Choosing to become a Surrogate is a big decision to make, and one that requires careful consideration and research to weigh the pros and cons of surrogacy. There are many things to think about for a potential Surrogate, her family, and her support system before proceeding. While there are challenges, the advantages of surrogacy are plentiful including an emotionally-rewarding experience and comprehensive compensation for your efforts. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of being a surrogate in this nifty little chart below.
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Pros |
Cons |
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You will be making someone’s dream of having a family possible and it will be well worth it |
You will borrow some time from your own family to make this possible, as surrogacy is a commitment of time and energy |
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You get to experience pregnancy again without adding to your family, and witness the excitement of your Intended Parents at incredible milestones like the embryo transfer, the confirmation of heartbeat ultrasound, the birth, and the moment they hold their baby for the first time |
You will experience the inconveniences and discomforts of pregnancy again, as well as undergoing some of the not-so-fun parts of a fertility journey such as medical screening, the IVF process and medications, and postpartum recovery |
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You will receive fair and transparent compensation that can be put towards something meaningful for your own family |
It’s possible people around you may not understand that you are humanitarianly motivated because you’re receiving compensation |
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You will become a part of a very special, vibrant community of like-minded women who step forward to become Surrogates |
If you’re a very private or introverted person this may not appeal to you (however it’s completely optional) |
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You will receive expert legal guidance to ensure your journey is set-up for an optimal experience with your surrogacy contract |
The contract process can feel a little overwhelming at times despite being very important |
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Becoming a Surrogate is deeply emotionally-gratifying and rewarding |
Pregnancy can be emotionally-challenging at times (however you have the option to utilize counseling in addition to the support you receive from your agency, Intended Parents, and person support system) |
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You get to do something meaningful and life-affirming not everyone is able to do |
Not everyone will understand why you are choosing to become a Surrogate |
If you’re someone who LOVES being pregnant, helping others, have big goals for your family, and you have the time and energy to commit to the surrogacy process- Surrogacy may be the perfect fit for you and your family. At Hatch, we have been guiding extraordinary women through their surrogacy journey for 35 years and counting, and because our surrogacy team is composed of all experienced Surrogates- we were all in your shoes once, weighing the pros and cons of being a Surrogate. The pros won out for us and we ventured forward, but the cons are also not lost on us. We built our program where mitigating risks with careful screening, managing expectations with thoughtful education, and creating magical experiences with hands-on support every step of the way overcomes the cons of surrogacy.
There is a good chance that surrogacy was not the first stop you thought of on your pathway to parenthood, so it’s natural to wonder if it is the right option. There are significant advantages of surrogacy, but the question at hand is whether the pros of surrogacy outweigh the cons, and the only person who can ultimately answer that question is you. A fertility journey can take a huge emotional toll, making it hard to trust that you’re in the mindset to make your next move. To help guide you in your decision-making process, here is a chart of the pros and cons of surrogacy:
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You get to make a connection with the extraordinary woman who is willing to carry your child |
It can be emotionally challenging learning how to trust someone with a task so big |
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You can have a child with your own genetics (or your partners) |
Surrogacy is typically more costly than adoption. |
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You can hand select your team of experts starting with your agency |
It can be overwhelming knowing which agency and other experts to choose |
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You can be the legal parent of your child before the birth and be on the birth certificate |
The legal aspects of surrogacy can be confusing without expert guidance |
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There is a wait time for matching with a Surrogate so the process requires patience |
It can be immensely difficult to wait after years of planning or trying to conceive. |
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It is very exciting to celebrate the milestones along the way with your Surrogate as you go through the journey together |
Many feelings can come up during a surrogacy journey, especially after experiencing infertility, a past complicated pregnancy, or loss (However-counseling can be helpful for navigating these emotional challenges) |
If you’re seeking to become a parent or expand your family, would like to have a child with a genetic connection to you and/or your partner, be the legal parent before the birth and you are have spent time emotionally and financially preparing for the journey ahead then surrogacy may be the perfect option for growing your family. The biggest con that stands as a barrier to many families is the cost. At Hatch, we believe in keeping surrogacy as accessible as possible to Intended Parents from all walks of life.
Hatch offers a unique Peace-of-Mind Program that covers all medical and non-medical expenses, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for our Intended Parents by eliminating the risk of walking away without a child because financial resources are depleted. 99% of our families will have a healthy baby at the end. We also provide expert referrals for mental health support, attorneys, escrow and much more to ensure that all needs are met.
Whether you are considering becoming a Surrogate or looking to build your family, you’re already on the right path of doing your research to make an informed decision. Family-building is all about choices and we look forward to answering your questions and arming you with knowledge to make the best decision for you.
These Stories on Surrogacy - For Intended Parents
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