Surrogacy is when a woman carries a baby for another woman. Egg donation is when a woman provides an egg to be used in fertility treatments.
Thinking of being a surrogate mother? You’re not alone.
According to the National Infertility Association, about 1 in 8 couples in the United States have trouble conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy. Surrogacy offers these couples hope.
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate mother, you may have a lot of questions.
- How much will I get paid?
- What are the risks?
- How do I know if I’m eligible?
Here’s what you need to know about being a surrogate mother.
What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another couple or individual. The surrogate mother may be the child’s biological mother (traditional surrogacy), or she may use her own egg and the father’s sperm (gestational surrogacy).
In either case, the surrogate mother has no legal claim to the child.
What are the requirements for being a surrogate mother?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to being a surrogate mother. However, there are some general requirements that most surrogacy agencies and attorneys will look for.
Generally, you must be:
- 21-45 years old
- In good physical and mental health
- At a healthy weight
- A non-smoker
- Financially stable
- Have had a successful pregnancy and delivery in the past
How much does a surrogate mother get paid?
Compensation for being a surrogate mother can vary widely. Some couples or individuals may only be able to offer a few thousand dollars, while others may be able to offer tens of thousands of dollars.
In addition to monetary compensation, some couples or individuals may also offer to pay for your medical expenses, travel expenses, and other related costs.
What are the risks of being a surrogate mother?
Being a surrogate mother is a big responsibility. It’s important to understand that there are some risks involved.
Some of the risks include the following:
Medical risks: There are some medical risks associated with any pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm labor.
There are some medical risks associated with any pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm labor. Emotional risks: Carrying and delivering a baby for another couple or individual can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to make sure that you have a good support system in place before you agree to be a surrogate mother.
Carrying and delivering a baby for another couple or individual can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to make sure that you have a good support system in place before you agree to be a surrogate mother. Legal risks: There is some legal risk involved in being a surrogate mother. In some states, the surrogate mother may have a legal claim to the child if she is the child’s biological mother. It’s important to understand the laws in your state before you agree to be a surrogate mother.
What are the legal implications of being a surrogate mother?
The legal implications of being a surrogate mother can vary widely from state to state. In some states, the surrogate mother may have a legal claim to the child if she is the child’s biological mother. In other states, the surrogate mother’s name may not be listed on the child’s birth certificate.
It’s important to understand the laws in your state before you agree to be a surrogate mother. You should also consult with an attorney to make sure that you understand your rights and responsibilities.
What are the psychological implications of being a surrogate mother?
Carrying and delivering a baby for another couple or individual can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to make sure that you have a good support system in place before you agree to be a surrogate mother.
You should also be prepared for the possibility that the couple or individual you are working with may not be able to take the child after he or she is born. This is called failed surrogacy.
If you are considering being a surrogate mother, it’s important to make sure that you are emotionally and mentally prepared for the challenges that you may face.
