It's important for people to understand the connection between abortion and infertility because confusion can ca use needless stress.

Nuclear transfer (NT) is a new approach to infertility treatment, which consists in transferring the patient's nuclear material into the cytoplasm of a donor egg.

It is important to understand that, like any medical procedure, abortion carries certain risks. If performed under improper conditions, there may be potential risks to reproductive health. Factors such as the gestational age, method of abortion, pre-procedure examination, and individual characteristics of the body can influence the outcome.

Surrogacy has emerged as a powerful way to build families, yet many people wonder what motivates a woman to carry a baby for someone else. The decision to become a surrogate is deeply personal and life-changing – a journey fueled by empathy, purpose, and often a desire to help others. Surrogate mothers around the world consistently describe their choice as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. This article shines a spotlight on why women become surrogates, exploring common motivations, the emotional and ethical dimensions of surrogacy, the rigorous screening process, and international considerations. By understanding the hearts and minds of surrogates, intended parents and curious readers can gain insight into the values and realities behind this extraordinary act of generosity.

Common Motivations for Becoming a Surrogate

Every surrogate has her own story, but there are several common motivations that frequently inspire women to pursue surrogacy. Research and firsthand accounts show that surrogates are often driven by a combination of altruism, personal fulfillment, and practical reasons. Below is an overview of key reasons why women decide to become gestational carriers:

• Compassion and Altruism: A strong desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood is the top reason cited by surrogates. Many feel empathy for couples struggling with infertility or medical issues and see surrogacy as a way to make a meaningful difference. In fact, a recent 2024 study confirmed that altruism and empathy are the primary motivations for women participating in surrogacy, rather than financial need or social pressure. Surrogates often believe that “everyone should be able to experience the joy of having a child of their own”, and they take pride in being able to give the gift of a family to those who cannot carry a pregnancy.
  
   

• Love of Pregnancy and Childbirth: It may surprise some, but many surrogates genuinely enjoy being pregnant. They cherish the feeling of carrying life and have had positive pregnancy experiences with their own children. Surrogates frequently note that they feel confident in their ability to “do pregnancy well” and often “felt that their bodies were made to be pregnant”. For women who love the experience of pregnancy but have completed their own families, surrogacy offers a chance to be pregnant again without raising another child. As one UK surrogate explained, she “had a strong desire to experience pregnancy” even though she didn’t plan on more children for herself – “surrogacy seemed like the perfect way to fulfil my dream, while also helping someone to become a parent”. This joy in pregnancy itself can be a significant motivating factor.
  
   

• Previous Positive Pregnancies: Related to the above, surrogates are almost always women who have given birth before. Having experienced smooth or uncomplicated pregnancies, they feel capable of carrying again. Many surrogates say they love being mothers and treasure their children, which makes them empathetic to those who don’t have children. They often feel their family is complete (commonly with two or three children) and want to use their fertility to help others. Knowing that they can carry a healthy pregnancy “without issue” gives them confidence to be a surrogate for someone else.
  
   

• Personal Fulfillment and Purpose: Beyond helping others, surrogates often describe a sense of personal fulfillment from the surrogacy journey. They see it as “a unique opportunity to do something significant in the world”, an act that has a ripple effect on many lives. Surrogacy enables them to be part of “something that truly mattered” and to contribute to another family’s happiness, which can be deeply empowering. For some women, especially stay-at-home mothers, being a surrogate is a way to reclaim a sense of identity and achievement outside of their own family. It allows them to be a role model of compassion and show their children the importance of helping others. One surrogate noted that by carrying a baby for another family she was demonstrating to her kids that “anyone can truly make a difference in people’s lives” through kindness. Surrogates often speak of the purpose and pride they feel in their role, sometimes even referring to it as answering a calling.
  
   

• Experiencing the Joy of Giving: The emotional reward of seeing parents hold their baby is a major motivator. Surrogates frequently highlight that moment as priceless. In one story, a surrogate who delivered twins for another couple said “watching the intended parents meet their babies for the first time was one of the most emotional and joyful experiences of my life”. Knowing that she made that moment possible gave her an enduring sense of accomplishment and happiness. Surrogates describe the act as giving the ultimate gift – and in turn, they gain the satisfaction of having been someone’s “answered prayer”.
  
   

• Financial Benefits (Secondary Motivation): While not the primary reason for most surrogates, the financial compensation in commercial surrogacy can still be a factor. Many surrogates use the compensation to improve their own family’s stability – for example, to pay off a mortgage, fund their children’s education, or allow them to be at home with their kids during the surrogacy period. It’s important to note, however, that reputable surrogacy programs carefully screen candidates for financial stability, and women in dire financial need are usually not accepted as surrogates. In fact, experienced professionals report that the monetary payment is typically viewed as “a nice bonus” rather than the main draw. Surrogates often emphasize that if money were the only motive, it would not be worth the physical and emotional commitment required. Instead, the financial aspect tends to complement their altruistic motives – for instance, enabling a surrogate to contribute to her household while doing something meaningful. As one surrogate, Christian, explained, surrogacy “felt like the perfect fit” because it allowed her to stay home with her children, contribute financially, and help another family at the same time.
  
   

• Inspired by Others or Personal Connections: Sometimes the idea of becoming a surrogate is planted by personal experiences. Many surrogates come forward after seeing a friend or family member struggle with infertility or pregnancy loss. For example, one woman shared that when she was pregnant with her own son, she learned her best friend had suffered miscarriages and couldn’t carry a baby. Witnessing that pain and “feeling so terrible for women who can’t have their own children” moved her to consider surrogacy to help others. Another surrogate was inspired by a relative who had been a gestational carrier years before – hearing the aunt describe the connection, purpose, and joy she found in the experience sparked the idea in the young mother’s heart. In many cases, surrogates join this path because they know someone in need or have seen the impact infertility can have, strengthening their resolve to be part of the solution. They are often driven by the belief that everyone deserves a family, whether it’s a couple who battled cancer, a single father, or an LGBTQ couple who cannot have a child without help.
  
   

In summary, the choice to become a surrogate is usually grounded in empathy, love of pregnancy, and a desire to give back. Surrogate mothers tend to be women who treasure family and motherhood, and who view surrogacy as a chance to share that blessing with others. Far from the stereotype of being driven solely by money, most surrogates are motivated by profoundly human ideals – compassion, joy, and the fulfillment of making a difference in the lives of others.

Emotional and Ethical Aspects of the Surrogacy Journey

Becoming a surrogate is not only a physical journey but an emotional one as well. Surrogates navigate a range of feelings throughout the process – from the excitement of matching with intended parents, to the responsibility of carrying a child, to the climactic moment of birth and beyond. Emotionally, surrogacy is often described as deeply rewarding, though it comes with its own set of challenges and careful considerations.

Emotional Rewards and Bonds: Surrogates frequently form strong bonds with the intended parents and take joy in sharing the pregnancy experience with them. Many surrogacy arrangements encourage close communication; intended parents may attend medical appointments or spend time with the surrogate, building trust and friendship. Surrogate Kim Barrett from the UK recalled how she loved feeling the baby kick and was “very keen to share this with the baby’s parents, offering them the chance to feel [her] belly whenever [they] spent time together”. This kind of openness creates a unique emotional connection. By the time of delivery, surrogates often consider the intended parents as close friends or extended family. Handing over the newborn to the parents is typically a joyous moment of fulfillment, not loss. Surrogates describe immense pride and happiness in seeing the parents hold their long-awaited baby. “Giving birth was one of the best experiences of my life,” Kim noted, describing how the baby’s mother had the first skin-to-skin contact while she, the surrogate, watched with gratitude that her part was complete. Similarly, other surrogates have called witnessing the parents meet their child “unforgettable” and worth every challenge of the pregnancy. These positive emotions are a big part of why many surrogates find the journey so satisfying.

Handling Attachment and “Giving Up” the Baby: A common question outsiders have is how a surrogate can bear to part with the baby after birth. The truth is that from the very start, surrogates frame the pregnancy differently in their minds. “It’s important to recognize that surrogacy isn’t about giving up a child; it’s about giving the child back to the parents,” one surrogacy counselor explains. Surrogates enter the process knowing the baby is not theirs – they are caring for someone else’s child temporarily. This mindset, reinforced by psychological screening and counseling, helps surrogates maintain a healthy emotional perspective. In fact, most gestational carriers report that while they care deeply about the baby’s well-being, they do not feel a parental attachment. As one agency notes, women choose to be surrogates “not to have a baby of their own, but to help others build a family”. By the time of birth, surrogates often liken the experience to babysitting or carrying a niece/nephew for a relative – they are happy to see the baby go home with his or her real parents. That said, surrogates are human and can feel mixed emotions when the journey ends. It’s not unusual for a surrogate to feel a moment of sadness or emptiness simply because a long-awaited goal has been achieved and the intense experience is over. These feelings are usually temporary and eased by the knowledge that the baby is exactly where they’re meant to be. Many surrogates cope by staying in touch with the family (if agreed) and focusing on their own children. In most cases, the surrogate’s own family provides comfort and perspective – as noted in one source, surrogates have their children to love and cherish, and they understand the baby was never theirs to begin with. Follow-up support and counseling are also available if needed to help manage emotions after birth.

Ethical Considerations: Surrogacy can raise ethical questions, and surrogates themselves often think deeply about these issues. One major consideration is informed consent and free will. Ethical surrogacy means the woman is choosing this path without coercion and with full understanding of the medical and legal implications. Reputable surrogacy programs prioritize this: candidates go through interviews to ensure they aren’t being pressured and that they genuinely want to help another family. Surrogate Kim shared that both the surrogacy organization and the fertility clinic took steps to ensure “I wasn’t being pressured or taken advantage of” before she was approved. This safeguard is crucial to address concerns about exploitation. Another ethical aspect is the discussion of compensation. In some parts of the world, paying a surrogate is controversial, raising fears of commodification. However, as discussed, most surrogates are not impoverished women doing it for money; a study in the USA found surrogates generally have above-average income and education. They choose surrogacy mainly for prosocial reasons, countering the narrative that they are driven by desperation. Still, ethical agencies ensure that any compensation is fair and that surrogates have independent legal advice so they understand their rights and obligations.

Additionally, surrogates face external ethical judgments at times. They may encounter people who don’t understand surrogacy and who question the morality of the arrangement. Surrogates often become educators and advocates, explaining that their actions come from a place of generosity and empowerment. Many are proud to challenge misconceptions. “The women I’ve met chose to carry a baby for others because they saw it as an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of another family,” writes one surrogacy expert, emphasizing the positive intent behind the decision. Indeed, surrogacy can be viewed as an extension of caring professions or community service – some surrogates liken it to a calling where they give of themselves for the benefit of others, much like organ donors or humanitarian volunteers.

Surrogate-Intended Parent Relationships: Ethically and emotionally, the relationship between the surrogate and the intended parents is pivotal. Trust and mutual respect are the foundation. Intended parents often start out anxious, having no control over the pregnancy, while the surrogate may worry about meeting the parents’ expectations. Open communication and clear agreements help bridge this gap. Fortunately, “most relationships between intended parents and surrogates turn out to be incredibly positive” and even blossom into lifelong friendships. Surrogates frequently remain in contact with the families they helped, watching the child grow up with a sense of pride. In cases where boundaries are set more formally, both parties maintain respect and gratitude for each other’s roles. The ethical principle here is that everyone involved shares the same goal – a healthy baby and a positive experience – which fosters a strong team mentality. Surrogates often say that knowing how desperately the parents want this child motivates them to be as careful and loving as possible throughout the pregnancy. This mutual commitment creates a bond of trust and admiration on both sides.

In summary, the emotional journey of a surrogate is one of compassionate detachment – caring deeply for the life she carries, but always with the intention of uniting that life with its rightful family. With proper support, surrogates handle the handoff with grace, finding joy in the parents’ happiness rather than grief. Ethically, when surrogacy is done right, the surrogate’s autonomy and well-being are prioritized at every step. By understanding their motivations and experiences, it’s clear that surrogates approach this journey with eyes open and hearts full, prepared for the complex emotions and firmly grounded in the knowledge that they are doing something profoundly good.

The Screening and Preparation Process for Surrogates

Because surrogacy involves such significant emotional and physical responsibilities, the process of screening and preparing surrogate mothers is extremely thorough. Reputable clinics and agencies around the world adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that each surrogate is healthy, informed, and genuinely ready to undertake this journey. From medical evaluations to legal agreements, becoming a surrogate is not a decision made overnight – candidates must pass multiple checkpoints before a pregnancy is ever attempted.

Eligibility Requirements: While specific criteria vary by program and country, most surrogacy programs require that a gestational surrogate meet certain basic qualifications. Generally, surrogates are adult women (often between ages ~21 to 40) who have already given birth to at least one healthy child of their own and are currently parenting that child. Having a prior successful pregnancy demonstrates fertility and also shows that the woman understands the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. In fact, many guidelines insist that potential surrogates have completed their own families before they volunteer, to reduce any emotional conflict. Surrogates must have a history of healthy pregnancies without major complications (no serious pregnancy-induced illnesses or preterm births, for example). Good overall health is a must – this includes a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), not smoking or abusing substances, and no significant unmanaged medical conditions. A surrogate’s reproductive health is checked via gynecological exams and sometimes a mock cycle to ensure her uterus can undergo an embryo transfer. Additionally, surrogates undergo infectious disease screening to make sure they can safely carry a pregnancy for someone else.

Psychological and Emotional Screening: Equally important is the psychological evaluation. Surrogacy agencies typically arrange for mental health professionals to screen prospective surrogates through questionnaires and interviews. For example, many programs use standardized psychological tests (such as the PAI or MMPI) to assess personality and check for any red flags. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine strongly recommends that surrogates receive mental health evaluations and counseling before being approved. During this process, a psychologist will explore the candidate’s motivations (“Why do you want to be a surrogate?”), her support system at home, and her ability to handle stress and emotional complexity. They will also discuss scenarios – how she would cope if, say, the baby is born with a health issue or if there’s a pregnancy loss – to ensure she has resilience and realistic expectations. Surrogates with a history of severe postpartum depression or recent trauma may be advised to wait or may be disqualified if the risks are too high. Ultimately, the goal is to confirm that the woman is emotionally stable, genuinely compassionate, and fully understands the surrogacy process. Her partner or family support may also be evaluated, since having a supportive home environment is crucial. As one expert notes, surrogate partners and spouses are the “unsung heroes” who provide essential support during the journey – most programs require the spouse’s consent to proceed. Only those women who clear both medical and psychological screening are invited to move forward.

Legal Agreements and Counseling: Before any medical procedures begin, surrogates must review and sign detailed legal contracts. These agreements outline the surrogate’s responsibilities, the intended parents’ obligations (including financial aspects like coverage of maternity care, life insurance, and the agreed compensation if applicable), and protocols for various situations. Each party typically has their own attorney to ensure their interests are protected. Surrogates are counseled on the legal process, including how parentage will be established after birth. In many places, a court order (often called a parentage order) is obtained to transfer legal parenthood to the intended parents. The timing of when the intended parents are recognized can depend on local law – for instance, in some U.S. states a pre-birth order allows the intended parents to be on the birth certificate from the start, whereas in countries like the UK, the surrogate is legally the mother at birth and the parents must obtain a court parental order some weeks later. Surrogates are made aware of these procedures so they know what to expect. The legal contract also covers sensitive decisions, such as what happens in case of an pregnancy complication, multifetal pregnancy (e.g. carrying twins), or other contingencies. Reviewing and agreeing on these terms in advance is an important part of ethical preparation, ensuring there are no misunderstandings once pregnant.

Medical Preparation and IVF Process: Once contracts are signed, the medical preparations begin. Almost all modern surrogacy arrangements are gestational surrogacy, meaning the surrogate will carry an embryo that is not biologically related to her (it comes from the intended mother’s egg or a donor egg, fertilized by the intended father’s or donor’s sperm). This has become the standard because it is considered safer emotionally and legally, as the surrogate has no genetic tie to the baby. To achieve a pregnancy, the surrogate undergoes an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. She will typically take hormonal medications (estrogen, progesterone, and others) to prepare her uterus, synchronizing her cycle with the egg provider’s cycle or a frozen embryo transfer schedule. Surrogates must attend frequent monitoring appointments for blood tests and ultrasounds during this time. The embryo transfer itself is a minor procedure, but it requires the surrogate to be diligent about medications and rest afterward. Once pregnant, she will receive the same prenatal care as any expectant mother, with some extra monitoring as determined by the fertility clinic. Surrogates often coordinate with the intended parents on things like prenatal screening tests or birth plans, according to what was agreed upon. Throughout the pregnancy, she remains in close contact with both the clinic and the intended parents, sharing updates and milestones.

Orientation and Support: Good agencies provide considerable orientation and support resources for surrogates. Before matching with intended parents, surrogates may attend informational sessions or have a coordinator assigned to guide them. Many agencies also connect new surrogates with experienced surrogate mentors or support groups, so they can ask questions and hear real-life experiences. Surrogate communities (even if just via social media groups) can be a source of strength and camaraderie – as one surrogate noted, “what an amazing group of women… they are probably surrogacy’s best ambassadors”, and new surrogates often can’t wait to join this circle of sisterhood. These networks allow surrogates to share their feelings throughout the process and celebrate each other’s milestones. Additionally, counseling is usually available at various stages: during the IVF process, mid-pregnancy, and post-partum check-ins, to help surrogates process any emotions. The preparation also involves practical planning, such as making arrangements with her employer if she works (surrogates may need to take time off for appointments or recovery after birth) and ensuring her children are cared for during the delivery. By the time a surrogate is matched with intended parents and ready for embryo transfer, she has been thoroughly educated, screened, and prepared for what lies ahead. This extensive preparation is one reason surrogacy programs have high success and satisfaction rates – both surrogates and intended parents go into the journey with clear expectations and robust support.

International Surrogacy Considerations

Surrogacy is practiced around the world, but the laws and cultural attitudes surrounding it vary greatly from one country to another. Anyone considering surrogacy, whether as a surrogate or as intended parents, must navigate these international differences carefully. For surrogates, understanding the legal and cultural context in which they operate is crucial, especially as surrogacy often involves intended parents from a different country. Here are key international considerations:

Legal Differences: The legal status of surrogacy ranges from fully legal and regulated in some places, to severely restricted or even criminalized in others. For instance, the United States (on a state-by-state basis), Ukraine, Georgia, Canada, and a few other countries allow gestational surrogacy (with varying rules on compensation), whereas countries like France, Germany, and many others ban all forms of surrogacy. Some nations permit only altruistic surrogacy (no payment beyond medical expenses), as is the case in the UK, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. In these regions, the surrogate cannot profit, which emphasizes purely altruistic motives. Other jurisdictions, like certain U.S. states (California, for example) and countries such as Ukraine pre-2022, permit compensated surrogacy with legal frameworks to enforce contracts. The differing laws mean that international surrogacy arrangements (intended parents from one country working with a surrogate from another) require careful legal coordination. Surrogates must abide by the laws of their own country (or the country where the birth will take place), and intended parents must ensure the child will be legally recognized as theirs in their home country. A surrogate should be aware of the parentage process in her jurisdiction – for example, a UK surrogate knows that at birth she will legally be the mother (regardless of genetics) and that a court process is needed to transfer parenthood. She might even temporarily appear on the baby’s birth certificate until the intended parents obtain a parental order weeks later. By contrast, a surrogate in many U.S. states can have a pre-birth order such that the intended parents’ names go directly on the birth certificate. Neither approach is “better” universally; they reflect different legal philosophies. Surrogates working through agencies will have legal counsel to explain these matters. It’s important to follow all legal requirements (such as not traveling to a country that bans surrogacy to give birth) to protect everyone involved.

Citizenship and Parental Rights: International surrogacy often involves issues of citizenship and travel documents for the newborn. Surrogates themselves usually won’t have to manage these details, but they should be aware of the timeline. For example, when intended parents come from overseas to a surrogate’s country for the birth, they may need to stay several weeks to secure the baby’s passport and exit visa. Surrogates may find themselves interacting with foreign consulates or social workers as part of the post-birth legal process. A surrogate should also be comfortable that the child will leave the country with the parents – this is typically addressed in legal agreements. In many well-regulated programs, the surrogate’s name is not on the baby’s travel or identity documents, avoiding confusion. Nonetheless, the international dimension adds complexity: differing laws on commercial surrogacy (paid surrogacy) mean that what is legal in the birth country might be viewed differently back home for the parents. A recent trend has been cross-border surrogacy arrangements such as parents from Western Europe or China working with surrogates in the U.S. due to more favorable conditions. Surrogates hosting international parents may sometimes encounter additional scrutiny or court evaluations, as seen in Kim’s UK case where a court officer interviewed her post-birth to confirm everything was consensual. These steps are in place to ensure the surrogate’s rights were respected and the transfer of parenthood is in the child’s best interest.

Cultural and Social Attitudes: Culture plays a big role in how surrogacy is perceived. In some countries and communities, surrogacy is openly praised as a noble act, and surrogates are seen as heroes helping to create families. In other places, surrogacy may carry stigma or be misunderstood due to traditional views on motherhood and childbirth. For example, a surrogate in a very conservative culture might not receive much community support and could choose to keep her surrogacy private to avoid negative judgment. On the other hand, surrogates in more surrogacy-friendly cultures (or within supportive sub-communities, such as progressive or infertility-aware groups) often find themselves celebrated. This variation means that the experience of being a surrogate internationally can differ. An international audience should note that some surrogates are motivated partly by a drive to advance social acceptance – e.g. helping an LGBTQ+ couple have a baby in a country where such family-building might not be possible without leaving the country. Conversely, some surrogates in countries where surrogacy is illegal travel abroad to do it, which carries its own risks. As a general guideline, a prospective surrogate should familiarize herself with how surrogacy is viewed and regulated in her region and ensure she works within a legal framework that protects her.

Support Networks and Agencies: Internationally, the availability of surrogacy support systems varies. In the U.S. and Canada, for instance, there are well-established agencies, professional counselors, and often other surrogates to talk to. In countries with altruistic surrogacy like the UK, non-profit organizations (like Surrogacy UK or COTS) facilitate matches and emphasize ethical, friendship-based journeys. They might have social events where surrogates and intended parents meet and build a bond before any agreement – this was the case for Kim in the UK, who joined an organization that fostered strong friendships in surrogacy “teams”. In contrast, in places where surrogacy is frowned upon, a surrogate might operate more independently or even anonymously. Regardless, it’s advisable for surrogates and intended parents engaging across borders to work with experienced agencies or legal professionals who specialize in international cases, as they can help bridge differences in law and culture.

Ensuring Ethical Practices: International surrogacy has at times raised ethical concerns, particularly when large economic disparities are involved (for example, couples from wealthier nations hiring surrogates in poorer ones). To ensure that surrogacy remains a positive, respectful arrangement, international best practices call for careful ethical oversight. This includes verifying that the surrogate is not being exploited or misled, that she has given informed consent in a language she understands, and that she has the right to medical care and support. Many countries now are working toward clearer regulations to protect surrogates – for instance, legal reforms have been proposed in the UK to better recognize surrogates’ role and the intended parents’ rights from birth. These changes aim to make surrogacy smoother and more secure for everyone. Intended parents, too, are encouraged to be mindful of the surrogate’s wellbeing, ensuring fair compensation if allowed and respecting her health and recovery after birth.

In conclusion, while the heart of surrogacy – a woman helping another family have a baby – transcends borders, the practicalities are very much shaped by where the journey takes place. Surrogates and intended parents embarking on international arrangements should educate themselves on the legal landscape and cultural expectations of each relevant country. With the right guidance, international surrogacy can be done safely and respectfully, resulting in beautiful stories of families brought together across continents.

Surrogate Voices: Real Experiences and Testimonials

Throughout this discussion, we’ve touched on stories and quotes from actual surrogates. These personal experiences bring to life the motivations and emotions behind surrogacy in a way that statistics or general statements cannot. Here, we highlight a few surrogate voices that encapsulate why they chose this path and what they gained from it:

• Julie’s Story (USA): Julie is a two-time surrogate who often felt empathy for women facing infertility after seeing her own best friend struggle. She recalls being pregnant with her son while her friend was experiencing pregnancy loss – “I was carrying a baby with no problem... I felt it was unfair when so many women I knew struggled to conceive”, Julie says. This sense of injustice fueled her resolve to help. After completing her family (having a son and daughter of her own), Julie was ready to be a surrogate. Her husband and family supported her wholeheartedly, knowing how much it meant to her. Julie describes her motivation as “an overwhelming emotional connection to women who struggle with infertility”. She also recognized that it wasn’t just infertile couples who might need help – “women who had a hysterectomy, single moms, single dads, gay or lesbian couples… it doesn’t matter. Everyone should be able to experience the joy of having a child of their own.” In her surrogacy journeys, Julie carried babies for two different families, and both experiences left her with lifelong friendships. She often states that seeing the happiness and relief on the parents’ faces was the ultimate payoff for her dedication.
  
   

• Christian’s Journey (USA): Christian never expected to become a surrogate until a family story inspired her. Her husband’s aunt had been a surrogate, and hearing about the “connection, purpose, and joy” it brought planted a seed in Christian’s mind. As a young mother of her own children, Christian was drawn to the idea that surrogacy would allow her to do something meaningful for another family while still being present for her kids. She explains that she felt a deep sense of responsibility to use [her] gift of easy pregnancies to help someone else: “If I could help someone else experience the joy of parenthood, why wouldn’t I?”. Christian carried twins for an out-of-state couple. The pregnancy had its tough moments (carrying twins is harder than a singleton), but whenever it was challenging, she says she kept reminding herself of why she was doing this – “every kick, every heartbeat... it was all leading to something beautiful.” The birth, with two healthy babies, was a high point of her life. “Watching the parents meet their babies for the first time was one of the most emotional and joyful experiences of my life,” Christian shares, “I had carried their miracle – and now their arms were full. That moment made every challenge worth it.” After the journey, Christian reflected that being a surrogate gave her more than she ever expected: not only did she help create a family, but she also gained confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and the ability to contribute financially to her own family in the process. “Even through the hard days, I never once doubted the purpose behind it all,” she says, encouraging anyone interested to explore surrogacy because “it will fill your heart in ways you never imagined.”.
  
   

• Kim’s Perspective (UK): Kim is a surrogate from the United Kingdom who wrote about her journey to shed light on surrogacy in a country where only altruistic surrogacy is legal. Interestingly, Kim did not have children of her own and did not intend to – her motivation was purely the experience of pregnancy and helping others. “I didn’t want to have children but I had a strong desire to experience pregnancy. Surrogacy seemed like the perfect way to fulfill my dream while also helping someone become a parent,” Kim explains of her decision. She and her partner joined a surrogacy organization that emphasizes friendship; they bonded closely with the intended parents throughout the process. Kim loved the physical experience of pregnancy and involved the intended mother in moments like feeling the baby’s kicks. When the baby girl was born, Kim describes the scene: the baby was immediately placed into her mother’s arms for skin-to-skin contact while Kim and her own partner hugged, “feeling grateful that my part was done”. Kim’s story also highlights the post-birth legal process in the UK – she had to be listed (temporarily) as the baby’s legal mother and then go through court procedures to transfer parenthood. Although this was bureaucratically stressful, Kim never wavered in her conviction. Signing the consent to hand over parental rights “was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made,” she writes, because she firmly believed she should not be considered the mother and was happy to formalize the baby’s true parentage. Her advocacy for law reform in the UK stems from wanting future surrogates and parents to have a smoother journey. Kim remains close friends with the family she helped – she regularly visits the little girl she carried, and they all look forward to celebrating when the court paperwork is finalized. Her story exemplifies how surrogacy can create not just a baby, but lasting friendships across families.
  
   

These testimonials (and many more like them) paint a consistent picture: surrogates are kind, strong, and self-aware women who undertake this journey for profoundly human reasons. They emphasize the joy of helping others, the wonder of pregnancy, and the deep personal satisfaction they gain. Each surrogate’s path is unique, yet they all speak of surrogacy as “a beautiful journey” that changed their lives for the better. Hearing directly from surrogates helps intended parents appreciate the genuine care and dedication surrogates bring, and it may inspire others who are considering becoming a surrogate themselves.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Surrogacy is a remarkable collaboration of hearts and science – and at its center are the surrogate mothers who make it possible. This surrogate spotlight on “why I became a surrogate” reveals that the choice comes from a place of empathy, love of pregnancy, and a commitment to helping others realize their dream of parenthood. For intended parents reading this, understanding a surrogate’s motivations can provide great comfort: these women truly want to do this and take immense pride in the role they play. For prospective surrogates, the stories and information here highlight the values of compassion, preparation, and support that define a successful surrogacy journey.

In a world where infertility and medical challenges prevent many from having children, surrogates step up to carry hope in the form of a child. They do so with careful consideration, support from professionals and family, and a heartfelt desire to make a positive difference. As one expert noted, surrogates see it as “an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of another family” – an act that creates ripples of joy for generations. The realities of screening, legal processes, and emotional ups and downs show that surrogacy is not entered into lightly, but when done ethically, it can be a profoundly enriching experience for everyone involved.

If you have been inspired or are curious about pursuing surrogacy, whether as an intended parent or as a potential surrogate, we encourage you to take the next step. Knowledge is empowering – reach out to our clinic’s surrogacy program to learn more about how the process works and what support we provide. We welcome questions and offer personalized guidance to help you explore this path. Every surrogacy journey begins with a conversation, and our experienced team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and walk with you through each stage of the process.

Contact our surrogacy program today to discover how you can be part of this life-changing journey. Whether you dream of building your family through surrogacy or you feel called to carry a child for someone who can’t, our doors are open. Together, we can turn hopes into reality – one beautiful surrogacy story at a time.