:
✔️ Are in excellent health.
✔️ Follow strict medical guidelines throughout pregnancy.
✔️ Receive continuous prenatal care and support.
However, while a surrogate’s lifestyle may contribute to a baby’s well-being, it will not determine physical traits like hair color, eye color, or facial features.
Final Reassurance: The Baby Will Look Like the Genetic Parents
To summarize:
🔹 The baby inherits genes only from the egg and sperm providers, not the surrogate.
🔹 SILK Medical only offers gestational surrogacy, ensuring no genetic link between the baby and the surrogate.
🔹 Georgia’s laws fully protect intended parents as the sole legal guardians.
If you’re considering surrogacy and have any questions about the process, SILK Medical’s specialists are ready to guide throughout the process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward parenthood.
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