7.9 Alcohol & Surrogacy: Why It’s Strictly Prohibited

At GSHC Surrogacy, the health and safety of surrogate mothers and the babies they carry is our top priority. During a surrogacy pregnancy, a surrogate is entrusted with protecting the baby’s well-being and adhering to all medical and legal guidelines.

While it’s widely known that alcohol is harmful during pregnancy, it is especially critical in surrogacy, where medical risks, legal consequences, and contractual obligations must be taken seriously. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is strictly prohibited and can lead to serious complications, contract violations, and lifelong regret.

Why Alcohol Is Dangerous During Pregnancy

1. Severe Medical Risks for the Baby

Even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can harm a developing baby. A baby’s body isn’t equipped to process alcohol like an adult’s, and that means there is no safe amount—not even a glass of wine or champagne.

Alcohol exposure can lead to:

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)—lifelong issues like learning difficulties, behavioral problems, or birth defects
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Low birth weight or premature birth

These risks aren’t just scary—they’re permanent. And in surrogacy, that risk affects not just the baby, but the hopes and dreams of the intended parents who’ve placed their trust in you.

(Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine)

2. Legal & Contractual Risks in Surrogacy

Every surrogate working with GSHC signs a legal agreement that clearly states: no alcohol during pregnancy. This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a rule.

Drinking during pregnancy could lead to:

• Breach of contract
• Termination of the surrogacy journey
• Financial or legal responsibility if harm is caused
• Permanent ineligibility for future surrogacy opportunities

In some states, prenatal alcohol exposure can even be considered child abuse or neglect, with possible legal consequences.

3. Ethical Responsibility & Avoiding Lifelong Regret

When you agree to be a surrogate, you’re stepping into a role that requires not only physical commitment, but also emotional and ethical responsibility. Intended parents are counting on you to make safe choices—and to protect their child as if they were your own.

Even if nobody would “find out” about one drink, the question is: why risk it? If something went wrong, even unrelated to alcohol, the guilt and doubt could last a lifetime.

The Bottom Line: Just Say No

There’s no gray area here. The only safe choice during pregnancy is zero alcohol.

We know pregnancy can bring moments where you want to feel relaxed or celebrate something small. But there are other ways to unwind, and our team is always here to support you if you’re feeling unsure, stressed, or need a reminder of why your role matters so much.

This is a journey built on trust—and following this guideline is part of honoring that trust.