The surrogacy process is an incredible experience. When a woman becomes a surrogate, she can: 

• Forever change the life of an intended couple 
• Use this opportunity to meet her financial goals 
• Build lasting relationships with the intended parents and other surrogates.  

But if you’re a prospective surrogate or a hopeful intended parent, it’s only natural to want to be informed about some of the surrogacy pros and cons before you sign up. That’s why this guide is here to provide information on: 

• The risks of surrogacy 
• The benefits of being a surrogate mother 
• And how to know if it’s right for you 

If you’re eager to learn more, keep reading below. But if you’d like to talk in-depth with a surrogacy specialist, please fill out our free contact form to get more information.   

What are the Pros of Surrogacy? 

There are many advantages of surrogacy for any woman who decides to take the plunge. Women who decide that surrogacy is right for them experience a number of benefits, including:  

• Financial benefits: While money shouldn’t be the primary motivator when you’re considering becoming a surrogate, it is certainly one of the advantages of surrogacy. After the embryo transfer, you will receive your base compensation and a monthly allowance. Many women use this opportunity to further their own financial goals. For example, they might use it for their college expenses, paying back student loans, or making a down payment on a new home.  

• Making a difference in someone else’s life: For many women, the ability to help another couple grow their family is its own reward and a great surrogacy advantage. When you become a surrogate, you are performing one of the greatest acts of kindness and selflessness that any woman can do. You should feel a great sense of pride and fulfillment when you finish with your surrogacy experience.  

Ever since Codi, a surrogate, was young, she always knew that becoming a surrogate was something she wanted to do: 

“I wanted to be a surrogate to help people. I had met a woman when I was in high school who was a surrogate and I fell in love with it. I thought it was a supercool journey and a way to love on people. And so I thought, ‘Okay, as soon as I can do that, like once I have some of my own, I’m all about it,’” she said.  

• Lasting relationships: As a surrogate, you have the choice in whether or not you want to continue your relationship with the intended parents. In many ways, saying yes is as much a pro for intended parents as it is for you. You can stay in contact with each other through picture updates and phone calls and even see each other in person if you wish. When Megan decided to become a surrogate, she didn’t realize that she’d be getting a whole new family out of it: 

Megan said, “I didn’t just have babies for somebody else; I gained an entire family through the whole process….It was the most rewarding thing in the entire world. I would do it all over again.” 

You can also use this surrogacy pro to reach out to other women who have been in your shoes. Whether in-person or online, surrogacy support groups are a wide network made up of people who would love to get to know you.  

What are the Cons of Surrogacy? 

Both surrogates and intended parents would agree that this process isn’t always easy. Below are a few problems with surrogacy that you should be aware of.  

• The time commitment: Surrogacy is an investment. When you sign up, one of the cons of surrogacy is that you’re expected to put at least a year of your life on hold. Codi, a former surrogate, had this piece of advice for women who are thinking about joining: 

“You do have to come into it with a selfless attitude. This isn’t a glorious type of work in that sense — like you’re a big part for a short time, and your heart needs to know that going in. If you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate, you should definitely think about putting your life on hold,” she said. 

The time constraints you’ll be under will affect your family and friends as well. You’ll need to be available when it comes time for medical appointments, traveling and more. Most of your energy will be focused on keeping the baby safe and healthy, which means less time to spend with your own family and friends. If you consider lack of time to be a big surrogacy problem, then you may want to spend more time thinking if this option is right for you.  

• Being pregnant: Any woman who signs up to become a surrogate should enjoy pregnancy overall. But that doesn’t mean it’s always a cakewalk. Pregnancy itself is physically demanding, and it is one of the disadvantages of surrogacy that you should consider. If you’re not excited about carrying a baby for someone else, then you may want to reconsider if surrogacy is right for you.  

• Medical and psychological evaluations: Going through the screening process is one of the initial steps for becoming a surrogate. This process can take some time, but it’s important to making sure that you ready for to become a surrogate.  

• A few of the requirements that you’ll need to meet are: 
• No smoking or illegal drugs 
• Have at least one successful pregnancy 
• Not receiving state assistance 
• Be between the ages of 21-38 

• If you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate, you should be comfortable with the extensive screening process.  

—

There are many pros and cons of being a surrogate mother. But it’s up to you to make the final call. If you have any questions about other surrogacy cons and benefits of surrogacy, you can always reach out to a professional for more information.