Every year, we hear from hundreds of women across Canada who are curious about surrogacy. Some have known for years that they want to do this. Others are still in the "maybe" stage, feeling drawn to the idea but not quite sure if it's right for them.
Both places are valid. But before you apply — before you take a single formal step — I want you to sit with these five questions. Your honest answers will tell you a lot about whether this journey is right for you, right now.
1. Why do you want to do this?
This isn't a trick question, and there's no wrong answer. But it is the question we ask every prospective surrogate, and the quality of your answer matters.
Women become surrogates for many reasons: they loved pregnancy, they want to help a family in a meaningful way, they feel called to do something extraordinary with their body's capacity. These are all beautiful reasons.
What we gently steer away from is surrogacy pursued primarily for financial reasons. In Canada, surrogacy is altruistic — surrogates are reimbursed for their expenses, not paid a wage. If you're hoping to use surrogacy as a primary income source, Canada may not be the right fit.
The best surrogates are the ones who feel genuinely moved by the idea of helping someone become a parent. If that's you, keep reading.
2. Are you done building your own family?
This is one of our clearest eligibility requirements, and it exists for good reason. Completing a surrogate pregnancy — and then handing a baby to another family — is a profound experience. It requires a stable sense of your own family and your own life.
If you're not sure whether you want more children of your own, this isn't the time. We ask that all surrogates have at least one child of their own and be confident they are finished having children.
3. Does the important people in your life support this decision?
Surrogacy touches every corner of your life. Your partner, your children, your parents, your close friends — they will all be part of this journey in some way, even if they aren't the ones carrying.
A surrogate who has full support from her partner or co-parent has a dramatically different experience than one who is carrying this privately or against resistance. We require evidence of a partner's support as part of our screening process, and we take it seriously.
4. Are you prepared for the emotional complexity?
Surrogacy is rewarding — but it is not easy. You will form a relationship with the intended parents that is unlike any other. You will carry a baby you will hand to someone else. You will navigate medical appointments, legal agreements, insurance reviews, and occasional uncertainty.
None of this is insurmountable. Thousands of Canadian women have done this and describe it as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. But going in with clear eyes — understanding the complexity as well as the joy — makes all the difference.
5. Are you in a stable place in your own life?
This doesn't mean your life has to be perfect. But it does mean that you're not in the middle of a major life transition — a divorce, a move, a job crisis, a mental health struggle you're actively working through.
Surrogacy requires bandwidth. Physical, emotional, logistical bandwidth. The best time to pursue it is when your own life feels solid enough that you can extend your capacity to someone else.
If you answered these questions honestly and surrogacy still feels right, I'd love to hear from you. You can apply through becomeasurrogate.ca, or feel free to reach out to us directly with questions first.
This is a big decision — and it deserves to be made carefully and well.
— Robyn Price, Executive Director, Canadian Surrogacy Options
Ready to start your journey?
Book a free 30-minute call with Robyn. No commitment, no pressure — just the information you need to take your next step with confidence.
Book Now →