There are many reasons women decide to become a surrogate for others. It’s been a common practice for centuries — even earning mentions in classic novels and ancient religious texts. Surrogacy requires a lot of sacrifices from any woman who chooses it, so why are more women exploring surrogacy for themselves? If you’re searching for answers about what inspires others to agree to surrogacy, read on here to learn more from the experts at Family Creations.
They Know Someone Who Was a Surrogate
Some women become a surrogate because they know someone who has also been one. As they’ve watched a friend or family member embark on their own surrogacy journey, it could have opened them up to the possibility of choosing this experience for themselves. Someone who has supported a friend throughout her own process learns a lot about the experience and what a huge difference a single person can make in the lives of others.
Women who have seen firsthand what a surrogate goes through and how grateful the family she helps becomes, may decide that this is something they want to do too.
A Family Member Has Struggled with Infertility
As perhaps one of the most common reasons some women become a surrogate, knowing a family member or friend who has struggled with infertility has spurred many to look into surrogacy options as well. Whether they’ve watched a friend struggle to conceive or they’ve gone to fertility treatment with a family member, there are women who are deeply touched by these tough circumstances and choose to give of themselves after seeing the pain of others.
They Believe Everyone Deserves to be a Parent
Today, more than in any other time throughout history, LGBTQ+ issues are acknowledged and discussed. Those who once accepted that they would never become parents or create a family, now have other options. For women who have friends and family in this community, there is a sense of solidarity and an urge to help those who want to grow their own families. These women believe everyone deserves the opportunity to be a parent and whether they identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, they’re there to help by becoming a surrogate.
They Love Being Pregnant
Some women have completed their own families, but have realized they love being pregnant. They already have two or three children and don’t plan on any more, but they long to carry another child. Since they aren’t interested in raising more children on their own, the answer is easy. When they become a surrogate, they get to experience pregnancy again while also getting to provide another couple with the same joy that they experience with their own children.
Surrogacy is NOT About the Money
When they begin searching through agencies and surrogacy databases, some couples are concerned that women become surrogates just for the extra income. If you share this concern, you can rest easy, as there are a number of requirements women must meet to become surrogates. One of these requirements is financial stability with no reliance on any form of government assistance.
Surrogates do get paid because everyone deserves to be compensated for their time and effort, but it is never the primary reason to become a surrogate due to the previous requirements for financial stability.
Meeting Intended Parents
The pairing of intended parents and surrogates is an incredibly important process for nearly all women who become a surrogate. They want to establish a healthy relationship and connection with the family they intend to help. To ensure that both parties feel that connection, writing a surrogate profile and intended parent profile is essential. Both surrogates and intended parents should share what drove them to choose surrogacy and what they expect to get out of the relationship. Some people want minimal contact with their surrogate while others hope their surrogate will become a friend for life.
Letting Go of a Child
Some intended parents are concerned that the emotional aspect of giving up a child they had carried for so long could impact a surrogate negatively. While all surrogacy agencies conduct mental health screenings before and during the pregnancy to ensure the stability of the surrogate, women who choose to become a surrogate don’t see the baby they’re carrying as their own child. Most women don’t consider this as giving a baby up, they’re simply giving the baby back to its parents.
There is a unique blend of emotions that affects the surrogate, but many of these emotions can be attributed to the extra hormones that are necessary to undergo the surrogacy process. Most surrogate women simply experience overwhelming joy when they see the connection they’ve helped create between new parents and the life they brought into this world.
Are You Considering Surrogacy?
If you’re considering surrogacy for yourself, Family Creations wants to be the first to welcome you to our community. We are among the most trusted names in alternative family planning both nationally and internationally. Our team has helped so many people grow their families — no matter where they live.
For more information about becoming a surrogate, explore our guidelines and read surrogate-centric blog posts. You can also apply here or reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Are you hoping to help another couple create their dream family? Get in touch today to start your own journey.