A surrogate mother is a woman who agrees, under contract, to carry and give birth to a child for a couple who are unable to have children due to the wife's inability to conceive and/or carry a child to term. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine says there were approximately 500 surrogate births annually between 2003 and 2007.
Types
According to SurrogateMothers.com, a surrogate mother candidate must be between 18 and 35 years old and have had at least one previous child. The average surrogate mother is 28 years old. She is married, employed and middle-class.
Agencies
There are a number of agencies available to a woman who would like to apply for surrogacy. Look for an agency that has a solid track record of successfully matching surrogate mothers and couples.
Screening
A potential surrogate mother is required to undergo a thorough screening process. This generally includes checking out references, reviewing medical records from previous pregnancies as well as conducting a criminal background check. A surrogacy candidate must also take a psychological exam. If she is married, her husband must submit to one as well.
Considerations
A couple will consider a number of attributes as they decide who is most qualified to carry their future child. For example, a woman may be chosen largely because she resembles one or both of the intended parents. Sometimes physical location is important to a couple, while intelligence is of primary importance to another. In general, couples want a surrogate who is in good health, easily conceives and is mature and stable.
Meeting
An in-person meeting is common between the chosen surrogate and the intended parents. Spending time face-to-face allows both parties to confirm their preliminary decision that the arrangement appears workable. This initial meeting is generally followed by frequent contact throughout the pregnancy. In most cases, the relationship will end once the baby is born.
Conception
Many surrogate mothers will get pregnant on the first attempt using artificial insemination. However, it often takes a woman three cycles to conceive, and in some cases it may take even longer.
Compensation
Surrogate mothers are compensated for their efforts. Surrogacy fees vary, but they generally fall somewhere between $13,000 and $25,000. Women who are carrying multiple fetuses will usually receive a higher fee.
