Surrogacy gives individuals and couples the opportunity to build the families they’ve always dreamed of. It provides hope for those who experience obstacles on their path to parenthood. Every surrogacy experience is unique and presents unique challenges.
Why do people become surrogates? Why do you need an alternative? People face various circumstances that lead them to this journey, such as their relationship status and medical history. Whether you’re interested in connecting with a surrogate or are one yourself, there are many reasons to consider surrogacy.
5 reasons to use an alternative
Why do people need alternatives? Below are five possible reasons why someone might pursue this opportunity.
1. Infertility
A variety of factors can cause individuals and couples to struggle with fertility, including:
- Low sperm count.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes.
- urethral stricture.
- Endometriosis.
- Heart conditions.
- Born without a uterus.
Ovulation complications usually contribute to infertility for women. However, a woman’s hormone levels, age, smoking habits, and exposure to radiation or chemicals can also affect fertility. Women who undergo surgical procedures for ectopic pregnancy may also experience fertility difficulties.
Regardless of the underlying cause, infertility is a common obstacle for couples or individuals who want to have children. If one or both parties are experiencing infertility, surrogacy provides an alternative way to have a child.
2. Age
Age is the first thing that comes to mind that can affect the ability to conceive and carry children. The chance of being pregnant decreases significantly when women reach the age of 40. Although some women can successfully carry a pregnancy to term at this age with or without the help of fertility treatments, donor eggs, or personal frozen eggs from more young age, some women, along with their IVF physicians, may decide they need a surrogate to help.
The number of eggs naturally decreases as women age. The rest of the eggs are more likely to have irregular chromosomes. Age can also increase the risk of health conditions that reduce fertility, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Women age 40 and older sometimes pursue surrogacy because they may have a history of trouble maintaining pregnancies, even with donor eggs.
3. Same-sex couples
Because same-sex LGBTQ couples cannot conceive children naturally, many turn to surrogacy, foster care, or adoption. As the use of egg donation and surrogacy has grown more mainstream, an increasing number of same-sex couples have taken these methods on their journey to parenthood.
4. Medical conditions
A woman or man may choose to forgo pregnancy because of pre-existing medical conditions, such as:
- Heart disease.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Severe diabetes.
- Kidney failure.
- A history of certain cancers.
- Significant mental health challenges.
These conditions can make pregnancy and childbirth risky or even life-threatening for mother and baby. Additionally, some women and people with reproductive disabilities take medications to treat health conditions that may not be recommended for use during pregnancy.
Many medical conditions do not directly affect a person’s ability to have children. However, they often affect her/their ability to carry a healthy baby to term while simultaneously maintaining personal health. For these reasons, many people with underlying medical complications choose surrogacy as a safer route to having a child.
In some cases, a person wishing to conceive a child may not have a uterus. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare genetic condition causing underdevelopment or loss of the uterus. Alternatively, a person may have had their uterus removed to treat a certain type of cancer. The absence of a uterus prevents any possibility of a person having children, so surrogacy may be considered as an alternative option.
5. Single parent
A single woman or person who wants to become a parent but is unable to conceive or carry a child on her own can turn to surrogacy. Alternatively, a single man may consider an alternative if he wishes to start a family of his own. Single parents may decide they are ready to start their family without a partner on their path to parenthood.
5 reasons to be a surrogate
Why do people choose surrogacy? Here are five reasons to become an alternate.
1. Making dreams of parenthood a reality
Mothers who become surrogates give one of the most precious gifts of life to the world. Surrogacy is an incredibly selfless, courageous, and compassionate venture. You are carrying a child for someone in need, making their dreams of having a baby come to life. Intended parents through surrogacy are eternally grateful to the people who are willing to help them realize their dream of becoming parents.
2. Contacting your intended parent or parents
The tight bond between a surrogate and the intended parents is unparalleled. Surrogacy is an experience that can create lifelong relationships. That is why the matching process between surrogate and intended parents is so important.
Surrogacy is easier when you have a connection with the intended parent(s). The right match can cultivate a connection that lasts a lifetime. You will likely feel that it “feels right” when your intended parent is a perfect match.
3. Receiving fair and competitive compensation
Although it should not be the main factor in deciding to become a surrogate, the financial compensation for being a surrogate is definitely a worthwhile benefit. You deserve to be rewarded for your wonderful act of giving. For most journeys, surrogates are generously compensated if they qualify for surrogacy and choose to undergo the process.
You can use this surrogacy compensation however you want, whether it’s paying off loans, taking care of your family, buying a house, paying for higher education, or taking a much-needed vacation. Of course, the amount you receive depends on the agency and its policies.
4. Experiencing the joy of pregnancy
To qualify as a surrogate, you will need to have experienced a full-term pregnancy (at least 37 weeks). While the best part of pregnancy for many mothers is when it’s over, some people really enjoy gestational surrogate pregnancy.
Maybe you’re nostalgic for that pregnancy glow, adorable baby bump, or those feelings of intimacy between you, your intended parents, and their sweet baby. If you really miss your pregnancy days, but don’t want to have a child of your own, surrogacy can be an amazing experience for you!
5. Having a new perspective and strengthening self-confidence
Surrogacy is a wonderful process. After all, you are giving someone the gift of life and helping them fulfill their dream of parenthood. Surrogacy is really nothing special.
However, this is not an easy decision to make. It is a challenging process that involves careful consideration, perseverance, and determination. By making the surrogacy journey for someone else, you are likely to experience a new level of self-confidence and fulfillment. You will know that you have done a miracle and helped create a family. You gave someone a chance to be a parent.
Surrogacy also allows you to see things from a new perspective. You surround yourself with people from different walks of life. After this process, you will likely develop a greater sense of empathy, awareness, open-mindedness, and understanding for others that no one else wants to parent.
Learn more about surrogacy at Creative Family Connections
If you’re wondering why you should choose surrogacy, we hope the reasons above offer some ideas and clarity. If you’re thinking about finding a surrogate or becoming one, our team at Creative Family Connections would love to discuss the process with you in more depth.
Our mission is to connect surrogates with aspiring parents and find the best possible matches. We have guided families through surrogacy since 2001. We believe that everyone should experience the joy of parenthood, regardless of their background or walk of life.
If you are interested in starting your surrogacy journey or want to learn more about the process, contact us today!
