Being a surrogate is a difficult concept to understand for most outsiders. Why do women become surros? What are their views on commercial surrogacy at large? What is it that motivates one woman to carry and give birth to a baby for another woman?
Most surromoms view surrogacy as the joyous sacrifice that it truly is. Having been pregnant before, they understand the physical discomforts and emotional whirlwind that is pregnancy. Part of being a surrogate mother means that these women are willing to make the sacrifices that they need to in order to help another family.
Though most are caring individuals, generally, their desire to become surromoms falls into one of three categories. Keep in mind that these terms are not industry terms, but ones I have created to help others understand how surros view a journey.
Being a Surrogate: A Gift of the Heart
Nearly every woman involved in this process sees it as a gift from the heart. They recognize their contribution in the process as a wonderful gift they are giving to the intended parents, and feel that they are helping another family in a way they cannot possibly help themselves.
For some surrogates, this is the main guiding force that compels them to start a journey. They are “earning their wings” by giving the ultimate gift to a deserving family.
|
Many surromoms who decide to do this as a gift from the heart also mention that they want to teach their children about giving, sacrifice, and being unselfish.
Being a Surrogate: A Grand Friendship
I mention this category as a type of how surros view being a surrogate because they differ slightly from those simply looking to give a great gift. These women also feel that surrogacy is a gift from the heart, but in addition to that, they are seeking a relationship with their intended parents.
These mothers view commercial surrogacy as a “Grand Friendship”. Most surros have characteristics from both of these two groups.
One who views the process as a “Grand Friendship” is often looking for intended parents who can commit, in advance, to remain in close contact after birth. They are interested in receiving regular updates and photos of the surrogate babies as they grow up, and may even request regular, scheduled get-togethers as part of the terms of their contract.
These women view the friendships they make with their intended parents, most often the intended mother, as the best part of the journey. The love and appreciation they receive is often the driving force behind their desire to become a surrogate mother.
Being a Surrogate: A Source of Income
Though most surrogate mothers give of themselves to help another family in a purely unselfish manner, there are some who view the process as little more than a financial arrangement. Most of the time, these women get into this community with the wrong intentions, and realize there is a lot more sacrifice than they initially comprehended well before undergoing a pregnancy.
These women are lured by the promises of receiving a substantial amount of money and honestly want to “rent their wombs” for quick cash.
These are the misinformed, “get rich quickers” of the surrogacy community, and yes, they do exist. For the most part, these women are not bad people, and are not trying to take advantage of others, they are just ignorant of the process and the commitment involved.
Those who chose commercial surrogacy as an income source rarely complete a second journey. They find that the physical, emotional, and time commitments required of them for the amount of money they receive are just not worth it. Surrogacy truly needs to be an unselfish gift.
Are you a surro? How do you view a journey?
