Hello sisters!
I have some questions in relation to surrogacy... yes, they are probably dumb questions but I would just love answers from women not Google!
I am eighteen years old, I am a childcare educator and I am so passionate about the education and care of children. I dream of being a mother to my own children one day. However, having grown up with close family friends who had no choice but to adopt their three children (each a long, long process) it has always made me wonder - hearing of couples who cannot give birth to their own children is something that breaks my heart. I am wondering what are the regulations of surrogacy in Australia. From what I have read to you must be over the age of 21 and already a mother to your own children. I'm assuming I just kept stumbling across American sites as they all mention the surrogate mother being paid $25,000 - $30,000, where I'm sure in Australia it is something you do free of charge. Obviously, at almost nineteen I am not ready yet, but maybe in a year or two - I'd want to be young!
Call me an idiot or leave some advice! Thank you! x
2 Replies
As far as I'm aware they won't let you unless you have completed your own family. This is because what if you are able successfully carry a surrogate baby but then are unable to have your own? I imagine you would be devastated. It's a lovely selfless gift and something I have considered myself but being only 23 and still wanting more children, I would not be able to do it yet. it is illegal in Australia to be paid for surrogacy. Xx
can't be paid has to be out of the goodness of your heart and different states have very different laws so you would need to look for laws in your state. Also there are rules about advertising etc. Definitely have your own kids first. I tdon't think you really understand what it means emotionally until you have your own kids. Also think carefully about how you would feel if the parents have a different parenting style etc to you. If you have strong feelings on how kids should be raised its a bad idea