Surrogacy as a procedure for having biological children has become increasingly popular in South Africa in recent years, and with it has come the need for surrogates. Women who are willing to undergo the entire process of carrying a child for someone else. However, the question on everyone's mind remains how much money do surrogates get paid for carrying a child? Below, we will discuss the answer to this question in detail.
Legal guidelines on surrogacy
Before diving into the specific amount of money surrogates get paid, it's important to understand the legal guidelines surrounding surrogacy in South Africa. Surrogacy was officially legalised in South Africa in 2010, and since then, has been tightly regulated under the Children's Act, 38 of 2005.
Heterosexual couples, same-sex male couples, and single men can all make use of surrogacy procedures to have biological children. However, the surrogate must pass a medical and psychological evaluation before being considered eligible to carry someone else's baby. Additionally, she must be between the ages of 21 and 45.
The Process of Surrogacy
The process of surrogacy can be an emotional rollercoaster for surrogates. They undergo a lot of emotional and physical stress, which is why the South African guidelines for surrogacy ensure adequate compensation for their time, effort, and the risks involved.
A surrogate is required to undergo IVF or artificial insemination, which is a medical procedure that can be uncomfortable and invasive. Additionally, she must attend regular medical check-ups throughout the pregnancy, which can be challenging if she has a full-time job or other responsibilities.
How much money do surrogates get paid in South Africa?
In South Africa, surrogates can receive compensation of up to R120 000 for carrying a child. However, the amount of money a surrogate can receive varies and is usually determined by an agreement between the surrogate and the intended parents.
The compensation amount depends on factors such as the number of babies the surrogate is carrying (single or multiple), the surrogacy agency used, the location of the surrogate, and how much medical aid or insurance coverage the surrogate has.
Additional costs covered
In addition to the compensation fee, intended parents are also responsible for covering all of the surrogate's medical costs related to the surrogacy procedure. These costs include:
- Pre-implantation screening
- IVF or Insemination Treatment
- Maternity clothes and supplements
- Counseling services
- Antenatal care
- Childbirth and delivery-related expenses
Surrogates are legally entitled to receive fair compensation for the substantial commitment they are undertaking. The payment given to a surrogate can be life-changing, resulting in many South Africans now considering surrogacy as an alternative to traditional adoption or fertility treatments.
Conclusion
Surrogacy is a legal, regulated practice in South Africa that offers couples and individuals the opportunity to have children with the help of a surrogate mother. Surrogates can receive up to R120,000 in compensation for carrying a child, but the amount varies depending on various factors. Regardless, surrogates are needed, and their contributions to society are invaluable.
However, it's important not to trivialise the experience of surrogates. Surrogacy is a massive undertaking, and the compensation offered is fair and justifiable for the stressful and challenging process they undergo.
