Becoming a surrogate is a deeply personal choice. Each experience is different and comes with its own rewards and risks. It’s no wonder many women stop and question, “Is being a surrogate mother worth it?”
Here at International Surrogacy Center, we want every potential surrogate to fully understand her decision. To help, here is a look into the process as well as the pros and cons of embarking on a surrogacy journey.
What it Means to Be a Surrogate
Surrogacy means helping others complete the family they’ve always wanted. It’s a brave and generous gift of life that many women find to be remarkably rewarding. However, it does have its challenges and potential downsides.
The entire process begins by applying to become a surrogate, meeting certain requirements, and passing an interview. When everything is approved, a surrogate profile is created for the intended parents to review and we find the best match for the surrogates. Once matched, a meeting is arranged to ask questions and get to know one another. The goal is to create a bond of trust between both parties. Afterwards, the legal and health care concerns are addressed and an agreement is made.
The Pros Often Outweigh the Cons
IS BEING A SURROGATE WORTH IT HEALTH-WISE?
Carrying a baby to term is a time-consuming and energy-draining experience. Then there’s the matter of delivery and recovery. These aspects of becoming a surrogate must be carefully considered. Surrogates are required to undergo a variety of medical tests to ensure they are fit and the pregnancy is going according to plan. As such, they’re expected to attend appointments, receive treatments, and everything in between.
Another potential downfall is the emotional toll. Most surrogates will understandably go through emotional ups and downs throughout the process. That’s why having a support system and taking part in support groups is so necessary. At ISC, we’ve built a strong community filled with fellow surrogates who are there to offer their continuous support for those taking on the same experience. Many women form bonded connections and friendships through this close-knit network, which last long after the baby is delivered.
There are also health risks to keep in mind. Several medications could be prescribed during the preparation for pregnancy, transfer of the embryo, and during the pregnancy. Aside from the potential side effects of medication, there’s always a risk involved in carrying a child. It’s also a lengthy process requiring total commitment, which can take 12 months or longer from start to finish.
SURROGATES ARE LEGALLY PROTECTED
Often, there are legitimate concerns regarding the legal ins and outs of surrogacy. Everyone considering this path is encouraged to research, ask questions, and share any concerns they have so that they can feel comfortable with this side of the process. Once the matching has taken place, legally binding contracts are signed to protect both the intended parents and the surrogate.
In other words, everyone will know exactly what to expect during the surrogacy process well before the embryo is transferred. As a surrogate, you’ll be given the opportunity to clearly outline your expectations and responsibilities during the surrogacy process. You will also be able to negotiate if matters do not meet your expectations. This helps ensure that you feel fairly compensated and that you understand that you will not be responsible for the baby after birth.
We here at ISC understand the legal processes can be overwhelming at times. That’s why we have an expert team in place to help guide surrogates through the various surrogacy laws, their legal rights, and so on. Our goal is to ensure the process is carried out safely and legally for everyone. Rest assured; we’ll be there to support you every step of the way.
THE DECSION IS YOURS ALONE
All things considered, for most surrogates, the chance to bring life into the world for another family is the most amazing thing imaginable. They look at the opportunity as an extremely fulfilling, joyous, and life-changing experience. The compensation received is another positive factor. Many surrogates use the reimbursement to support their families, pay off debt, or achieve educational goals.
Is it worth being a surrogate mother? Ultimately, the answer to that depends on the individual’s aspirations and her desire to give a selfless gift to a family in need.
MORE ABOUT OUR SURROGACY AGENCY
Many of the women here at ISC understand the concerns of becoming a surrogate and have also asked themselves, “Is being a surrogate worth it?” They came to their own conclusions and, as a result, more than 50% of our staff members have been surrogates over the years. Having such personal insight, first-hand experience and an unwavering commitment to providing excellent customer service allows us to best assist surrogates along their journeys.
Now, all of our team members have the same mission: to help families become whole and provide all the support and care our surrogates need. We offer generous compensation, a compassionate community, support group meetings, and so much more. It’s factors like these and more that led to our truly impressive success rate over the years. If you believe surrogacy to be the right path, we’d be honored to help guide you along this beautiful journey.
Please reach out to us with any questions you may have or if you are ready to become a surrogate today.