Pros and Cons of a Surrogate Mother

Introduction to Surrogacy

Surrogacy is when a woman carries a baby for someone else who can’t have a baby on their own. It’s like lending a helping hand to make a family. Being a surrogate mother is one of the most precious things a woman can do. Surrogacy is a life-altering decision that requires careful consideration of pros and cons. It is a physically and emotionally challenging journey with numerous risks. Ethical and legal considerations must be considered, along with the benefits and cons of being a surrogate mother. A woman should weigh these factors before making this life-altering decision. She should also consider the pros and cons of a surrogate mother. All parties should also consider the pros and cons of surrogacy. 

Pros of being a surrogate

Although the act is selfless, women can benefit from it in numerous ways. These are:

• The financial benefits – Surrogates can use their compensation to make significant financial decisions after the surrogacy. The surrogate will also be taken care of for the duration of the pregnancy, with bills paid, medical fees settled, and transportation costs. This can go a long way in making the surrogate feel cared for and comfortable for the duration of the pregnancy.
• Beneficial for women who love being pregnant – This is especially true for women who enjoy being pregnant. Their bodies feel like they are doing what feels natural to them. Women who genuinely enjoy pregnancy may experience disappointment once their families are complete. As a surrogate, they can carry another baby without increasing their family size.
• It is beneficial to others with little or no hope – Surrogates believe everyone has the right to become parents when they are ready. Gestational surrogacy allows intended parents who are unable to conceive to find meaning and fulfilment in having a child. This includes same-sex couples, infertile couples, and cancer survivors. Thus, offering them a path to parenthood. 
• A long-lasting connection can be made – During the surrogacy process, intended parents and surrogates often form a close bond. Some usually remain very close friends after the birth of the baby. The surrogate may also benefit from the support group that is usually provided by the surrogacy agency during the pregnancy. This may be in the form of a monthly support group or assistance and care from experienced and licensed professionals. 
• Becoming a role model to their kids – Being a good role model to children is one of the major aims of parenthood. While this will not be the main reason a woman will choose to be a surrogate, it may play a role in the decision. The journey usually has a positive impact on the woman’s family. The children usually experience curiosity and pride in their mother’s decision to help another family.
• Community Support: Surrogates join a supportive community of compassionate women who understand the journey firsthand. They offer invaluable guidance to the surrogate. It is usually obtainable when the services of a reputable surrogacy agency are used.
• Legal Protections: Working with a reputable agency guarantees surrogates comprehensive legal protections. These include a detailed contract and financial security.

Cons of being a surrogate

While being a surrogate is rewarding, there are some risks and drawbacks to consider before beginning the process. They include:

• Health risks – There are risks involved in every pregnancy, including surrogacy pregnancies. Before deciding to be a surrogate, the woman must ensure that she is willing to take the risks involved in pregnancy. It is usually advised that a woman should have finished building her family before deciding to become a surrogate.
• Significant time commitment – A surrogacy journey lasts for more than nine months of pregnancy. The journey starts with fertility treatments and continues after the birth of the baby. A surrogate must ensure that she can make the time commitment before deciding. The doctor’s appointments, the meetings and constant communication with the intended parents require commitment. There is a lot of physical energy, emotional involvement, and mental focus that will be required by the surrogate to get through the process.
• Physically demanding – Pregnancy comes with risks and physical demands. This is also true for those who have had easy pregnancies before. Surrogates must be properly prepared for the surrogacy process. Potential surrogates face additional stress during pregnancy, including screenings, medical tests, fertility treatments, etc.
• Emotionally challenging – There are many emotional ups and downs to the surrogacy journey. Prospective surrogates and partners (if applicable) should undergo psychological screening. This is to prepare for emotional challenges during the surrogacy journey. Surrogates typically attend monthly support meetings. They discuss their experiences with women on the same journey as them. They receive encouragement and advice.
• Travel Requirements – Surrogacy may require travel to fertility clinics for medical procedures. This can present logistical challenges and time away from home.
• Social Stigma – Surrogacy may be stigmatized by some. Thus, affecting surrogates’ social interactions and support networks, despite their altruistic nature.

The Pros of Surrogacy

• Fulfilment and Joy: Surrogacy makes someone’s dream of having a baby come true. Thus, bringing lots of happiness to everyone involved.
• Community Support: Surrogates become part of a group of people who understand what they are going through and can give advice and support. This is mostly seen when the services of a trusted surrogacy agency are employed. They provide a network of experienced surrogates to boost morale and offer comfort.
• Pregnancy Experience: For women who like being pregnant, being a surrogate lets them experience it again. They also get to share that joy with others.
• Financial Compensation: Surrogates get paid for their help, which can help with money matters.
• Legal Protections: Surrogates are protected by laws and contracts. These make sure everyone is treated fairly and respectfully.

The Cons of Surrogacy

• Physical and Emotional Demands: Being a surrogate can be physically and emotionally stressful.
• Time Commitment: Surrogacy isn’t just about being pregnant – it involves lots of appointments and paperwork, which takes up a lot of time.
• Health Risks: Even though surrogates are checked by doctors, there are still risks to being pregnant. This is why regular medical checkups should be prioritized.
• Travel Requirements: Surrogates might have to travel for medical procedures. This can be inconvenient.
• Social Stigma: Some people might not understand surrogacy and could have negative opinions about it.

Benefits of Having a Surrogate Mother

• Parenthood Realized: Surrogacy helps people become parents when they can’t do it on their own, which is a dream come true.
• Emotional Support: Surrogate mothers provide encouragement and understanding throughout the entire process.
• Legal Protections: Surrogacy is backed by laws that make sure everyone’s rights are respected and protected.

Drawbacks of Having a Surrogate Mother

• Financial Costs: Surrogacy can be expensive, with lots of fees to pay. Covering legal and medical fees requires a lot of funds, even when surrogacy is altruistic.
• Emotional Complexity: It’s not always easy emotionally. Everyone involved might feel lots of different feelings. There is usually anxiety about the pregnancy and bonding between the surrogate and the baby.

Why Surrogacy Should Be Legal

• Access to Parenthood: Why should surrogacy be legal? Well, imagine you really, really want to have a baby, but for some reason, your body just can’t do it. That’s where surrogacy comes in. It gives people who can’t have babies on their own a chance to become parents. Legalizing surrogacy means more people can have families, regardless of the hurdles life throws their way. 
• Regulatory Framework: Legalization establishes clear rights and responsibilities for these families. Legal surrogacy protects the rights of both intended parents and surrogate mothers. This ensures fair compensation and avoids taking advantage of their valuable contributions.

So, why should surrogacy be legal? Because it’s about giving people a chance – a chance to love, a chance to nurture, and a chance to build a family.

Reasons Why Surrogacy is Considered Bad

• Exploitation Concerns: Some people worry that surrogates might be taken advantage of or treated like objects. This raises big questions about if it’s right to make money from having babies.
• Emotional Risks: There’s a chance that being a surrogate could bring up lots of complicated feelings. These worries highlight the need to think about how surrogacy affects people’s feelings and rights.

Arguments Against Surrogacy

• Ethical Dilemmas: Surrogacy raises big questions about what’s right and wrong when it comes to having babies. It questions whether it’s morally acceptable to involve money in the process of creating life.
• Social Implications: Some people believe that surrogacy could lead to societal problems. This includes traditionalizing gender roles. This could reinforce stereotypes and limit women’s opportunities to pursue goals beyond motherhood.

Ethical Issues Surrounding Surrogacy

• Reproductive Autonomy: Surrogacy brings up issues about who gets to decide about having babies and how. For example, does a person’s desire for a biological child justify the use of a surrogate? Also, how much say should the surrogate have in the decision-making process?
• Exploitation and Consent: Surrogates should be treated fairly and agree to all arrangements. For surrogacy to be ethical, everyone involved must agree to it without being pushed or tricked. They must understand all the details.

The Surrogacy Debate

• Diverse Perspectives: People have lots of different opinions about surrogacy, and it’s important to listen to all sides. Some may see surrogacy as a wonderful way to help others fulfil their dreams of having a family. Meanwhile, others may have concerns about potential exploitation or ethical implications.
• Policy Considerations: Making rules about surrogacy needs to balance everyone’s rights. Also making sure everyone is safe and respected. Policies should address consent, compensation, medical care, and legal rights. This is to establish clear guidelines and safeguards for all parties.

Conclusion

Surrogacy is a big decision, with lots of good things and challenges along the way. Understanding all aspects of surrogacy allows people to make the best decision for themselves and others. Both the intended parents and the surrogate need careful consideration before taking the journey. 

Check out more information about surrogacy here, and reach out to us.