5 Reasons to Become a Surrogate [The Joy you can Experience]

Surrogacy is a beautiful and selfless choice because you’re giving a person, a couple struggling with infertility or an LGBT couple a family of their own.

This is just one of many reasons for surrogacy. Even though being a surrogate means you will likely have to put certain aspects of your life on hold and meet the physical demands of fertility treatments and pregnancy, seeing the joy on the intended parents’ faces will remind you why you began this journey.

Surrogates come from various backgrounds and lifestyles and have different reasons for becoming a surrogate. If you’re asking yourself “Is surrogacy a good option for me?” we’ve created this article to answer your question with five reasons to become a surrogate.

1. You Have the Desire to Help Hopeful Parents

This is one of the best reasons to be a surrogate mother. At the heart of many women’s decision to become a gestational carriers is the altruistic desire to give a person or couple the gift of parenthood. Most surrogates have experienced the joy of pregnancy and parenting, as most agencies require that they have had a child of their own. They want other hopeful parents to be able to experience this joy as well.

One surrogate mother, Megan, felt called to help hopeful parents have a child of their own.

“Once you put yourself in somebody else’s shoes, there’s really no turning back, once you see the struggle and the pain, and you wish you could just help everybody,” Megan said.

2. You want to Feel Fulfilled by Giving to Others

Whether you know the parent(s) or are helping strangers, carrying a baby for someone else will change the lives of everyone involved in a truly beautiful way. Not everyone is equipped, able or willing to be a surrogate, so if you’re one of the women who are, you can take pride and satisfaction in the fact that you are making such a positive impact on the lives of the hopeful parents.

3. You want to Build a Lasting Bond

Surrogacy is a collaborative process. Without intended parents, there would be no surrogates. And without surrogates, the intended parents wouldn’t be able to have a biological child of their own.

Surrogacy is a process that will form a lifelong connection between you and the intended parents. Wanting to create a forever friendship with hopeful parents is one reason why to become a surrogate for many women.

Nichole knew from the moment she met Nicholas, an intended father, that he was the one she wanted to carry for.

“The more we talked, he was the one who said, ‘I want you guys to be in Julian’s life. I want Julian to know how he came about and what you guys sacrificed to give him his life,’” said Nichole. “Nicholas told our children that Julian is their cousin from Miami… It’s amazing to me that we have such a great relationship.”

Not only will you have that bond with the hopeful parents, but you will find a strong sense of community among other surrogates who have been in your shoes in support groups, online forums and other platforms. Connecting with these women gives you the opportunity to ask them “Why did you become a surrogate mother?”

4. You Enjoy Being Pregnant

One of the possible answers to “What is the point of someone becoming a surrogate mother?” is the fact that she genuinely enjoys being pregnant. This is definitely integral to getting the most out of your experience as a surrogate. It’s important to take into consideration that carrying someone else’s baby might be a different emotional experience than carrying your own. You should be sure that you are willing to take on the physical toll of pregnancy even though the baby will not be leaving the hospital with you.

During the screening process, agencies and fertility clinics will check to make sure that you didn’t experience any complications during your previous pregnancies. Many surrogates enjoy the feeling of joy that comes with pregnancy and the feeling of sustaining life within their own body. If you like being pregnant enough to carry for another family, surrogacy could be for you.

5. You Have Financial Goals

Among the many reasons why surrogacy appeals to many women is the compensation. This should not be the primary reason to pursue surrogacy. For most women, the other reasons we’ve already discussed are more important. 

But, there’s no denying that it is definitely a perk. Every surrogacy agency will discuss the hopeful surrogate’s motivation for choosing surrogacy during the screening process to ensure that her motivation isn’t only monetary in nature.  For most surrogates, the compensation is just a fringe benefit.

You will receive a base pay in addition to a monthly allowance. You won’t have to worry about paying any medical or legal fees throughout your surrogacy process, as this will be covered by the intended parents.  Many surrogates put this money towards paying for school, paying off debt or putting money towards a home.

If you’re ready to begin your surrogacy journey today or if you have questions about how to get started, contact a professional today to get the support you need.