Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a deeply personal and life-changing decision. For women considering becoming a surrogate, understanding the pros and cons of surrogacy is crucial to making an informed decision. For potential intended parents, it is also important to recognize certain factors of the process that may influence your decision. This article aims to provide a balanced view, exploring both the rewards and challenges that come with surrogacy for potential applicants and intended parents.
Surrogacy Pros and Cons for Gestational Surrogate
Surrogacy offers many benefits for gestational surrogates but also presents some challenges. In the following sections, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of being a surrogate, and how it can positively impact your life.
Surrogacy Advantages for Surrogates
The Gift of Life – One of the most significant benefits of being a surrogate is the opportunity to give the gift of life. Surrogate mothers play a vital role in helping individuals and couples who cannot conceive naturally. This incredible act of generosity will change the lives of the intended parents, who will forever be grateful.
Emotional Satisfaction – Many surrogate mothers report deep emotional fulfillment from their experience. The process of carrying and delivering a child for someone else can be incredibly rewarding, knowing you are completing their family and making dreams come true.
Financial Compensation – Surrogates receive a generous salary often ranging from $30,000 to $70,000. In addition to this base compensation, surrogates receive a monthly allowance for pregnancy-related expenses. This can include maternity clothes, travel costs or housekeeping.
Health Benefits – Surrogates must maintain healthy habits to have the highest chance of a successful pregnancy. These include having a balanced diet, exercising, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco. These positive lifestyle changes can lead to long-term health benefits. Studies have shown that pregnancy may also reduce cancer risk, improve heart health, and increase life expectancy.
Building lifelong Connections– It is evident that surrogate mothers spend a great amount of time with the intended parents throughout their pregnancy to ensure everyone is kept updated on the progress. Oftentimes, this closeness allows for meaningful connections and lifelong friendships. Surrogates also have the opportunity to meet with other surrogate mothers in a support group within the surrogacy community. These interactions provide a sense of comfort for the surrogates as they navigate this incredible journey together.
Surrogacy Disadvantages for Surrogates
Physical Demands – Becoming a surrogate mother requires you to go through a physically difficult process that puts your body through multiple challenges over the course of the pregnancy. This includes morning sickness, weight gain, and the potential for pregnancy-related complications. The physical toll should not be underestimated, and surrogates must be in good overall health to face these demands.
Emotional Challenges – While surrogacy can be emotionally fulfilling, it can also be emotionally challenging. Surrogate mothers should not have any mental health disorders when entering the pregnancy. A strong support system is also required to help the surrogate cope with hormonal changes and emotional difficulties.
Medical Risks – Surrogacy is a difficult process that can include the possibility of complications. Surrogates should be aware of these risks and prepared to address any medical issues that may arise during pregnancy.
Time Commitment – The entire surrogacy process, including the application, screening, and pregnancy, can take up to a year or longer to complete. During this time, the surrogate must attend regular doctor’s appointments and meetings with the intended parents. These pregnancy-related tasks may force the surrogate to create new routines and habits.
Surrogacy Pros and Cons for Intended Parents
Surrogacy provides an alternative route to starting a family, especially for those facing fertility issues. While it has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here’s a summary of pros and cons of surrogacy for intended parents.
Surrogacy Advantages for Intended Parents
Completes Families – Surrogacy makes dreams come true. For those who have struggled with infertility, LGBT couples, and those with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe, surrogacy gives them another chance.
Genetic Connections – For those who have struggled to conceive a child on their own, surrogacy allows for the possibility of having the biological child they’ve always dreamed of (although sometimes donated eggs or sperm are needed).
Building Relationships – Many intended parents and surrogate mothers become close throughout the surrogacy process, forming bonds that can last a lifetime.
High Success Rate – Surrogates go through an extensive screening process and receive the highest medical care, allowing for smooth and healthy pregnancies.
Legal Protection – A professional surrogacy lawyer will provide a contract that both parties must sign to ensure the intended parents’ rights are protected while the surrogate is pregnant. This allows the intended parents to have peace of mind through the entire process.
Surrogacy Disadvantages for Intended Parents
High Costs – Surrogates receive the highest level of medical support throughout the entire pregnancy. Surrogates must go through an extensive screening process, attend regular check-ups, and take proper medications, among other costly needs, to ensure a smooth pregnancy. These tasks, along with surrogate compensation, agency fees and legal requirements, can be overwhelming. However, there are options for affordable surrogacy, such as such as seeking low-cost surrogacy agencies or exploring insurance coverage that can help manage these expenses.
Less Control – Since intended parents are not going through the pregnancy themselves, they will need to let go of some control and trust the surrogate to carry the pregnancy. Of course, the intended parents will continue to stay informed throughout the entire journey, but they may not be able to physically witness the whole process.
Complicated Process – Gestational surrogacy involves complicated procedures and surrogacy laws which can be overwhelming at times. It is important to work with trusted professionals to ensure the process is completed safely and legally.
Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a decision that comes with both significant rewards and considerable challenges. Understanding the pros and cons of surrogacy helps gestational carriers and intended parents make informed choices about whether this path is right for them. For those who decide to embark on this journey, the opportunity to change lives and create families can be deeply rewarding. If you are considering becoming a surrogate or a potential intended parent, weigh these factors carefully and seek support from experienced professionals to guide you through this transformative experience.