Gestational surrogacy is growing more common each year, but persistent myths continue to swirl around the practice. Here are a few questions you may have heard, along with some answers that will help you separate the fact from the fiction.
Do they use my egg?
No, the egg will come from the intended mother or an egg donor. This is why this form of surrogacy is called “gestational.” You carry the baby in your womb but have no genetic connection to him or her.
Anyone can be a surrogate?
Not at all. The requirements to become a surrogate are quite rigorous. You must be in good physical and mental health, between the ages of 21-45 and have at least one child of your own. Gestational surrogacy is a big commitment that is not taken lightly by any of the parties involved. Read our detailed list of requirements to become a surrogate for more information.
Do surrogates do it for the money?
Gestational surrogates are compensated for the time and discomfort they must go through to bring a healthy pregnancy to term. Surrogates are often able to use this compensation to pay off some bills or take the family on vacation, but they are not making a living from it. Most surrogates are women for whom pregnancy and delivery came rather easily and want to help families who are unable to conceive on their own.
Are all intended parents rich?
Not at all! It’s not inexpensive to pay for all the legal and medical expenses associated with gestational surrogacy, but there are options. For example, some expenses will be covered by insurance, and there are several financing options that can spread the costs over time. IPs often save up funds or borrow from family or friends to pay for all of the associated costs.
Do women use surrogates to avoid pregnancy?
It’s possible, but unlikely. Most women have experienced multiple attempts to become or sustain a pregnancy on their own. They would gladly do it on their own but are happy that surrogacy is an option for them.
Do surrogates end up carrying multiples?
Typically, no. When surrogacy was new, reproductive endocrinologists would transfer as many embryos as possible in the hope that at least one or two would reach full term. Now that IVF technology has improved, only one or two of the most viable embryos are placed. The surrogate, IPs and doctor agree on how many embryos will be transferred before the procedure.
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a gestational surrogate, contact the experts at Surrogate Solutions. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the process if you are interested.
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