This article presents the ‘maternal-foetal detachment’ theory providing a framework for understanding how some women relinquish a baby in the context of paid surrogacy. It is postulated that attitude towards payment becomes part of a psychological detachment process in which surrogate mothers emotionally distance themselves from the growing foetus. Important are the subcultural influences engendered by the social organization of surrogacy. Some surrogate mothers appear to learn not to attach to the unborn child or, if feelings emerge, they deal with these by deflecting emotions towards the couple. The discussion considers what can be learned about the concepts of maternal-foetal attachment and maternal instinct. The surrogacy case offers conflicting evidence in favour of, and in opposition to, the concept of maternal instinct.
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