Becoming a surrogate mother is no small undertaking. Let’s be honest, having someone agree to a surrogacy arrangement is truly an incredibly compassionate act of kindness to parents who might otherwise have be unable to ever conceive of a biological child. It is a life-changing and rewarding journey with an end result like no other. Surrogacy has said to have increased by 400 percent in the past decade within Canada. Studies have also shown that from the years 2004 to 2015, the number of babies that have been born via surrogacy has increased from 738 to 2,807 in the United States.
Many couples who long for nothing more than to experience the joys of parenthood have been unfortunate in their fertility journey. When a couple discovers that their chances of natural reproduction are unlikely, they are left with limited options to consider. If the fertility issues stem from the male, one option is donor sperm insemination, also known as artificial insemination.
If female infertility is the issue, there are several possibilities to explore. In most communities, there is a fertility clinic that provides information and medical care for assisted reproductive technology. These clinics have qualified health professionals who can guide individuals and provide information on concerns related to medical conditions and associated health risks. Fertility treatment, including hormone injections, is common for many women.
Another option is in vitro fertilization, which involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body to form embryos. The medical professional can then place the embryos in a woman’s uterus or freeze them for future use. Egg donation is also common. Couples should consider the associated medical expenses when deciding on assisted childbirth.
Women who have undergone a hysterectomy before having the opportunity to have children often face limited options for starting a family, such as adoption or entering into a surrogacy agreement. The same applies to gay men who are seeking to become parents through these avenues. In cases where a same-sex couple comprises two females, the possibilities somewhat increase, as one of the partners can carry the baby.
In Canada, it is illegal to compensate someone for carrying a baby, which is commercial surrogacy. However, individuals can reimburse surrogates for any expenses incurred during the process. These expenses can include a wide range of items, such as internet and cell phone bills, maternity clothing, vitamins and supplements, mileage for medical appointments, housekeeping, lawn care, snow removal, counseling, gym memberships, massages, chiropractic care, yoga, foot care, hygiene products, lost wages, groceries, and many other surrogacy related expenses. These are just a few examples of the permissible reimbursements that surrogates may receive. The cost of surrogacy in Canada can range anywhere between $50,000 and $90,000.
In the USA, different states have their own guidelines for compensated and uncompensated surrogacy agreements. It is highly recommended to thoroughly understand the rules and regulations of your state and seek legal advice to avoid any potential legal issues or risks. In some surrogacy-friendly states, first-time surrogates can earn anywhere between $66,450 and $72,000. However, the average compensation, including expenses, can range from $190,000 to $230,000, depending on the experience and the individual’s surrogacy contract. For instance, in California, where surrogates are in high demand, they may receive higher compensation.
There are definite qualifications required to becoming a Surrogate. In Canada, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen.
- Be between the ages of 21-45.
- Have have one previous successful pregnancy and birth.
- Have a stable home.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have no history of significant depression or mental illness.
- Have no history of serious pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum complications.
- Be able to travel for required clinical appointments.
- Be willing to undergo bloodwork, ultrasound screening, and medical tests ordered by physicians.
- Be willing to take IVF medications.
- Not abuse drugs or alcohol, or smoke cigarettes.
- Have a strong desire to help others.
To qualify to be a Surrogate in certain states of the USA, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be 22-40 years of age.
- Be in excellent health and a non-smoker.
- Be within a healthy weight and height ratio.
- Have given birth to at least one child that you are raising.
- Have had all previous births occurring at 36 weeks+ gestation or later (unless multiples) without complications.
- Not be on state or federal financial aid.
- Be willing to undergo injections.
- Be willing to undergo background checks for entire family.
- Be willing to undergo psychological consultation.
- Have a strong desire to help others.
There are different types of surrogacy. In gestational surrogacy, the carrier would have no biological relation to the baby. The intended parents would be the biological parents in this scenario. They create embryos using the intended parents’ egg and sperm, which are then transferred into the surrogate’s womb. Alternatively, the intended parents may have a third-party donor create an embryo for transfer.
The other type of surrogate pregnancy is a Traditional surrogate. This is when the Surrogates themselves will provide the use of their own eggs and they in turn are biologically related to the child. In other worlds, they are biologically the baby’s birth mother. A lot of agencies choose not to participate in this type of arrangement within their programs because of a potential conflict of interest. In this type of surrogacy, the Surrogate is the baby’s biological mother. Often times this can mean that she is given parental rights. These rights would then have to be terminated after the child is born. In some areas, the intended parents would even have to complete a separate adoption.
With Gestational surrogacy, the parents do not have to go through any addition legalities. Generally, the intended parents are the biological parents, or a parentage agreement establishes before conception. With the Traditional surrogacy, there introduces more emotional and legal risks to the equation. With the Surrogate having a biological link to the baby, often can create an emotional bond as well. This can sometimes result in a long and expensive legal battle for rights to the baby.
Like the adoption process, surrogates and intended parents go through a thorough matching and medical screening process. The right matches then have the option to meet and get to know each other, ensuring that they are a suitable fit. In some cases, relatives or close friends may also undergo screening to volunteer as surrogates.
Surrogates receive compensation as they embark on their pregnancy journey. If they encounter an unforeseen miscarriage or complication during the process, they are compensated up to that point.
In surrogacy, the intended parents sign legal contracts before the embryo transfer to establish themselves as the baby’s legal parents at birth. This ensures the prevention of any later legal complications. The surrogate is unable to change her mind and decide to parent the child. However, remember that these terms can become complex in the case of traditional surrogacy.
There are many different agencies in Canada and the USA to contact for information about becoming a parent via surrogacy or becoming a Surrogate.
Who should I choose as my surrogate mother and what are their qualifications?
When selecting a surrogate mother, it is important to choose someone who is physically, emotionally, and financially stable. You should also make sure that the surrogate meets all legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
When considering potential candidates, look for someone who is emotionally mature and has a good support system in place. They should also have a history of successful pregnancies and be comfortable with the medical procedures involved in surrogacy. It can also be helpful to consider their lifestyle habits and any health-related issues they may have.
Your chosen surrogate should also have had a comprehensive medical screening to ensure that she is healthy enough for the pregnancy. It’s also important to make sure that she fully understands her rights and responsibilities as a surrogate, as well as the long-term implications of the process. Finally, make sure that you are both on the same page when it comes to issues such as compensation, legal matters, and contact between you and your child after birth.
Is surrogacy free in Canada?
No, surrogacy is not free in Canada. Surrogacy arrangements in Canada are regulated by provincial and territorial laws, and the cost of these arrangements can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Generally speaking, couples or individuals engaging in a surrogacy arrangement will need to cover costs such as medical expenses, legal fees, counselling services, travel expenses for visits with the intended parents or surrogate mother, and compensation to the surrogate mother for her time and effort. The cost of a surrogacy arrangement can range from $20,000 to $60,000 or more depending on the specific details of each situation.
What kind of people usually want to be a surrogate mother, and how many people do they usually match with each other?
Surrogate mothers are typically women who want to help families that are unable to have children on their own. They usually match with intended parents, who are the individuals or couple who need a surrogate. Surrogate mothers typically have already had their own children, and they are often motivated by a desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. The number of intended parents matched with a surrogate mother will vary depending on the arrangement and the preferences of both parties. In most cases, a single intended parent or couple will be matched with one surrogate mother.
Here are some sites:
In the USA, here are some sites:
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