Malaika
Consent is extremely important.
When we talk about consent, we don’t just mean that you should ensure someone is willing to do something before you do it. It can actually apply to a wide range of situations. Strangers, for example, have a habit of pinching someone’s cheek or touching a pregnant woman’s belly without asking. I’m not sure why people think it’s acceptable to do so without asking. Touching a pregnant woman’s belly is strange in and of itself, but doing so without permission makes it even stranger. I’m aware that people do it to feel if the baby is kicking or moving around, but that doesn’t really affect you unless you’re family. Even if you are family, it is polite to ask before touching someone.
However, if the baby in someone else’s womb is actually yours, the lines can become blurred. Yes, I’m referring to surrogacy. In this particular case, the surrogate is not comfortable with anyone touching her belly, including the baby’s parents. You’d think the parents would respect her wishes, but apparently, they believe she’s ruining their experience. I’ve never had a child, so I can’t speak to the sensations of having another being growing in your body, but I imagine you wouldn’t be comfortable all of the time.
You can form your own opinion, however, by scrolling down and taking a look for yourself.
Source: Reddit
Surprisingly enough, it is simpler than it may seem at first glance.
Right from the start, it is clear that she has never liked the feeling of being touched on her stomach while pregnant.
She is well within her right to refuse this request.
OP also explained a bit of information about the surrogate parents.
Source: Reddit
Even though OP had refused repeatedly, the woman still went ahead and touched her belly.
This obviously led to a falling out and she doesn’t know whether she is in the wrong now.
At first glance, it may appear that she is being a downer and that it is their baby that is in her body. However, until the baby is ‘out’, it is still her body, and she does not have to be put in an uncomfortable position simply because of that. And, as far as I can tell, there was nothing in the legal papers about it, so they can’t force her to do what they want. Not only that, but the woman touched the OP’s stomach despite her repeated refusals. Whatever her reasons for not becoming pregnant are, she has no right to touch another person’s body without permission.
People in the comments however were completely on her side.
Source: Reddit
After all, it is her body at the end of the day.
People were also worried about the contract.
However, it is not an obligation when it comes to the contract.
They can bond with the baby once it is out of her body.
The family needs to hear it clearly.
And while OP can’t stop her from being in the room, she can put her foot down when it comes to her rights.
People need to respect boundaries.
It is really not that difficult to stop when someone says no.
Source: Reddit
What are your thoughts on this conundrum? Do you think that OP should let them touch her stomach, even if it makes her uncomfortable? Or do you believe she has every right to say no? What would you do if you found yourself in this situation? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this story with your friends so they can weigh in as well.
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