What is a Surrogate Mother?
Surrogacy is a special service a woman can choose to provide for couples, or individuals, wanting to have children, who for some reason, are unable.
There are two kinds of surrogacy: “Traditional Surrogacy,” which is when a woman is artificially inseminated and receives sperm from a contracting couple or individual; and “Gestational Surrogacy,” which is when an already fertilized egg, or embryo, from the contracting couple or individual is implanted through in vitro fertilization.
Who Can Be a Surrogate Mother?
A woman considering becoming a surrogate should undergo a comprehensive medical exam, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), including provision of a pregnancy history and a screening for sexually transmitted diseases, which can be passed on to infants in utero or in the birthing process.
Any woman considering becoming a surrogate mother needs to seriously consider three very important factors:
-Am I physically well?
-Am I mentally well?
-Am I emotionally well?
Physical wellness is the easiest to determine. A medical exam and a series of simple tests can determine if a woman is ready and able to handle a pregnancy. Mental and emotional wellness are more difficult.
Some mental issues that might cause a woman to be unfit as a surrogate are disabilities and disorders.
Mental Disabilities
Mental disabilities, such as low functioning or some forms of autism, could create a situation in which the mother is not fully understanding of all that is involved. This could be disastrous for all involved.
Mental Disorders
Mental disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, can become intensified during pregnancy and cause both a woman and an unborn child to be in danger during a mental breakdown.
How Many People are Looking for Surrogate Mothers in California?
Literally hundreds of thousands of couples and individuals are seeking surrogate mothers in California at the present time. It is estimated that there are approximately 40,000 surrogate pregnancies attempted in California every year. According to Council for Responsible Genetics (ACRG), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that close to 20,000 in vitro fertilizations were attempted in California in 2006. It is estimated that at least that many, and likely more than that, would have been made to impregnate via artificial insemination. These are the most recent statistics on surrogacy in California available.
Do Surrogate Mothers In California get Paid?
Yes. Presently there is no centralized source that publishes compensation amounts for surrogate mothers, however, there are numerous agencies and organizations that provide information on their compensation amounts for surrogate mothers in California. Some sources quote as low as $5,000 for first time surrogate mothers; others quote amounts as high as $50,000.