Dear Sassy Surrogate: Am I ready to be a gestational surrogate?
Dear Sassy Surrogate-
I’ve been considering becoming a surrogate for some time. I’m wondering how I know if I’m ready to be a gestational carrier? -Unsure
Dear Unsure-
That’s a great question, and I’m glad you’re doing your research now. Of course, being a surrogate is a big commitment, and you want to be certain you’re ready before you get too far into the process. There are many things to consider, depending on your situation. Let’s look at a few biggies…
This requirement tops the list - You must have given birth to your own child. Clearly, if you don’t have any biological children, you’re not yet in a position to be a gestation carrier. This is a requirement because the physicians involved will want to see that your body can carry a healthy pregnancy to term with an uncomplicated delivery. There’s also the emotional piece of the puzzle. It’s important to know how you emotionally handle pregnancy as well as the post-partum period.
Another important factor - you also need to be certain that you’ve completed your own family. The reason for this is that, as with every pregnancy, there are risks. If you still wanted to have more children of your own after you act a gestational carrier and there were complications that caused issues with your future fertility, that could be a huge disappointment for you and your family. We encourage you to really think this one through. If you’re undecided, it’s best to wait and revisit surrogacy when you feel you’re finished growing your own family.
This applies if you have a partner – your partner/spouse must be on board and supportive of your being a surrogate. They’ll be required to participate in the psychological evaluation and in person interview portions of the process. They’ll also have to have some limited testing in order for you to obtain medical clearance. Your partner or spouse will need to sign the contract along with you and the intended parents.
These are just a few things you should consider before deciding you’re ready to be a gestational carrier. There are plenty more that we’d be happy to discuss as you work through your decision to become a surrogate.