Surrogatmor

Surrogatmor is a Swedish term that translates to "surrogate mother." It refers to a woman who carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple, with the intention of handing the child over to them after birth. This arrangement can be either altruistic or commercial, though commercial surrogacy is largely prohibited in Sweden.

Altruistic surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is not compensated beyond reasonable expenses, is permitted in Sweden. However, it is not legally recognized as a route to parenthood for the intended parents. Swedish law does not automatically grant parental rights to the intended parents in a surrogacy arrangement. Instead, the surrogate mother is considered the legal mother. If the intended parents wish to adopt the child, they must go through a formal adoption process, which can be lengthy and complex, particularly if the surrogate mother is married or in a registered partnership, as her spouse or partner may be considered the legal father.

The process often involves extensive legal and medical procedures. Intended parents typically enter into agreements with the surrogate mother, outlining the terms of the surrogacy. While altruistic surrogacy is the only permissible form, the ethical and legal complexities surrounding it continue to be debated in Sweden, particularly regarding the rights of the child and the surrogate mother. International surrogacy, where Swedish citizens seek surrogacy in countries where it is more legally established or commercially available, also presents significant legal challenges upon returning to Sweden.