Skip to main content

Misconception: Surrogates are primarily motivated by financial gain.



Ruth Miller, a 32-year-old from a small town in Ohio, often found herself captivated by the animated chatter of children playing in the park. Yet, despite a doting husband and a cozy home, the sound of cheerful laughter within her own four walls was an elusive dream. Her struggle with infertility was real and disheartening, and all she yearned for was the joy of cradling her own child. The solution materialized in the form of Sarah, a wonderfully compassionate woman from Chicago, who was willing to become Ruth’s surrogate. And it wasn’t the allure of financial gain, but a profound urge to help struggling couples realize their dreams of parenthood that drove her decision.


Sarah’s account counters the persisting notion that surrogacy is primarily a profit-driven choice, a misconception that discredits the surrogate’s engagement with the journey. Many are quick to conclude that the motivation for these women is tied to monetary incentives, thereby eclipsing the real, underlying reasons. However, digging deeper reveals a mosaic of motivations, painting a far different and compelling picture. 


Census data estimates that approximately 10 percent of women aged 15–44 years have difficulty conceiving, making surrogacy an essential part of the fertility landscape. Yet, understanding the motives behind those who fulfil the role needs an empathetic understanding rather than a cynical presumption. 





A well-lauded University of Cambridge study on the motivation behind surrogacy underlines the significance of altruism in this context. The research finds that the primary motivating factors for surrogates are the desire to help others, the joy of pregnancy, and the honor attached to the role, not the often mentioned financial rewards. Instead of simply being driven by financial gain, surrogates like Sarah are primarily propelled by an inherent instinct to give.


This isn't to imply that financial rewards have no role; compensation is a crucial element of the surrogacy process. Respectable surrogacy agencies ensure surrogates are fairly compensated for their time, risks, and disruption to their everyday lives. However, it's essential to realize that compensation doesn't automatically equate to profiteering. 


Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data reveals that about 18,500 assisted reproductive technology cycles utilized gestational carriers in 2018, increasing from almost 10,000 in 2007. This represents a growth of 85 percent, a figure that is undoubtedly based on more than financial incentives.  To reduce surrogacy solely to an opportunity for financial gain is to overlook the complexities, the sacrifice, and the deep-seated motivations of these women.


What draws these brave women towards surrogacy? For some, it's the personal satisfaction derived from helping another family experience the wonders of parenthood, while others embrace the opportunity to provide their children with a broader perspective on compassion and giving. For many, the decision to become a surrogate is a result of their love of pregnancy or a personal response to a relative or close friend's infertility struggles.


Furthermore, successful surrogacy journeys necessitate the presence of solid support systems, indicating that it isn’t a solitary pursuit. Surrogacy agencies facilitate this through thorough screening processes, emotional and psychological support resources, coordination services, following up on legal procedures, and ensuring fair compensation.


The narrative of surrogacy is far richer and more nuanced than the blanket assumption of monetary gain. As complex creatures, humans are shaped by a variety of experiences and motivations. As we celebrate the heroes in daily life who extend selfless acts of kindness to strangers, so too should we acknowledge the nobility of women like Sarah. They choose to embark on a journey fraught with challenges, propelled by a genuine desire to help others fulfill their dreams. 


It's time we put misconceptions to rest and recognize the multifaceted reasons that lead women to become surrogates. The interlacing threads of compassion, empathy, resilience, and altruism create a story that is as profound as life itself, inviting us to celebrate surrogacy for the miraculous pathway to parenthood it provides. 


Like any puzzle, the picture only becomes clear once we recognize and appreciate each piece's unique role. In the context of surrogacy, it is essential to acknowledge the full spectrum of emotions, motivations, benefits, and challenges that women face throughout this unique journey. Let's breach the circumference of cynicism, embrace empathy, and illuminate our understanding with the diverse stories of surrogates worldwide. Because it is only through understanding their true motivations, we can appreciate their invaluable contribution, give them the respect they deserve and debunk misconceptions. It isn't just about bringing a new life, but also about enriching and transforming theirs in the process.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Misconception: Intended parents have no say in the prenatal care of the surrogate.

Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of New York City, a young couple sat anxiously in a plush, carpeted waiting room. Samantha gripped her husband Jake’s hand, her eyes oscillating between the ticking clock and the closed office door. They were about to step into an uncharted territory – surrogacy. But a thought bubble above their heads carried the same unnerving question - Do intended parents have any say in the prenatal care of the surrogate? This overarching question has been a source of worry for many prospective intended parents. Conventional wisdom has fostered an erroneous belief that intended parents find themselves on the sidelines, watching passively without having any say in prenatal care once they choose to walk the path of surrogacy. However, the reality is far more nuanced, and the narrative much more empowering. Digging deeper into this myth, we discovered an intriguing plethora of data from a slew of studies and legal documents across many countries. One particular s...
Post a Comment
Read more

Misconception: Surrogacy agreements often result in legal battles over custody.

In 2006, a child was born in Modesto, California. A seemingly ordinary occurrence, regularly repeated thousands of times every day across the globe, but there was something peculiar about this particular birth. You see, the woman who had given birth was not the child's biological mother.  This woman was a surrogate, her womb rented by a couple unable to conceive, desperate for a child of their own. By way of good intentions, an embryo, the genetic product of this hopeful couple, was implanted inside the surrogate, and a few months later, a baby boy was born. But instead of passing the newborn into the waiting arms of the expectant parents, a dramatic legal tug-of-war ensued over who the baby rightfully belonged to. This tale of embattled surrogacy caught the media's attention and soon echoed across the entire country, sparking unease and caution around surrogacy agreements. Yet, in the shuffle of high-pitched media and conjured fears, a crucial detail was lost - this incident w...
Post a Comment
Read more

Misconception: Surrogacy is frowned upon by the majority of the public.

In the crisp predawn light, Chicago native Sarah Patterson kicked a tiled stone underfoot as she strolled along the crowded street. Its soft clatter bounced off the crumbled brickwork, dissipating into the morning fog. She wasn't thinking about the stone, nor indeed the precarious architecture around her. As she treaded her path alongside passersby rushing about their individual worlds, her thoughts were connected to an audacious concept— a concept of offering her body, her time and her life to fulfill the dreams of a couple unknown to her. In essence, she had made the life-altering decision to become a surrogate mother. The decision, however, was met with a parade of raised eyebrows and tsk-ing amongst her acquaintances—even some close friends. The thought echoed in the corners of her mind: "Isn't surrogacy frowned upon by a large majority of society?" This widespread belief, while seemingly grounded in the societal zeitgeist, warrants examination on account of its d...
Post a Comment
Read more