Here, we look at the profound emotional and physiological costs borne by surrogate mothers. We understand what they are, their motivations, and how intended parents can find the perfect surrogate through World Center of Baby.
For years, surrogacy has become a ray of hope for couples experiencing fertility challenges. While we celebrate the joy of a fruitful surrogacy process, we often overlook one of the principal characters in a surrogacy story: surrogate mothers. These individuals are embodiments of selflessness as they choose to carry a child for someone else—giving them a chance to nurture the gift of life. Whether moved by empathy or money, surrogates or gestational carriers undergo rigorous medical procedures, emotional and physiological transformations, and a deep connection with the intended parents.
This is why we at WCOB go through careful consideration and guidance to get the intended parents the appropriate surrogate. We understand that getting the right surrogate is as important as the surrogacy process.
Also known as a gestational carrier, a surrogate is a person who willingly and compassionately helps intended parents realize their dream of parenthood by carrying a child for them. Usually, there are two types of surrogate mothers: traditional and gestational surrogate mothers. A traditional surrogate mother has genetic connections to the child since her eggs are used for conception. However, a gestational surrogate mother has no genetic ties to the child. She embodies the real sense of the term “gestational carrier” since she only carries in her womb the embryo created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Surrogate mothers indeed get paid for their services. However, we’ve heard from a lot of our surrogates that their motivation for being surrogate mothers goes beyond financial gains. Some are moved by compassion and empathy, while others feel a sense of fulfillment when carrying a baby for the intended parents.
Before delving into this subject, it is necessary to note that we cannot peg a specific financial cost to a surrogate mother since this varies from country to country. Also, we cannot analyze the surrogacy program in every country, hence, you will need to consult us so that our team of professionals can select the appropriate program for you.
So how much does a surrogate mother make? The cost ranges between $90,000 and $130,000, although it can be higher or lower depending on the dynamics of the process. For instance, the cost of hiring a surrogate mother in California is slightly higher because of the high demand. In Texas, however, gestational carriers receive an average of $30,000. Experienced carriers can receive more.
The process of being a surrogate mother is a multifaceted and intricate journey marked by various stages involving careful planning, medical procedures, legal considerations, and emotional nuances. It starts with a screening process for both the surrogate and intended parents, ensuring physical and emotional well-being and compatibility.
The process then concludes with the birth of the child, where legal procedures ensure the seamless transfer of custody to the intended parents. Therefore, the surrogate mother process is an emotional journey of medical advancements, legal diligence, and emotional connections leading to the fulfillment of the intended parents’ dream of building a family.
Our Preliminary Assessment Team, comprised of experienced surrogates, engages with each applicant to review and discuss the information provided in her application. The team seeks clarification from the applicant, addresses the applicant’s inquiries, and ensures a comprehensive understanding of her responses.
During this assessment, the team collects essential information such as health and pregnancy history, criminal and financial records, insurance information, and medical records. If the applicant meets the criteria, she proceeds to the second stage of the process.
Our licensed social workers are responsible for screening and supporting surrogates. This team of social workers guides women through their journeys and assesses their suitability for surrogacy. They query the applicant’s motivation for surrogacy, pregnancy history, family and interpersonal relationships, hobbies and life experiences, support network, expectations and preferences as a surrogate.
Surrogate mothers are a testament to the beauty of the human spirit and the lengths one can go to help others experience the joy of parenthood. As medical technology advances and societal attitudes evolve, surrogacy continues to be a pathway for many hopeful families.
Moreso, we at WCOB will continue to be that veritable platform for surrogate mothers to display the empathy and compassion of the human spirit; a hub where intended parents can birth the tangibility of their desires.
