Surrogate FAQs
What are the requirements to be a surrogate mother?
All our gestational carriers must meet the following criteria:
Be between the ages of 21-49
Have delivered one or more child(ren) of your own
Have experienced healthy pregnancies and births
Have had 6 or less vaginal births or 3 or less caesarean births
Be a non-smoker, and have limited exposure to second hand smoke
Be a non-drug user (this includes the use of medical cannabis)
Be willing to undergo a medical and psychological assessment for both yourself and your partner
BMI 45 and under
Can you be paid to be a surrogate?
It is illegal to pay a surrogate in Canada. Surrogates are however entitled to receive reimbursements surrounding the costs of pregnancy and surrogacy. Expenses are outlined in your contract and the Health Canada Guidelines. You will begin to receive your monthly reimbursement following the second blood draw after transfer which confirms you are pregnant. Expenses reimbursed throughout the surrogacy/pregnancy are typically between $25,000 - $30,000.
Can I be a surrogate if I’ve never had a child?
Unfortunately, no. It is a requirement that surrogates have had at least one natural born child of their own. It is important that you have first-hand knowledge of the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy prior to committing, and also to allow medical professionals to review your pregnancy history.
Do I have to use my own eggs?
No. There are two types of surrogacy, gestational and traditional. A traditional surrogacy is when you use your own eggs. Gestational is when you have no genetic link to the child you are carrying. We typically deal in gestational surrogacy, but we are also open to supporting traditional surrogacy journeys as well.
Who are the intended parents and do I have a say in who I match with?
It is important that you stay true to who you are and your values. When looking to match intended parents and surrogates we look first to see that ideals and values are aligned. There are many intended parents looking for a surrogate, so the chances of finding someone who has the same preferences as you is quite high.
How much contact will I have with the intended parent(s)?
How much contact and communication between a surrogate and their intended parents is decided between both parties mutually during the surrogacy planning and match process. You may have as much or as little contact as you wish. Most of our surrogate mothers stay in regular contact with their intended parents several times per week, provide regular updates throughout the pregnancy and in some cases are able to spend time together in person over the course of the surrogacy. We encourage the relationship between surrogate mother and intended parents to continue beyond the birth of the child.
What if a surrogate mother gets ‘attached’ to the baby?
The most common concern that a new surrogate mother has before entering surrogacy is the fear of becoming attached to the baby. With surrogacy, the process is very different from having a child of your own. Women entering surrogacy are typically finished having children of their own and are not looking to complete their own family.
The surrogacy process is quite different from a personal family building experience. From day one, the surrogate mother is aware that there is another couple whose hopes and dreams are on the line. As most surrogacies are gestational (the surrogate does not use her own egg) there is no genetic link between them and the baby. Being witness to the intended parents anxiously awaiting updates throughout the surrogacy and preparing for the arrival of their child allows the surrogate mother to differentiate from her ‘own’ pregnancies. While many surrogates report that they care for the child they are carrying, the attachment is quite different from their own children. Surrogate moms are most excited to witness their intended parents holding their child for the first time.
At the time of birth, the intended parents are present and ready to take over parenting responsibilities immediately. The surrogate is not left to care for the child as their own.
For a surrogates that struggle with attachment following the pregnancy, JA Surrogacy Canada covers counselling costs to ensure the emotional health and safety of the surrogate mother remains a priority.
Post birth, the relationship between many surrogate mothers and the families they carried for develops into an even deeper bond, and they become like an extension of your own family.
Many surrogates have described the love that they have for their surrogate babies as that of an aunt for their niece or nephew. They are happy to see updates of the child as they grow and celebrate milestones and birthdays as they happen.
I’ve had caesarean sections, does this affect my ability to be a surrogate mother?
Many of our surrogates have had previous c-section births and have gone on to deliver healthy surrogate babies. As part of a surrogate mother’s health screening, ultrasounds are used to check for any scarring from the incision and to check the uterus for any abnormalities. As long as all tests show that there is no cause for concern, they can go on to carry as a surrogate mother.
Will I have my own legal counsel?
Yes, legal counsel is arranged for surrogate mothers by JA Surrogacy Canada and covered by the intended parents. Navigating through the legalities of surrogacy on your own can be complex and overwhelming. Your legal counsel will assist you in understanding the laws surrounding surrogacy, providing you with guidance and understanding of your legal entitlements and obligations, while protecting your rights.
What are the benefits of becoming a surrogate mother?
Many are drawn to surrogacy for a variety of reasons. More often than not it is the desire to live a greater purpose in life and to give back in the most beautiful way that they can. Those who become surrogates generally enjoy pregnancy as a whole and know how wonderful it is to have children in life. Surrogate mothers are motivated to become a part of creating a family that brings joy to others. Their lives are deeply enriched as a result of their generosity. The majority of surrogate mothers go on to enjoy lifelong bonds of friendship with the families that they carry for.
