I haven’t had my own family yet or don’t want a family, can I be a Surrogate?

​This is possible, however, Platinum Surrogacy recommends that you finish completing your own family first before helping make another family. While it is a beautiful thought to help someone else before finishing your own family, there are many risk factors that can come into play and we would be devastated if it affected your ability to grow a family of your own if you choose down the road. That said, there have been women to carry as Surrogates that have not had children, those women just require extra screening.

Do I use my own eggs?

No. It is possible to carry a Surrogacy with your own eggs. That process is called ‘Traditional Surrogacy’ and it is legal in Canada, but has more complications. Platinum Surrogacy only works with ‘Gestational Surrogacy’, which is the process of carrying an embryo created from either the Intended Parent (s) or with the aid of an egg donor.

Platinum Surrogacy does not allow a Surrogate to use your own eggs. The eggs you would be using are either your IPs or whoever your IPs chose to use. By not allowing our Surrogates to use their own eggs it makes it a lot easier not only for our girls to emotionally “hand you over your baby” but makes the legal process much easier.

My tubes are tied, can I still be a Surrogate?

Absolutely! Even if your tubes are removed, you can still be a Surrogate! 

How much do I get paid to become a Surrogate?

​In Canada it is illegal to be paid to act as a Surrogate. You are legally able to be reimbursed for all pregnancy related expenses. You will have your own lawyer that will help explain what can be reimbursed and we will aid in assuring you are fully reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses. However, with the help of lawyers it is completely reimbursable so it will not cost you anything.

​Will I be able to have intercourse with my husband throughout the journey?

Yes, absolutely! However, there is approximately a 2 week waiting period that you can not sleep with your partner to ensure that you do not become pregnant yourself with your own baby.

Am I able to choose the couple that I will carry a baby for?

​Yes! It is always your choice who you carry for. We know that having a great connection with your chosen Intended Parent(s) is very important. We want to assure both sides feel connected and invested in working together as a team. You chose absolutely everything and we make sure both sides feel 100 percent confident and comfortable before moving forward in your journey.

One or more of my children were born by C section. Can I still be a Surrogate?

​Absolutely! The number of previous C-Sections each clinic allows will vary, but you can absolutely still become a Surrogate after a Cesarean birth. You will also be medically cleared by a doctor before starting the process and before meeting IPs to ensure you can carry another pregnancy. By doing this less hearts get broke, we would hate to have you fall in love with an IP and then find out you will not be able to carry.

​What kind of relationship can I have with my Intended Parents or the Surrogate baby after I deliver? Can I see the baby afterwards or do I never see the baby again?

​The kind of relationship you have with the IPs and Surro Bub is something that you will agree to long before choosing your Intended Parent (s). We make sure that everyone is on the same page for what that relationship looks like, before, during and after the baby is born. This depends on what your contract says that you make with your lawyer. We have some Surrogates that love pictures, and get togethers and we also have some Surrogates that do not wish or want this. This is all decided and agreed upon when you meet before you go for transfer.

My family doesn’t support the idea of me carrying a baby for someone else. Should I still be a Surrogate?

You could still carry a Surrogacy pregnancy if your family doesn’t support the idea, but many factors will come into play for each individual situation. As an example, we wouldn’t recommend pursuing Surrogacy if your partner or children do not support the idea. We are able to connect to them and give them all the information about the process to help them feel at ease, but if they are still against it, it would be incredibly difficult to go through this journey. We always recommend having a strong support system in place. If it is your extended family that does not support the situation, it would be a personal decision for each woman on whether or not they feel comfortable pursuing the journey. We do have our Mentoring Program and amazing ‘one on one’ support available, but no one is able to take the place of your own family members. Being a Surrogate is an amazing thing, and it gives the most incredible gift you could ever possibly give, however, it’s a very emotional journey. Platinum Surrogacy makes sure you get all the support possible that we can give, which includes our mentoring program but we do recommend that you have additional support from either friends or family. You can NEVER have enough support and it makes it very stressful and hard when you do not have anyone you can turn to especially if your immediate family does not support you.

Do I have to give myself injections in order to be a Surrogate? If so, can I do them myself?

​Yes, there are lots of medications involved in a Surrogacy journey. Luckily, Platinum Surrogacy is very familiar with all the medical protocols and has firsthand experience with how to do the injections and what to expect with the protocols. The clinic is able to teach you how to do the injections yourself, and we are able to assist with this as well. All medications can be taken by yourself. We have even had Surrogates in the past that had needle phobias and were able to overcome them with extra support and love.

​What would happen if my IP’s get a divorce or separate while I am carrying their baby?

​This would be a very rare occurrence, but of course we always prepare for the worst case scenario. The legal agreement will give direction ahead of the embryo transfer for what would happen if the Intended Parents separate or pass away, and provide information of who would become the legal guardian of the baby. Divorce happens in life and contracts help prepare us in the event it happens while a surrogate is still carrying the pregnancy. After the birth, the intended parents would deal with family law lawyers and handle the situation in a way that is fair to both parties. In this case which is extremely unfortunate. The baby would be placed in the care of whoever the IPs chose. This information will be included in your contract you make with your lawyer.

Do I need my own lawyer during the Surrogacy process?

Yes. It is very important that you have your own lawyer to keep your best interest in mind. Your Intended Parent(s) will have a lawyer to do the same for them, and both lawyers will work together to assure a proper legal agreement is completed and protecting you all.

If I reside in a different province from the Intended Parent(s) I would like to choose, can I still work with them? Do they need to come to a clinic near me?

This would not be an issue at all, and your Intended Parents would not have to move their embryo. We are able to help accommodate cross provincial travel for any embryo transfers etc that would be required.

Do I have to work with Intended Parent(s) in Canada? Can I carry for individuals overseas?

You can work with Intended Parent(s) from anywhere in the world. If you prefer to work with a couple more local to you that is perfectly okay! But, you are able to work with IPs from any country. Some countries have different laws and will require a few extra steps, but this is why we have lawyers to help assure all proper channels are taken for everyone involved. Most International IPs consult Immigration lawyers as well.

​What are the pros and cons of choosing Intended Parent(s) locally or internationally? Or choosing a heterosexual couple versus a same sex couple?

​There are pros and cons in working with either, but choosing the right Intended Parent(s) is more about an authentic connection rather than location. In both cases, communication comes down to the effort everyone is willing to put towards the relationship. Any relationship is grown out of commitment and effort. Whether you choose a heterosexual couple or a same sex couple, the relationship will be a reflection of the work you all put into it.