Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Surrogacy
The surrogacy process contains many pros and cons for those interested in becoming a surrogate.
Here’s how to weigh the risks and benefits of surrogacy in California.
Surrogacy occurs when a woman bears a child for another couple. In a traditional surrogate agreement, the woman who is the surrogate has an embryo or sperm injected into her body. The child is genetically related to the intended parents.
Reasons for surrogacy to occur in California include:
- Infertile women
- Women without healthy eggs
- Women who cannot carry to term, and/or
- Same-sex marriage
Benefits of Being a Surrogate in California
Being a surrogate can be a fulfilling experience. A surrogate who brings a child into the world can complete another family for parents who cannot conceive themselves. Surrogates have been known to look back on their experience and feel a sense of achievement. The most common reason for being a surrogate may be to help others in need, but there are other benefits associated with the process.
Generous compensation is given to a surrogate for bringing a child into the world for another person. On average, a surrogate receives a payment of $40,000 – $50,000 for their time as a surrogate in California. Aside from the one-time payment, other expenses are covered, including but is not limited to:
- Health insurance
- Travel expenses
- Medical costs
- Reimbursements for a higher quality of living
The process legally protects surrogates and keeps their best interests at hand. Once a surrogate and a couple have been found, lengthy legal contracts are created to ensure the success of the pregnancy and well being of both parties involved.
Related: 10 Steps to the California Surrogacy Process
Risks of Being a Surrogate in California
The pros of being a surrogate may appear to outweigh the cons. However, being a surrogate is a very involved and lengthy process. Carrying a child for another couple can be physically and emotionally demanding. Being pregnant, undergoing intense testing to ensure surrogacy compatibility with the intended parents, and labor may be taxing to the body. Choosing to be a surrogate can be a mental challenge. Bearing a child for someone else is a huge responsibility and can be an emotional barrier.
Surrogacy can have health risks for the mother even if the pregnancy is closely monitored, medically and legally. Potential complications can always occur in pregnancy. Impregnation may be unsuccessful on the first attempt. There may be a chance surrogates are forced to go on a hormone regimen. Many surrogates have been surprised by the medication list they are prescribed.
Related: Is Surrogacy Legal in California? CA Surrogacy Laws
FAQs about the Risks and Benefits of Surrogacy in California
Why is surrogacy still stigmatized?
Social stigma may still surround the idea of surrogate motherhood. Although it is medically and legally acceptable in many states, surrogacy may socially contradict society’s ideas of motherhood, family, and marriage.
If I am a surrogate, can I become pregnant on my own afterward again?
Yes, being a surrogate does not prevent a woman from bearing another child during her lifetime. Legal contracts contain the requirement a surrogate must have the potential to carry another child after the pregnancy to be considered eligible.
Can a surrogate keep the child if they want to after giving birth in California?
In California, surrogacy is legal and thus binding contracts can give pre-birth parentage orders. This means the intended parents of a child can be declared the legal guardians preemptively if at least one of the intended parents is genetically related to the child.
Does being a surrogate cost any money to the surrogate?
Costs may depend on the contract agreement between the surrogate and the intended parents. Ideally, the surrogate will not have to pay any money out of pocket to cover the pregnancy as they are already carrying the child.
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If you or a loved one would like to learn more about weighing the risks and benefits of surrogacy in California, get your free consultation with one of our family law attorneys in California today!