After your stillbirth

Surrogate and intended parents

Often surrogate and intended parents consider the possibility of unexpected medical issues or possible stillbirth. This is often covered in your surrogacy agreement.

Surrogate and intended parents often form strong friendships as the surrogate sees the hopes and dreams of a family through the intended parents. The surrogate often sees surrogacy as giving a gift of life, and bonding takes place.

The hopes, dreams, and attachment of the intended parents doesn’t only begin at birth. Intended parents are usually involved and participated in medical appointments during the pregnancy. Both sets of parents may attach and bond to the baby in different ways.

The loss felt by both sets of parents is real. It is important that the attachment of each parent is acknowledged and that each loss is validated. Whether you are a surrogate or an intended parent, learn more about how you feel grief.

Current as of: June 8, 2022

Author: Women’s Health Ambulatory Care. Approved by: Maternal Newborn Child and Youth Strategic Clinical Network, AHS

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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