Surrogate FAQs
What Are the Requirements to Be a Surrogate Mother?
At CSSC Surrogacy Canada, we are committed to ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved in the surrogacy journey. All gestational carriers in our program must meet the following criteria:
Age: Between 21 and 49 years old
Parental Experience: Must have given birth to at least one child of your own
Pregnancy History: Must have had healthy pregnancies and deliveries
Birth History:
No more than 6 vaginal births, or
No more than 3 caesarean sections
Lifestyle:
Must be a non-smoker, with limited exposure to second-hand smoke
Must be a non-drug user (including medical cannabis)
Health Assessments:
Willing to complete medical and psychological evaluations
Partner (if applicable) must also be willing to undergo screening
BMI Requirement: Must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 45 or under
These requirements help ensure the safest and most successful surrogacy journey possible for everyone involved. If you meet the criteria and are interested in becoming a surrogate, we would love to hear from you!
Can I Be a Surrogate If I’ve Never Had a Child?
In most cases, no. At CSSC Surrogacy Canada, and in line with the standard guidelines of Canadian fertility clinics and legal best practices, it is generally required that surrogates have previously given birth to at least one child of their own.
This requirement exists because:
It ensures the surrogate has first-hand experience with the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy.
It provides medical professionals with a pregnancy and birth history to assess suitability and safety.
It gives surrogates a clear understanding of the commitment involved.
While we appreciate the generosity of those considering surrogacy without having children of their own, this particular requirement helps protect the well-being of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the future child.
Who Are the Intended Parents, and Do I Have a Say in Who I Match With?
Absolutely—you have a say.
At CSSC Surrogacy Canada, we believe that a successful surrogacy journey starts with a strong, respectful, and values-aligned match between the surrogate and the intended parent(s).
Intended parents come from all walks of life, including:
Heterosexual couples
Same-sex couples
Single individuals
They may be from Canada or abroad, and all share one thing in common—a deep desire to grow their family through surrogacy.
When it comes to matching:
We take the time to get to know you—your values, boundaries, lifestyle, and preferences.
We only present you with intended parents who align with your ideals.
You will never be pressured into a match that doesn’t feel right.
You’ll have the chance to review profiles and have an introductory meeting (often virtual) before deciding.
There are many intended parents actively looking for surrogates, so the chances of finding a match that feels right for you are very high.
At CSSC, we want every match to feel natural, respectful, and empowering—for both you and the family you're helping create.
What If a Surrogate Mother Becomes ‘Attached’ to the Baby?
It’s completely normal for new surrogates to wonder about emotional attachment. This is actually one of the most common concerns women have before beginning their surrogacy journey.
However, surrogacy is a very different experience from having a child of your own.
Most women who choose to become surrogates have already completed their own families and are not seeking to grow their own households. From the very beginning, surrogates understand that the baby they are carrying belongs to the intended parents, and that they are playing a unique and generous role in helping someone else become a parent.
Gestational Surrogacy and Emotional Perspective
In the vast majority of cases, the surrogacy is gestational, meaning the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. This helps create a clear emotional boundary from the start.
Throughout the journey, surrogates:
Witness the excitement and anticipation of the intended parents
Share updates, milestones, and important moments
Prepare emotionally for the moment the baby is placed in the arms of their parents
Surrogates often describe their feelings toward the baby as a deep sense of care, but not parental attachment. Many liken it to the love an aunt has for a niece or nephew—proud, protective, and joyful, but without the instinct to parent.
Support at Every Step
At the time of birth, the intended parents are present and prepared to take over full parental responsibilities immediately. The surrogate is not expected or asked to care for the child.
For the rare cases where a surrogate experiences unexpected emotional challenges after delivery, CSSC Surrogacy Canada provides access to post-birth counseling—at no cost—to support her emotional well-being and ensure she feels safe and cared for.
Lasting Bonds
In many cases, the journey doesn’t end at birth. Surrogates often remain connected with the families they helped—celebrating birthdays, watching milestones, and sharing in the joy from afar. Many describe these families as becoming an extension of their own.
Can You Be Paid to Be a Surrogate?
No. In Canada, it is illegal to pay a surrogate for her services. However, surrogates are legally entitled to be reimbursed for expenses related to the pregnancy and surrogacy process.
These reimbursements are meant to cover out-of-pocket costs and are carefully outlined in both the surrogacy agreement and Health Canada Guidelines.
What Does Reimbursement Include?
Eligible expenses may include:
Travel to and from appointments
Maternity clothing
Prenatal vitamins and medications
Childcare during medical visits
Lost wages (in certain cases)
Other pregnancy-related necessities
You will typically begin receiving monthly reimbursements starting after the second positive blood draw following embryo transfer, which confirms pregnancy.
How Much Can Be Reimbursed?
Total reimbursement amounts vary but are typically in the range of $25,000 to $40,000 CAD, depending on individual circumstances and needs throughout the journey.
Do I Have to Use My Own Eggs?
No. At CSSC Surrogacy Canada, you do not have to use your own eggs to be a surrogate.
There are two types of surrogacy:
Gestational Surrogacy:
This is the most common type of surrogacy we work with. In this arrangement, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby. The embryo is created using the intended parent's or donor's egg and sperm and is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through IVF.Traditional Surrogacy:
In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used, meaning she is the biological mother of the child. This method is far less common and comes with additional legal and emotional considerations.
At CSSC, we primarily support gestational surrogacy journeys, but we are also open to guiding and supporting traditional surrogacy arrangements if all parties are informed, prepared, and aligned.
How Much Contact Will I Have With the Intended Parent(s)?
The amount of contact and communication you have with the intended parent(s) is entirely up to you and is mutually agreed upon during the match and planning process.
At CSSC Surrogacy Canada, we prioritize matches where both parties are aligned in their expectations and comfort levels. Some surrogates prefer regular communication, while others are more private—and both approaches are equally respected.
Here’s what that can look like:
Frequent contact: Many surrogates and intended parents stay in touch several times per week, sharing updates, milestones, and building a close bond.
Occasional updates: Some prefer communication around key medical appointments and pregnancy developments.
In-person connection: When possible, some surrogates and intended parents meet in person throughout the journey.
Post-birth relationships: We encourage and support the continuation of the relationship after the birth, if both parties are comfortable.
Whatever your preferences, we work to ensure you’re matched with intended parents who share your communication style and values, so the journey feels supportive and meaningful for everyone involved.
I’ve Had Caesarean Sections—Does This Affect My Ability to Be a Surrogate?
Not necessarily. Many of our surrogate mothers have had previous caesarean (C-section) births and have gone on to carry healthy surrogate pregnancies.
As part of the standard medical screening process, ultrasounds and other assessments will be used to:
Evaluate scarring from previous incisions
Check for uterine abnormalities
Ensure the uterus is healthy and capable of carrying another pregnancy
As long as there are no concerns identified during screening, having had one or more C-sections does not disqualify you from becoming a surrogate.
Will I Have My Own Legal Counsel?
Yes. Every surrogate is provided with independent legal counsel, arranged and paid for by the intended parents through JA Surrogacy Canada.
Navigating the legal landscape of surrogacy can be complex, so having a lawyer who represents your interests only is essential. Your legal counsel will:
Ensure you fully understand your rights, responsibilities, and protections
Review and explain your surrogacy agreement
Guide you through the legal reimbursement framework
Provide support throughout the entire legal process
You are never expected to manage legal matters alone—we’re here to make sure you feel informed and protected every step of the way.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Surrogate Mother?
Surrogacy is a deeply meaningful journey that offers both emotional fulfillment and a chance to make a profound impact on someone else’s life.
Surrogates often say they are drawn to this path because they:
Feel called to give back in a life-changing way
Have completed their own families and want to help others do the same
Genuinely enjoy being pregnant
Want to be part of something greater than themselves
Additional benefits include:
Becoming part of a supportive and empowering surrogacy community
Building lifelong connections with the families they help
Experiencing a renewed sense of purpose, pride, and fulfillment
Surrogacy is more than a medical process—it’s a gift, and many surrogates say it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
