Generally, there’s no shortage of surrogates willing to carry children for couples who may not be able to start or add to their family for various reasons. But the pandemic and issues related to it have all led to a shortage of surrogates throughout the United States. Now, couples who are eager to start having children are raising the offer or agreeing to cover additional expenses, just to find a surrogate who will help them.

The number of surrogates in the US has decreased by nearly 60 percent from the pandemic, vaccine concerns, and a general level of burnout. Wait times, which used to be three to six months, are often doubled or more and, like most things these days, costs have gone up significantly. That’s leaving a lot of couples unable to find someone to help them start or add to their family. If they do find someone, they may find that they are unable to afford it due to rising expenses and costs through surrogacy agencies.

Another major barrier is that many women willing to be surrogates have refused to get vaccinated, while many intended parents are insisting on vaccination. There are many risks for an unvaccinated pregnant woman who contracts COVID, and she will also pass vaccine antibodies along to the child, which can help that child with immunity. But the difference of opinion between many potential surrogates and intended parents often brings negotiations to a stand still. 

Potential parents also often request that a surrogate stay away from large groups and gatherings the entire time they’re pregnant, and many surrogates are reluctant to do that. The level of commitment that potential surrogates have had to make to their own children and families is also higher, and that means they’re backing away from adding onto those commitments right now. Between the strain on families, vaccine disagreements, and cost, surrogacy may be in short supply for the foreseeable future.

Before entering into any type of surrogacy agreement, be sure to consult with a surrogacy law attorney who can help protect your rights. At The Surrogacy Law Center, we aim to provide our clients with a straightforward breakdown of what might seem to be a complicated and daunting process so that they can enjoy the beautiful experience of bringing a child into the world through surrogacy. Learn more now!