Barbie Dangond, a professional gestational surrogate, discusses surrogacy and bioethics, her company Lift Life Travel, and expanding trips. They explore the preferences of surrogates and the importance of making surrogacy more accessible. They also delve into a philosophical conversation about the nature of reality. Barbie shares her personal surrogacy journey and offers support and advice for anyone interested.
Surrogacy is a fulfilling experience that involves rigorous medical and psychological clearance.
Surrogacy raises ethical questions and challenges around compensation and access.
The surrogacy process is highly regulated in the United States with guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Deep dives
The Experience of Being a Surrogate and the Compensatory Nature of the Process
Being a surrogate is a fulfilling and meaningful experience that allows individuals to help intended parents fulfill their dreams of having children. Surrogacy in the United States is a highly regulated process that involves rigorous medical and psychological clearance. Experienced surrogates are often compensated more than first-time surrogates. The compensation is typically a base amount that starts in the second trimester of pregnancy. Surrogates have negotiating power and can determine their compensation based on their own preferences and market demand. It is important to note that surrogacy is only legal and accessible for people of privilege due to the high cost and the exclusion of those on government aid. While financial compensation is appreciated, surrogates do not feel the same level of attachment to the baby as they do to their own children, emphasizing the importance of returning the baby to the intended parents.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Surrogacy
Surrogacy raises various ethical questions and challenges around financial compensation and access to the process. Some argue that compensating surrogates is coercive, while others believe it is a fair exchange for the significant physical and emotional commitment involved. The system is also affected by inequality, as surrogacy is predominantly available to people of privilege. There are disparities in access to surrogacy based on state regulations, with some states making it difficult for intended parents to establish legal parentage. Despite these challenges, many surrogates find the experience emotionally satisfying and feel a strong connection to the intended parents and their desire to have a child.
Regulations and Protecting the Interests of Surrogates and Intended Parents
Surrogacy is highly regulated in the United States, with guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Surrogates go through extensive medical, psychological, and legal clearances to ensure their suitability for the process. Surrogates are not listed as parents on the birth certificate, and the legal process varies across states. While some states allow for pre-birth orders, which establish intended parents' legal rights before the birth, others require additional legal steps, resembling adoption. The current system prioritizes the interests of both surrogates and intended parents, aiming to protect their rights and ensure a smooth process.
Financial Considerations and Accessibility of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is an expensive process, making it accessible mainly to individuals of privilege. The costs involve medical procedures, legal contracts, and compensation for the surrogate's time and effort. Surrogates often negotiate their compensation based on their own preferences and the demand for their services. As technology improves and the success rates of IVF increase, there is the possibility of reducing costs and potentially expanding insurance coverage for these procedures, making surrogacy more accessible and affordable for a broader range of individuals. Efforts should be made to address the equity and access issues surrounding surrogacy.
The Emotional Journey of Being a Surrogate
Being a surrogate is an emotionally fulfilling experience for many individuals who choose this path. Surrogates often feel a deep connection and empathy towards the intended parents, understanding the challenges they've faced in their desire to build a family. The surrogacy journey involves extensive medical and psychological evaluations and requires a stable and supportive environment for both the surrogate and the intended parents. While the emotional bond with the baby may not be the same as the bond with one's own children, the surrogacy process offers a unique opportunity to provide care and support, ultimately bringing joy to the intended parents.
My guest this week is Barbie , co-founder of Lift Life Travel and a professional gestational surrogate. We discuss her motivation for helping women experience travel and many parts of the ethics surrounding surrogacy.
