For most surrogates, giving a precious gift to hopeful parents is one of the most powerful and rewarding experiences of their lives.
Because it is such a life-altering decision, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of surrogacy before embarking on this journey. While there are countless benefits to being a surrogate mother, the process also comes with challenges and risks.
Read on to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of surrogacy for surrogate mothers.
The Pros of Being a Surrogate Mother
Becoming a surrogate is an incredibly selfless act, but there are also many benefits for the surrogate and her family.
You can help hopeful parents who have few other options
Women who decide to become a surrogate often share the belief that every person deserves to be a parent if they want to be. Today, gestational surrogacy has opened up a world of opportunity for hopeful parents who desire a biological connection with their child but aren’t able have a child in the “traditional” way. A surrogate helps fulfill that dream.
Many surrogates add yet another layer of purpose and fulfillment to their surrogacy journey by partnering with intended parents who face specific cultural or physical challenges, such as LGBTQ+ parents, cancer survivors, and more.
If you loved being pregnant, you can experience it again
Some women seem to float through the pregnancy experience on a cloud of pure joy. Their pregnancies are free of complications, their symptoms (like morning sickness) are mild, and their bodies feel like they’re doing what they were born to do.
They truly love being pregnant—which can make it a sad day when they realize their families are complete. Surrogacy gives these women the opportunity to carry another baby without adding to their own family.
You can create meaningful, long-lasting connections
At Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS), our surrogates not only receive assistance and care from a team of experienced professionals, but they also attend a monthly support group led by a licensed mental health professional. This support group helps surrogates navigate the emotional ups and downs of the process and gives them a sense of community during their journey.
Many surrogates also build extremely close bonds with their intended parents during their journey, and many remain close friends after the baby is born.
You’ll teach your children valuable lessons
As parents, we want to be good role models and highlight the importance of helping others. Of course, this isn’t going to be the sole reason a woman decides to become a surrogate, but it often plays a significant role. We’ve worked with hundreds of surrogates over the past 30 years, and we’ve seen the amazing impact the journey has on the entire family.
And, a recent study backed up what we already knew to be true: The children of women who become a surrogate tend to experience excitement, curiosity, and pride in their mother’s decision to help another family.
It will give you a financial boost
Your surrogate compensation can help you take a significant financial step, like paying off debt, starting a college fund, buying a car, or putting a down payment on a home.
At SPS, we are committed to ensuring every surrogate in our “family” feels empowered by her choice to become a surrogate. We screen prospective surrogates for financial stability (among many other factors), so we’re certain future discussions about surrogate compensation will be grounded in positivity and compatible with our values.
The Cons of Being a Surrogate Mother
Being a surrogate is an incredibly rewarding experience, but there are also some drawbacks to consider before beginning the process.
Surrogacy is physically demanding
Even if your past pregnancies have been relatively easy, pregnancy is still physically taxing and it’s crucial that surrogates are prepared for the journey. In addition to the normal demands of pregnancy, potential surrogates undergo additional screenings and medical tests, fertility treatments, and more.
Your surrogacy experience may be emotionally challenging
While being a surrogate can be extraordinarily fulfilling, it often presents unique emotional challenges. At SPS, prospective surrogates and their partners (if applicable) undergo a psychological screening to make sure they are prepared for the potential emotional difficulties of the process. Our surrogates also attend monthly support meetings to talk about their experience with women who are on the same path and receive advice and encouragement.
Surrogacy has health risks
Just like any other pregnancy, there is always risk involved when you’re carrying a child. Before embarking on this journey, you must consider whether you’re prepared to take these risks. Note that while it’s not a requirement, it’s also recommended that you are finished building your own family before you become a surrogate.
The experience requires a significant time commitment
A surrogacy journey lasts much longer than nine months—starting with fertility treatments and continuing after the birth. It’s important to really consider whether you’re able to make this kind of commitment right now.
From the doctor’s appointments to communicating with the intended parent(s) (and so much more), there is a lot of time, mental focus, physical energy, and emotional stability that will be required. This journey is incredibly exciting and fulfilling for women who are able to give what’s needed without feeling burdened—but timing is everything.
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the pros and cons of surrogacy.
Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services
Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate over 30 years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy program that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.
Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling 949-363-9525.
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