Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A biological mother is a woman who gave birth to a child or provided the egg that developed into an embryo. She is usually considered the legal mother, but this may not always be the case. A birth mother is the woman who carries the embryo during pregnancy and delivers the child. A surrogate mother is a woman who carries a child for another person or couple, and may or may not be the genetic mother. Other types of mothers include adoptive mothers, foster mothers, stepmothers, and godmothers.
A biological mother is a woman who has given birth to a child, provided the egg for a child, or legally adopted a child. This term can also include a pregnant woman who has not yet given birth. The biological mother is the woman who provides the egg that develops into an embryo. With genetic-engineering techniques, the biological mother may not be the birth mother, but she is usually the legal mother.
For example, if a woman gives birth to a child, she is the biological mother. If a woman donates her egg to be fertilized and implanted in another woman's uterus, she is the biological mother even if she does not carry the child.
It is important to note that the biological mother may not always be the legal mother. In cases of adoption or surrogacy, legal rights and responsibilities may be transferred to another person.