Helping out a family member is great reason for becoming a surrogate. In fact, it’s one of the biggest reasons that women just like you decide to become one in the first place. If you’re asking, “Can I become a surrogate for my cousin?”, then you should know that:
- Becoming a surrogate for your cousin is possible, as long as you’re comfortable with the arrangement
- The requirements for becoming a surrogate won’t change based on whether the intended parent is your cousin
- Becoming a surrogate for your cousin can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you ever do
If you have more questions about, “Can I become a surrogate for my cousin?”, then this guide has the answers. But if you’d like to talk with someone more in depth, then you can always reach out to a specialist through our contact form.
Can I Become a Surrogate for My Cousin?
Yes. If you meet the requirements, then there’s nothing stopping you from becoming a surrogate for you cousin. One aspect you should consider, however, is your own feelings towards being a surrogate for a family member.
Surrogacy creates an intimate relationship between you and the intended parents. And when you already have a relationship with them — like when they’re a family member — it can impact your relationship in ways you might not expect.
Outside of wondering “Can I become a surrogate for my cousin?” you should also ask:
- Do I have enough time to commit to the surrogacy process?
- Am I healthy enough for surrogacy?
- Have my spouse and I already completed our family?
- Do I have a strong support system?
- Do I meet the surrogacy agency’s requirements?
Before you say yes to your cousin, consider talking through each question with a counselor or a surrogacy specialist. You are the only one who can decide whether becoming a surrogate for your cousin is truly right for you.
What is it like to be a Surrogate for Your Cousin?
Becoming a surrogate for your cousin can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. But if you’re wondering, “Can I become a surrogate for my cousin?” then you likely have a lot of questions about how this experience will affect your relationship. If your cousin is asking you to be a surrogate for them, then you likely have a close relationship already. But becoming a surrogate means that you’ll be a witness for one of the most transformative experiences of all — becoming a parent.
There are many surrogates, who, like Megan, leave surrogacy with what feels like a new family member:
“I don’t know if anyone could top Lindsey and Shiloh. I hold them on such a high pedestal that I don’t know if I could ever get the same family again. I have such a wonderful relationship with them that I would want that again.”
In many ways, becoming a surrogate for your cousin is no different than being one for intended parents you don’t know. But one thing to take into account when asking, “Can I become a surrogate for my cousin?” are potential heightened emotions.
You’ll have to get used to the intended parents calling the shots, being at your doctor’s appointments, and knowing health facts that you’d rather keep private. It’s not uncommon for feelings of jealousy to creep up unexpectedly, either. Because of the emotional complications of carrying for a family member, you and your cousin will be expected to sit with a surrogacy professional to counsel you through the process go over everyone’s expectations.
What are the Requirements to Become a Surrogate for My Cousin?
If you’re asking, “Can I become a surrogate for my cousin?” one of the first things you should do is make sure you’re qualified. The requirements for becoming a surrogate can change depending on where you live and the professional you work with. But generally, you’ll typically need to:
- Be between the ages of 21-35
- Have a healthy BMI
- Not partake in any smoking or illegal drugs
- Be currently raising a child in the home
- Have a history of successful pregnancies
- Not be receiving state assistance
For a detailed list of requirements, we encourage you to reach out to a surrogacy professional. They will go over everything you need to know and can help you decide whether becoming a surrogate for your cousin is right for you.
Is it weird to be a surrogate for your cousin?
That all depends on you and your relationship with your cousin. Many people think becoming a surrogate for a family member is a recipe for an awkward and uncomfortable family reunion. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are a few things that might alter your view about becoming a surrogate for your cousin.
Traditional Surrogacy: Traditional surrogacy is not recommended in any scenario — but especially when the intended parents are family members. If you’re wondering, “Is it weird to be a surrogate for your cousin?” this is one scenario where it definitely could be. With this type of surrogacy, you would be the biological mother of the baby, because your eggs are the ones being used. Traditional surrogacy already comes with legal and emotional risks. But to become a traditional surrogate, therefore making you your cousin’s child’s biological mother? Let’s just say it’s best to stick with gestational surrogacy.
Your relationship will change: Becoming a surrogate means creating an intimate foundation with the intended parents. Naturally, this fact doesn’t change even when it’s your cousin. Even if you and your cousin aren’t super close right now, you’ll need to get used to them being at your doctor’s appointments, exams and in the delivery room. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate for a family member, you should evaluate how comfortable you are with sharing personal details about yourself.
Your cousin’s opinion will need to come first: This won’t be your first pregnancy, but it will be the first time where you aren’t always in charge during it. As the intended parent, you cousin has the right to make requests of you — concerning your diet for example — as they wish. So, is it weird to be a surrogate for your cousin? It might be if you’re uncomfortable with letting them make all the important decisions.
What if I Decide Not to Be a Surrogate for My Cousin?
It’s entirely up to you if you decide not to be a surrogate for your cousin. But if you’ve always wanted to be a surrogate, don’t forget that there are plenty of potential intended parents who would be happy to meet you! With an agency’s help, you can find the perfect match. When Lindsey and Shiloh met their surrogate, they met someone who was everything they wanted and more:
“One of the first things she said to me was, ‘I’m not in this for the money,’” Lindsey remembers. “She wasn’t going to just do it for anybody; she wanted a family that she felt a connection with. That meant a lot to me.
But even if you’re wondering, “Can I become a surrogate for my cousin?” an agency can help you through the process too. With the help of a surrogacy specialist, you can go over compensation, drafting your legal surrogacy contract, and more.
How Do I Become a Surrogate for My Cousin?
The best place to start your search is through a surrogacy professional. With their expertise, you can learn if becoming a surrogate is right for you. To learn more about “Can I become a surrogate for my cousin?” please fill out our contact form to be contacted by a specialist.