Why We Should Compensate Surrogate Mothers
Many individuals and couples have used a Surrogate to build their family. Some say they do it to help others and not for the money. Others say that they do it because they know close ones who are in similar situations as the intended parents. This raises the question: Should we pay the Surrogates for being a Gestational Carrier for others?
In the United States of America, some states have completely banned surrogacy. Others do permit surrogacy agreements, but may only allow minimal payment to cover the medical and incidental expenses. Very few states have been open to providing complete compensation to the Surrogate for her time and efforts.
This topic of compensating Surrogates financially has been controversial for quite some time. Some people argue the problem is not viewing surrogacy as a work. Many feel that this point of view is demeaning. Gestating a child in its true sense is a selfless act and an act of love. Of course, it does take a certain emotional and physical toll on the Surrogate’s life as pregnancy affects her daily activities. We believe that they should get paid for their tireless efforts and sacrifice to bring a new life into this world for someone else.
The Thought of Altruism
Some Gestational Carriers believe that money itself taints the ‘gift’ they bring to a childless couple. The payments don’t necessarily destroy altruism. Some Surrogate Mothers could choose to offer their services voluntarily without pay. This is called compassionate surrogacy.
Many tend to think of altruism as a system that is priceless and prefer it over a commercial one. It is not. When a Gestational Carrier is a stranger volunteering her services, her body, and her time, then it should be under a carefully defined service-for-hire contract.
Ambiguity will play a pivotal role if the carrier refuses to hand over the baby after birth. This may further worsen, if the Surrogate is a close family member. The uncompensated nature of the surrogacy process will make it harder for Intended Parents to make any demands about the Surrogate’s conduct. In such cases, commercialized surrogacy may assist in removing the emotional bearings during the surrogacy process.
Exploitation of Surrogates
Another argument against surrogacy compensation is that it exploits women in many ways, particularly women from the poor economical backgrounds. Women who don’t have marketable skills or may have fewer choices often fall victim of trickery by providing their bodies to others for surrogacy.
The very first thing to know is that not all the Surrogates are economically misused. It would be foolish to assume this without any prior research. However, at times, race issues can admittedly become a factor. In countries like India, where young women are housed and paid to become a Gestational Carrier. Since the exploitation argument is paternalistic in nature, it often ignores the voices of the Surrogates themselves. Many view this opportunity to obtain work as a valuable one.
Many women use their compensation to buy a home or send their children to school. Opportunities like these would have been impossible if they did not receive payment for their efforts. Unfortunately, these insignificant arguments have never improved women’s lives. Unless we do not put real efforts on giving women more education & opportunities that can make a positive difference, these trivial arguments leave women in the same dire condition.
Rewarding Surrogates for all their efforts and problems they endure just to give the Intended Parents a baby is praiseworthy. Parents should set a budget for their surrogacy process which involves payment for the Gestational Carrier as well. Given that, we advise working with a reputable surrogacy agency in your state, such as RSMC – San Diego, CA. They will often provide a lawyer who will help draw up a contract and determine what will be appropriate compensation for the Surrogate Mother.
Effort and Reward
As a Surrogate, you will put your efforts and time to help another family to bring their baby into this world. Hence the Intended Parents will cover all your expenses throughout the surrogacy process. Everything from screening to financial procedures including your legal expenses will be covered by them. Also, you’ll receive monthly payments to cover your pregnancy related costs.
Like base compensation, this amount will also be decided during the early stages of the surrogacy process. It will be mentioned in your legal surrogacy contract. The same goes for altruistic surrogacy, even in this type of surrogacy Intended Parents cover the expenses.
Surrogates who choose to go through an agency will receive a pre-set amount. If you choose to go the independent route, the amount must be agreed upon between you and the Intended Parents. Your own experience will also play a role in compensation. Typically, agencies will pay a Surrogate Mother more based on the number of journeys she has completed.
A Surrogate Mother’s compensation amount varies based on the situation. Therefore, it is crucial that you see a professional surrogacy lawyer to understand exactly how you will be compensated. Reproductive Sciences Medical Center is partnered with Physician’s Surrogacy – one of the top surrogacy agencies in California and US. We will provide you with a lawyer to guide you through the process.
What do Surrogates get paid
If you are going for a commercial surrogacy, you will be paid a base compensation. The amount of this base compensation depends on many factors:
- The policies of the surrogacy agency you’re working with
- Intended parents’ budget
- Your experience with surrogacy
- Your state of residence
- Employment status
The average base pay for surrogacy is $25,000 – $60,000 for first-time Surrogates, and the money is generally paid in monthly installments during the surrogacy process (usually after a pregnancy is confirmed).
For many Surrogates, this base compensation grants them to move forward to a financial goal or help improve their family’s economic situation. For example, many women use this compensation to pay off a down payment of a house, pay off their student loans, continue their education, start saving for their children’s education and more.
Conclusion
The money a Surrogate makes can be life-changing. Not only for them but for their family as well. Hence, to pay a woman for being a Surrogate Mother is the right and noble thing to do. Compete an application to see if you qualify as a Surrogate.
