“Womb for Rent” So read the cover story in the April 7 issue of Newsweek Magazine . As advances in science have brought greater acceptance, surrogacy has become big news. There’s even a movie about surrogacy coming out in the spring called, “Baby Mama.” But unfortunately, the movie reinforces a stereotype (rich, successful, infertile woman contracts an unemployed, deceptive surrogate in search of easy money), which, as it turns out, is largely untrue.

Surprisingly, the Newsweek article relates that the reason women choose to be a surrogate are as varied as the women themselves. Some make this choice to gain empowerment and self-worth. Others, who are full-time moms and strapped for money, see the average payment of $20,000 or $25,000 as a way to help their family financially. Still others see this as a way to bring joy to others and make a difference in the world. “Being a surrogate is like giving an organ transplant to someone,” says Jennifer Cantor, “only before you die, you actually get to see their joy.”

In states like Texas and California, military spouses make up about 50 percent of their carriers. For many of these women, their choice is a combination of altruism and finances. One wife parallels her choice to that of her husband overseas, “…a risk with my life and body to help someone.” And again, the payment from one pregnancy is often more than their husbands’ annual base pay.

For many of these women and the couples for whom they carry, this choice is truly a win win.

Marina

Photo credit:Jenny Rollo(C)