For most surrogates, the opportunity of giving life for another family is the most beautiful thing imaginable. Understandably, most women want to weigh down the pros and cons of becoming a surrogate mother before taking on this journey. While most surrogates look back at their experience of carrying for a childless couple as something extraordinary and wonderful, there are certainly some minor downfalls of being a surrogate that you need to take into consideration as well.
The Pros of Being a Surrogate Mother
Women who take the path of becoming a surrogate have different reasons for doing so. Most surrogate moms find the opportunity to contribute to another family’s joy extremely satisfying and a highly rewarding experience. Here are some other benefits and advantages when making this life changing decision.
Surrogacy is a fulfilling experience
Nothing compares to carrying a child for someone who is unable to do so themselves. Most surrogates look back at their experience with a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Surrogate mothers are usually women who are caring and compassionate with a strong urge to help those in need. Making it possible for those who struggle with infertility to have a baby and complete their family can be a life changing experience, resulting in happiness and satisfaction for everyone involved.
Surrogate mothers are part of a strong support group
The road to becoming a surrogate can be challenging. Potential surrogates have to agree to background checks, medicals screenings and psychological evaluations. There’s a lot to take in. The opportunity to share your experience with other women involved in the process can be supporting, encouraging and fun.
Surrogates can experience being pregnant again
Most women who chose to become a surrogate mother truly enjoy being pregnant. One requirement for surrogates is to already be a mother. By choosing to carry for someone else, you can enjoy the experience of being pregnant once more without the duty of having to raise the child yourself.
Surrogates receive a generous compensation
Gestational carriers receive a financial compensation for their commitment, time and risks involved. On average, surrogates can expect to receive between $40,000 and $50,000 for their willingness to carry a child. Expenses such as travel and medical expenses are covered as well. Another benefit is receiving health insurance throughout the surrogate journey. The reimbursement you will receive can help you to achieve your personal goals, such as buying a house, paying for education or paying off debt.
Surrogates are legally protected
Once matching has taken place, legally binding contracts are put in place to protect both the intended parents and you as the surrogate mother. These contracts clearly outline the obligations and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The contract will also reinforce the fact that you don’t have any responsibility for the child after birth.
The Cons of Being a Surrogate Mother
While there are great benefits for gestational surrogates to give the gift of life to hopeful couples, there are also some risks and disadvantages to consider.
Surrogacy is physically and emotionally demanding
Potential surrogates are required to take a variety of medical tests and undergo screenings to ensure they are fit to carry a child to term. You will have to deal with all the physical demands of being pregnant, attend appointments and receive treatment. Choosing to be a surrogate is also an emotional challenge. Carrying a baby for someone else is a big responsibility and most surrogates will experience ups and downs throughout their journey. It’s important you make use of any counseling services being offered or take part in support groups when in need of emotional assistance.
Surrogacy is a lengthy process
The process to become a surrogate mother is considerably lengthy and requires commitment. Between completing the online application form and delivering the baby there are a number of monitoring appointments to attend. Finalizing the legal contract and completing the medical process takes a couple of months. The entire process usually takes 12 months or longer from start to finish and surrogates should not make any major travel plans outside their state or the country throughout this period.
Being a surrogate has health risks
Just as any other pregnancy, there is always a risk involved in carrying a child. You might not get pregnant on the first transfer and there’s a chance of pregnancy complications that could have a negative effect on your health. If you’re planning on embarking on this journey you must consider if you’re prepared to take these risks and how to deal with this emotionally.
Surrogates need medications to become pregnant
There are medications involved as part of each gestational surrogacy cycle. Surrogates may be given birth control. Other medications may include estrogen and progesterone. As a surrogate, you will also have your blood drawn and receive ultrasound checks to make sure that the cycle is operating properly. Some women are slightly surprised about the amount of medications prescribed to prepare for a transfer and during the pregnancy. It’s important to remember it’s all essential for guaranteeing a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Surrogacy is still being stigmatized
Although attitudes of the majority of people are becoming more positive towards surrogacy, there are still those who hold negative thoughts towards the idea of surrogate mothers. When making the decision to help someone towards parenthood it’s important to be aware of the fact that not everyone might be understanding of your decision. A lack of information, misconceptions and social stigma can result in some people close to you not giving you the support you were hoping for.
