Surrogate Mother Alleges Exploitation by Wealthy Couple

A single mother in Argentina has detailed a distressing experience as a surrogate for a wealthy gay couple, alleging exploitation, abandonment, and emotional distress following the birth of a baby boy.

Belén, a mother of three struggling with poverty, saw a Facebook post in 2022 from a couple seeking a surrogate. Believing it was an opportunity to improve her circumstances and escape an abusive living situation, she contacted them. The couple, who are gay, reportedly promised financial support and a way out of her difficult home life. However, Belén claims she received minimal payment and was forced to beg for money to feed her children throughout the pregnancy.

She states that the couple made decisions about her body and pregnancy, with all test results going to them and not being shared with her. Belén described feeling like an "incubator" and recounted instances of the couple taking her to expensive restaurants only to leave her to return to her own meager meals.

During her seventh month of pregnancy, Belén experienced bleeding and noted that the fetus was not growing properly. She alleges the couple extended a European vacation rather than returning to check on her and the baby. Belén gave birth to a boy, Piero, via C-section on September 30, 2024.

After the birth, Belén claims she was largely confined to her hospital room. She alleges that Piero was taken to the NICU and that she was only allowed limited contact, primarily to sign medical paperwork. She reported that the couple and their family members verbally attacked her when she initially hesitated to sign Piero's release forms, threatening legal action and accusing her of being a "baby thief."

Under Argentine law, the woman who gives birth is legally recognized as the mother, requiring her consent for the child's discharge. After hours of confrontation, Belén signed the release forms. She states that Piero's biological father promised her money, which she never received.

Belén reports that Piero was taken from her immediately after leaving the hospital, and she has had no contact with him since. She has filed complaints alleging human trafficking, falsification of documents, obstetric violence, and abandonment. The couple is also reportedly contesting her legal parentage. Belén is now campaigning to make surrogacy illegal, expressing concerns about the potential for exploitation.

She has since moved out of her ex-partner's home and is now with a new partner who she says has been supportive. Belén works as an Uber driver and hopes to study law.