As we have touched base on before, surrogacy is an expensive option. Not everyone is able to afford it. However, there are women out there who believe in altruistic surrogacy and, so are willing to do it for free.
In the minds of many (especially those who don’t really know the ins and outs of the process) surrogacy should be done purely for the sake of helping others. They do not feel that it is right to charge upwards of $18,000 just to help someone become a parent.
However, there is so much more that goes into surrogacy that people who have not done it may not be able to understand. There s the physical, invasive nature of the impregnation process – often requiring numerous injections and treatments. There is the emotional invasiveness as you share a process with strangers that would usually only be shared with your significant other. Then there are all of the physical demands, discomforts, and limitations that come along with any pregnancy, in addition to any extras that are required by the surrogacy contract. For nine or more months, the surrogate mother’s body is not just her own. It is also that of the intended parents, in a sense. When it comes down to it, surrogate mothers deserve some type of compensation.
However, the cool thing is that it is possible to find surrogate mothers who are willing to forego the compensation. Granted, they are few and far between, and they are more than likely going to be amongst your circle of friends and family – however they are out there.
I have to take a minute to point out, though, that when I say “surrogacy for free” I am referring to the compensation fee. All of the other costs associated with a surrogacy would still apply (e.g. hospital and medical bills, surrogacy agency and attorney fees, etc.). You would probably also be responsible for the surrogate’s lost wages and travel expenses. When it comes down to it, the compensation is only a portion of the costs. However, if you are able to find someone who will waive the compensation fee, you will still be saving a significant amount of money.