Do surrogate mothers get paid?

Question

I was just wondering if you got paid to be a surrogate mother, or if it was illegal to sell a baby from your body or something. It sounds like a retarded question. I loved being pregnant and I would help someone out of the kindness of my heart if I got the chance, I was just wondering. How do you get started being a surrogate mother. Or is that one of those things you do for someone you know who needs it. I was just curious so please tell me all you know about surrogat mothers.

Answer 1

Depending on your state and the laws regarding Surrogacy in your state...you may or may not be able to receive compensation for being pregnant. I would not call it "getting paid" its not a source of income. The Base Compensation (if legal in your state), if you go through an agency (which I suggest for your protection) will have a non-negotiable compensation plan set up. Once you have determined whether or not you are eligible for compensation,
http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=19823&TEMPLATE=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=66 this site should be able to help you with that.

Then you want to determine if you are physically eligible. Most Agency's and Independant Intended Parents are looking for the same requirements. The following is a sample from the Surr

General Requirements: (Each fertility clinic will have specific requirements)
Age 21 - 40
In good physical and mental health
Not under-weight or obese
Have a history of un-complicated pregnancies and deliveries
Currently raising at least one child
Living in a stable, supportive household
No use of tobacco or other illegal drugs

Additional Requirements:  (You and your spouse may be asked to consent to:)
Psychological Evaluation
Criminal Background Check
Review of your Medical Records
 

Then you have to decide what kind of a surrogate you want to be. A traditional surrogate or a gestational surrogate


Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father or sperm donor. The surrogate's own egg will be used, thus she will be the genetic mother of the resulting child.

Usually, the intended father's name is put directly on the birth certificate and the intended mother will need to do a step-parent adoption, however, laws regarding this issue vary from state to state. Consult a lawyer who is knowledgeable about surrogacy laws in your state to learn more.


Gestational Surrogacy

In a gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child. Eggs are extracted from the intended mother or egg donor and mixed with sperm from the intended father or sperm donor in vitro. The embryos are then transferred into the surrogate's uterus. Embryos which are not transferred may be frozen and used for transfer at a later time if the first transfer does not result in pregnancy.

In many areas, the intended parents may petition the court during the third trimester of pregnancy to have both of their names placed directly on the birth certificate, however, laws regarding this issue vary from state to state. Consult a lawyer who is knowledgeable about surrogacy laws in your state to learn more.



Your Physical Health
How is your health in general?
Do you have any long-term illnesses that might prevent you from successfully carrying a pregnancy to term?
Do you have a good reproductive history?
Did you conceive easily?
Were your pregnancies and deliveries reasonably easy and without complications?

Your Support System
If you are married, does your husband support your decision to be a surrogate?
If you are not married, do you have someone who you can talk to for support during the surrogacy?
If your children are old enough to understand surrogacy, are they comfortable with the idea of you becoming a surrogate?
How will it make you feel if/when you are confronted by others who may disapprove of your being a surrogate?
How will it make you feel if/when your children are confronted by others who may disapprove of your being a surrogate?

Emotional Issues
Can you be reasonably sure that you are capable of giving up a child that you will carry for 9 months?
In traditional surrogacy, you will be the child's genetic mother. Will it be difficult for you to let go of a child that you have a genetic link to?
Will becoming a surrogate cause problems within your marriage?
Will becoming a surrogate cause a great amount of stress in your relationships with those closest to you (family, friends, coworkers, etc.)?
As with any pregnancy, there is always a possibility of complications which could result in fertility problems for you down the road. How would it make you feel to no longer be able to have children as a result of the surrogacy? How would it affect your marriage?

Medical Issues
If you will be a gestational surrogate, are you prepared for the medical protocol, which will require daily injections?
The chances of a multiple pregnancy are increased in gestational surrogacy. How do you feel about carrying multiples?
How would you feel if your doctor requires you to drastically reduce your activity or go on bedrest in the event of a high-risk or multiple pregnancy?

Decision Making
If it was discovered that the child you are carrying has a physical defect, how will you feel about terminating the pregnancy? (Note: If you would not be comfortable terminating the pregnancy, it does not mean that you will not make a good surrogate. It only means that you need to find a couple who agrees with your point of view.)
If you become pregnant with multiples, how would you feel about selective reduction? (Note: As with abortion, if you are not comfortable with reduction, it is important that you find a couple who shares your views.)

Answer 2

I have a friend who become a surrogate. She did it for a couple she didn't know. She told me once that it was easier to let the child go to someone she wasn't close too but since the birth she's become a very good friend of their families. Often the parents are responsible for covering the cost of medical care and expenses. I don't think there is anything wrong with being compensated for having to carry anothers baby for 9 months. My friend said if you're open enough to do this allow the parents to be there for dr. appts. hospital visits and even the birth. If at all possible don't use your eggs it's would mean sending a part of you away which is difficult to do. It's a noble thing your considering but make sure you get the right couple. One who won't see you as a threat. My friends gift knows her as the person who helped bring her into the world.

Answer 3

Yep surrogate mothers do get paid, as well as medical costs are covered by the person or couple your surrogating for. Surrogacy laws vary from state to state.

There are two types of surrogacy

One the surrogate simple hosts the baby; it is not biological contacted to her. The other type, the baby is biological the surrogates thus she has also donated her own egg to the couple/person.

You might try these websites

http://www.surrogatemothers.com/
http://www.surrogenesisusa.com/html/surrogatemothers.html

Answer 4

Yes, you do get paid but it does depend on your location regarding the laws of compensation. In fact surrogates even get paid more than egg donors because of their time and effort, so if you want to do a precious thing for someone plus get paid tons of cash then surrogacy is a terrific option.

Answer 5

Yes they do get paid, just find a lawyer that deals with adoptions and they should be able to give you the forms and information that you need. I was going to do that myself until I decided that I wanted too many kids to have the chance... You also get to choose in some cases who will get the baby, so you don't have to worry about what kind of home it will go to... I hope this helped you and Good luck!!

Answer 6

Yes by law you are paid but you have no rights to the child when it is born. Unless you go to court and fight for custody of the child. I think that any women who wanted a surrogate just so she could keep her nice figure is an idiot and selfish.

Answer 7

I know it isn't "selling" the baby- the chalk it up to like living expenses, medical, food, transportation and all.. If you find out any more info please post it... I would love to do this for someone too! I just had a baby and I know how awful it is to want a sweet little baby and not be able to have one and I would love to help someone else too...

Answer 8

I think it depends on the kind of contract you and the family decide. I don't know how to advertise that you want to be a surrogate mom but good luck and it is a very noble idea.

Answer 9

I believe you get impregnated with the fetus of another couple to carry ... and they need to pay for your medical fees & any costs that you incur for carrying the child ... you may want to check with an atty or agency but there may be a minimal fee for using your body ...

Answer 10

Yes they do get paid--I would suggest that you contact an attorney unless you know of someone who wants a baby--in any case it's better to let your attorney handle the legal matters.