Not every woman who wants to be a surrogate will be able to. Agencies have a tough screening process for women interested in becoming a surrogate mother. In fact, only about five to seven percent of interested women end up signing with the agency. Experts say the average surrogate is between the ages of 21-37, with two children and 13 years of formal education. Further, most surrogates are Christian and look forward to helping infertile couples become parents.
There are many reasons why someone decides to Become a Surrogate Mother including:
1. they enjoy being pregnant
2. have a history of easy pregnancies
3. they want to help infertile couples
4. children are important to them
5. financial gain
An agency has a strict set of criteria for candidates. First, potential surrogates must be between 21 and 42. There is concern that a woman less than 21 may not understand the surrogate relationship and have a hard time giving up a child. On the other hand, older women are more likely to have complications with pregnancy. Next, candidates should have children of their own. Further, they should be actively involved in raising the children. The idea is that a mother is better able to understand bonding and empathize with infertile couples. Lastly, potential surrogates must be financially secure. Money should not be a deciding factor in becoming a surrogate. Therefore, women on welfare or other public assistance cannot be surrogates. Additionally, agencies prefer a woman who has the support of her family and children.
The first part of the screening process is a medical examination by an infertility specialist. Women are screened for drug use and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, lab tests are done to make sure there is no disease or condition that will affect the child. Once accepted, the surrogate becomes pregnant either through In Vitro fertilization or artificial insemination. The surrogate is allowed to receive some compensation. It is usually between $28,000 to $35,000 depending on what state one lives in. This figure does not include the costs of medical procedures. Surrogates are special people because they give infertile couples the gift of parenthood.