Legal Definitions - natural mother

Definition: A woman who has given birth to, provided the egg for, or legally adopted a child. The term is sometimes interpreted as including a pregnant woman who has not yet given birth.

Examples:

• A woman who gave birth to a child is considered the natural mother.
• A woman who provided the egg for a child through in vitro fertilization is also considered the natural mother.
• A woman who legally adopted a child is also considered the natural mother.

These examples illustrate that a natural mother can be someone who has physically given birth to a child, provided the genetic material for a child, or legally become a mother through adoption.