Reimbursements for Surrogate Mother Angels

July 31, 2019

This post is presented by Proud Fertility

One of the top questions that comes up in surrogacy is the topic of money. We get this quite a bit, especially from those who have no previous knowledge about how Canadian surrogacy works.

“How much do you get paid?”

As a Proud Intended Parent, there isn’t anything more infuriating than hearing the question, “How much did you pay your surrogate?”

The other day, one of our surrogates posted on her Facebook wall of the beautiful little girl she just delivered, and one of her friends wrote on a comment, “How much did they pay you?”

Altruistic surrogacy in Canada

What makes our country unique is that women are not paid to carry a baby for someone who otherwise wouldn’t be able to grow a family. There are some countries like USA and Ukraine, where it’s commercialized and women are monetarily compensated. In Canada, while surrogates do not receive a paycheque, they are eligible for reasonable surrogacy journey-related expenses.

“I’m only a small town girl. I don’t have a lot of money. I can’t change the world with my wallet, so this is my way of giving absolutely priceless and will change everyone’s life”

Criminal Offence

In Canada, it is illegal to pay a woman to carry a baby. It is considered punishable by law. Canada is so serious about surrogacy being altruistic that any guilty parties involved in this illegal activity is subject to hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and/or up to 10 years of imprisonment.

Controversy

We recognize this topic of commercializing surrogacy can divide people. Different governing bodies have made their opinions known. There will be quite some time for Canada to move towards a commercial model (if ever), and since this will be case, we do want to note that Proud Fertility believes that a total compensation-model of surrogacy may attract vulnerable women who otherwise may not considered become a surrogate prior .

So what’s up with reimbursements?

While surrogates in Canada are not handed a paycheque, reimbursements for surrogacy-journey related expenses are allowed. The reimbursements must be compliant with Canadian law.

All travel expenses to the fertility clinic, and medical appointments are covered. All medical and legal costs (ie. medical procedures, ultrasounds, medications, Independent Legal Advice, having a will) are the financial responsibility of the Intended Parents.

Every surrogate’s needs are different

There is no ‘one size fits all’ model for what a surrogate needs in her journey. For example, a surrogate with several young children versus a surrogate with grown children would have dramatically different childcare needs.

In a legal agreement between the Intended Parents and the gestational surrogate, conditions are agreed upon between the parties.

To name a few, these are some items that surrogates may be eligible for reimbursements:

Housekeeping
Portion of your groceries
Prenatal Vitamins
Snow removal and lawn care
Childcare
Maternity clothing
Transportation, Mileage and reasonable vehicle related expenses
Health and Pain Management (ie. prenatal massages, foot care, acupuncture, chiropractic care, dietician, etc)
Pet care
Psychological support
Birth doula, postpartum care
Other reasonable expenses

When needed, surrogates are also eligible for bed-rest expenses, lost wages, or additional expenses for recovery due to caesarean section. Some expenses may require a note from your doctor or midwife.

Giving the gift of family

If you have the calling to help someone who can’t achieve on their family own, and have wondered about whether you are qualified to be a surrogate, you can read about the requirements to become a surrogate here. Proud Fertility is committed to supporting women who wish to join our growing community of extraordinary women.

Learn more about becoming a Surrogate by visiting “Begin Surrogacy” and submit a Surrogate Interest Form today!

Until next month,

Nathan Chan