Surrogacy allows individuals and couples to build the families they’ve always dreamed of. It provides hope for those experiencing hurdles in their path to parenthood. Every surrogacy experience is unique and presents unique challenges.
Why do people become surrogates? Why would you need a surrogate? People face different circumstances that lead them to this journey, such as their relationship status and medical history. Whether you’re interested in connecting with a surrogate or becoming one yourself, there are numerous reasons to consider surrogacy.
5 reasons to use a surrogate
Why do people need surrogates? Below are five possible reasons someone might pursue this opportunity.
1. Infertility
Various factors can cause individuals and couples to struggle with fertility, including:
- Low sperm count.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes.
- Urethral stricture.
- Endometriosis.
- Heart conditions.
- Being born without a uterus.
Ovulation complications typically contribute to infertility in women. However, a woman’s hormone levels, age, smoking habits, and exposure to radiation or chemicals can also affect fertility. Women who undergo surgical procedures for ectopic pregnancies can also experience fertility difficulties.
Regardless of the underlying cause, infertility is a common obstacle for couples or individuals who wish to have a child. Whether one or both parties are experiencing infertility, surrogacy provides an alternative avenue to have a child.
2. Age
Age is the first factor that comes to mind that can affect the ability to conceive and carry children. The chance of becoming pregnant declines significantly when women reach the age of 40. While some women can successfully carry a pregnancy at this age with or without the help of fertility treatments, donor eggs, or personal frozen eggs from a younger age, some women, alongside their IVF physicians, might decide they need a surrogate to help.
The number of eggs naturally decreases as women age. The remaining eggs are more likely to have irregular chromosomes. Age can also increase the risk of health conditions that reduce fertility, like endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Women who are ages 40 and up sometimes pursue surrogacy since they may have a history of trouble sustaining pregnancies, even with donor eggs.
3. Same-sex couples
Because same-sex LGBTQ couples cannot conceive children naturally, many turn to surrogacy, fostering, or adoption. As the use of donated eggs and surrogacy has grown more mainstream, an increasing number of same-sex couples have pursued these methods in their journey to becoming parents.
4. Medical conditions
A woman or person may choose to forgo pregnancy due to preexisting medical conditions, such as:
- Heart disease.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Severe diabetes.
- Kidney failure.
- A history of certain cancers.
- Significant mental health challenges.
These conditions can make pregnancy and childbirth risky or even life-threatening for both the mother and baby. Plus, some women and birthing-abled people take medications to treat health conditions that may not be recommended for use during pregnancy.
Many medical conditions don’t directly affect a person’s ability to bear children. However, they often impact her/their ability to carry a healthy baby to term while simultaneously sustaining personal health. For these reasons, many people with underlying medical complications choose surrogacy as a safer route to have a child.
In some cases, a person who wishes to conceive a child may not have a uterus. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare genetic condition causing the uterus to be underdeveloped or absent. Alternatively, someone may have had their uterus removed to treat a specific form of cancer. The absence of a uterus prevents any likelihood of a person bearing a child, so surrogacy may be considered as an alternative option.
5. Single parents
A single woman or person who wishes to be a parent but cannot conceive or carry a child on their own may turn to surrogacy. Alternatively, a single man may consider a surrogate if he wishes to start a family on his own. Single parents may decide they are ready to start their family without a partner involved in their path to parenthood.
5 reasons to Become a Surrogate
Why do people choose surrogacy? Here are five reasons to be a surrogate.
1. Making dreams of parenthood a reality
Moms who become surrogates provide one of the world’s most valuable gifts of life. Surrogacy is an incredibly selfless, brave, and compassionate venture. You’re carrying a child for someone who needs help, bringing their dreams of having a baby to life. Intended parents through surrogacy are eternally grateful for people who are willing to help them fulfil their dream of becoming parents.
2. Bonding with your intended parent or parents
The tight-knit bond between a surrogate and the intended parents is unmatched. Surrogacy is an experience that can create a lifelong relationship. That’s why the matching process between a surrogate and intended parents is so important.
Surrogacy is far easier when you have a connection to the intended parent(s). The right match can cultivate a connection that lasts a lifetime. You’ll likely get that gut feeling that “it feels right” when your intended parent is a perfect match.
3. Receiving fair and competitive compensation
While it shouldn’t be the main deciding factor in becoming a surrogate, financial compensation for being a surrogate is a well-deserved benefit. You deserve to be rewarded for your remarkable act of giving back. For most journeys, surrogates are generously compensated if they qualify for surrogacy and choose to undergo the process.
You can use this surrogacy compensation as you please, whether paying off loans, caring for your family, buying a home, paying for higher education, or taking a much-needed vacation. Of course, the amount you receive will depend on the agency and its policies.
4. Experiencing the joys of pregnancy
To qualify as a surrogate, you’ll need to have already experienced a full-term pregnancy (at least 37 weeks). While the best part of pregnancy for many moms is when it’s over, some people enjoy the gestational surrogate pregnancy.
Maybe you’re nostalgic for that pregnancy glow, adorable baby bump, or those feelings of intimacy between you, your intended parents, and their sweet baby. If you genuinely miss your pregnancy days, but don’t want any more kids of your own, surrogacy could be an amazing experience for you!
5. Gaining a new perspective and self-confidence boost
Surrogacy is an incredibly rewarding process. After all, you’re giving someone the gift of life and helping them fulfil their dream of parenthood. Surrogacy truly is nothing short of extraordinary.
However, it’s not an easy decision to make. It’s a challenging process involving careful consideration, perseverance, and determination. In doing a surrogacy journey for someone else, you’ll likely experience a new level of self-confidence and fulfilment. You’ll realize you’ve created a miracle and helped create a family. You’ve given someone the chance to become a parent.
Surrogacy also allows you to see things from a new perspective. You’re surrounding yourself with people from different walks of life. After going through this process, you’ll likely have a greater sense of empathy, awareness, open-mindedness, and understanding for others who want nothing more than to become parents.
Learn more about surrogacy with Surrogate World
If you’re wondering why you should choose surrogacy, we hope the reasons above offer some ideas and clarity. If you’re considering finding a surrogate or becoming one, our team would love to discuss the process with you in more depth.
Our mission is to connect surrogates with aspiring parents and find the best possible matches. We’ve guided families through surrogacy since 2001. We believe everyone should get to experience the joys of parenthood, no matter their background or walks of life.
If you’re interested in starting your surrogacy journey or want to learn more about the process, get in touch with us today!
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