Testimonials

Pathways to Parenthood Surrogate Feature: Veronica

You can read all about what it’s like to be a surrogate. Online you can find what one might be able to expect and what the process is like but the best way to learn about a journey as a surrogate mother is through firsthand experience from someone who knows.

For our first Surrogate feature of 2021, we sat down (virtually) with Surrogate Veronica. Veronica is in her second trimester of her first surrogacy journey.

1) What first brought you to surrogacy? What made you interested in becoming a surrogate?

It’s something I always thought about doing after my first pregnancy. All of my pregnancies have been super easy and I love being pregnant but we don’t want any more kids for ourselves. I figure this way I can do something I love for someone else. I know not everyone has as easy a time getting and being pregnant as I did so it’s nice to help someone else when you are able.

2) During the matching process, were you interested in helping a specific type of family or were you open to any match?

I was open to any match. I originally thought I would match with a gay couple but then that’s not how it worked out. Regardless, I absolutely adore my IPs and I’m so glad to be working with them.

3) How did you build the relationship with your IPs during your first journey? 

We text every now and then. If I have important questions or information then we will set up a time for a call or FaceTime— we both have young kids so usually after the bed time circus is a good time to chat. My IPs are semi local to me so they are able to come to some appointments and that has been really nice!

4) Do you have any advice to share with prospective surrogates?

It took me a long time from thinking about being a surrogate to being pregnant so plan for a lot of twists and turns. It has all definitely been worth it in the end.

If you are inspired by Veronica’s surrogate mother story, apply now to see if you qualify to be a surrogate. We have intended families waiting to be matched with a surrogate to grow their families. Pathways to Parenthood is offering a $500 bonus payment to anyone that completes the screening process and joins our program.

Surrogate or Gestational Carrier? Understand the Difference

The terms surrogate mother, gestational surrogate, and gestational carrier are often intermixed, and sometimes confused.  It is important to understand the differences so that you can make the best decisions about your family building options.

The term gestational carrier is most often used by medical professionals and attorneys, to describe a woman who carries a baby that she is NOT genetically connected to.  When a gestational carrier conceives, it is via in vitro fertilization by using either the intended mother’s eggs, or an egg donor’s eggs, the intended father’s sperm or a sperm donor’s sperm.  Embryos created are then transferred to the gestational carrier’s uterus with the hope that a pregnancy ensues. The term gestational surrogate is used interchangeably, and is the same as a gestational carrier.

A traditional surrogate is a woman who is inseminated by the intended father’s sperm, or donor sperm.  If she conceives and gives birth, the baby, or babies are then given to the intended parents to raise as their child.  In traditional surrogacy, the carrier is also the genetic mother of any children conceived.

In either scenario, the intent is for the carrier to give any children to intended parents to raise and care for as their own. There are different legal, social and ethical considerations for each of the options, so talking with professionals who are knowledgeable about all options is essential to making the best family-building decisions.  Pathways To Parenthood:

An Egg Donor and Surrogacy Agency can help you with clarifying and understanding your options.  Contact us today!

How Much Money Can You Earn Being a Gestational Surrogate in Kansas City?

For women that are considering the generous gift of being a gestational surrogate to help others build and grow their family, being informed about potential earnings is an important factor.  The total amount you can earn being a gestational surrogate depends on several factors.

There is typically a base fee of $54,000-$70,000+ for first time gestational surrogates.  If a candidate has health insurance that covers surrogacy pregnancies she will typically be compensated at a higher fee.  The base fee is typically paid out over the course of the pregnancy, with partial payment for the treatment process.  There are also payments for expenses such as travel, maternity clothes, lost wages, and bed rest.  The final fees are determined under a contract with the intended parents. 

If you are considering being a gestational surrogate, know that the real reward is not financial.  It is the opportunity to help a couple or individual build and grow their family.  To learn if you qualify to become a gestational surrogate, read about the requirements here.

How Much Money Can You Earn Being a Gestational Surrogate in Kansas City?

For women that are considering the generous gift of being a gestational surrogate to help others build and grow their family, being informed about potential earnings is essential. The total amount you can earn being a gestational surrogate depends on several factors:

A Pathways To Parenthood surrogate in Kansas will earn between $54,000-$70,000+. Surrogate pay in Missouri and other Midwest states will be in that range as well.

For immediate receipt of our surrogate pay schedule, please complete the following:

There is typically a base fee for first time gestational surrogates. If a candidate has health insurance that covers surrogacy pregnancies she will typically be compensated at a higher fee. The base fee is typically paid out over the course of the pregnancy, with partial payment for the treatment process.  There is also additional compensation for travel, maternity clothes, lost wages, and bed rest.  The final fees are determined under a contract with the intended parents.

If you are considering being a gestational surrogate, know that the real reward is not financial.  It is the opportunity to help a couple or individual build and grow their family. Learn more about how to qualify to become a Pathways to Parenthood gestational surrogate.