We know that surrogates make dreams come true

As International Women’s Day approaches, we want to honor surrogate mothers. After all, surrogates make dreams come true. Thanks to these incredible women, couples who struggled to conceive, same-sex couples and single parents all over the world can enjoy the families they thought they’d never have. What drives these extraordinary women to offer this most precious gift to someone they don’t yet know?

About CSP and our surrogates

The Center for Surrogate Parenting (CSP) is the oldest surrogacy agency in the world, creating families for almost 40 years. In that time, we have welcomed more than 2,500 babies to the ever-expanding CSP family. We are proud to say that we have never once had a surrogate mother change her mind about returning the baby to the parents. In any given year, CSP screens hundreds of potential surrogate mothers. Of those applicants, approximately 1/8 of them will complete the screening process and go on to be a surrogate.

Almost all surrogacy pregnancies these days are gestational surrogacy. This is when the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby. This involves transferring an embryo from the intended parent’s sperm and eggs, or donor eggs and/or sperm to the surrogate.

Surrogacy seems to be in the blood for some people. CSP currently has several surrogates in their program whose own mothers were surrogates for CSP. There are also two women that were brought into the world via a CSP surrogate who now are surrogates themselves!

Surrogates make dreams come true – Who are they?

So, who are these honorable women offering the gift of life to people they have yet to meet? One thing they all have in common is that they are mothers. Many have been touched by infertility themselves having had family or friends who have struggled to conceive.

There are certain minimum requirements for anyone thinking of becoming a surrogate. Aside from being a mother, they need to have had no serious complications during previous pregnancies and deliveries. They have to have a healthy BMI, be between 21 to 42 years old and must be non-smokers. They should be able to drive and have their own car. Potential surrogates must also be financially stable. In our experience, the relationship between a surrogate and intended parents is more positive when money isn’t the sole motivation.

Reasons for becoming a surrogate

Many surrogates start looking into surrogacy because they have same-sex family members, friends or colleagues who have struggled with infertility. Alison chose to work with a same-sex couple after seeing close friends struggle to find someone to help them create a family. She said, “Seeing how rough it was for them dealing with the bigotry and biases that still exist today made me determined to help someone in that same position.”

One surrogate mother already considering surrogacy chose to help a same-sex couple after hearing a gay friend say they might marry a woman someday because he really wanted a family. “No-one should have to hide who they are in order to be a parent. I wanted to show them there is always a way to have a family. The important thing is to be true to yourself and who you love.”

The ultimate goal for surrogates is that moment when their intended parents are handed their baby. “The look of pure joy on their faces makes morning sickness and shots so completely worth it,” says Sarah.

Surrogates make dreams come true – Celebrating our surrogates on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the achievements of women from all walks of life. Creating a family via surrogacy is an incredible achievement. In fact, any women who even considers surrogacy is a very special person and deserves to be celebrated.

Those lucky enough to be part of the process are angels to intended parents, medical specialists and agency staff. As surrogacy becomes an increasingly common choice, it is truly heart-warming to know there are such inspirational women in the world capable of making a family’s dream come true.

Contact us to learn more about surrogacy.