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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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The Secret Life of Surrogate Moms

Women like the $25K paycheck but discover a labor of love

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(Newser) – More women are carrying babies for dollars, despite opposition from Christians, feminists, and medical ethicists—not to mention some states and most EU nations. So why do they do it? A $20,000 to $25,000 paycheck doesn't hurt, Newsweek reports, but many also do it for love. "I felt like, 'What else am I going to do with my life that means so much?'" one surrogate mom said.

Newsweek traveled around America to learn about the little-known business. Some surrogates are military wives seeking to make money while husbands are away; others are middle class and want to help; still others want to escape the working-class world. But all said the 9-month job was worth it. "Being a surrogate is like giving an organ transplant to someone," one mom said, "only before you die, and you actually get to see their joy."

Most surrogate mothers in the US are the wives of military men, as if provides a source of income and a sense of fulfillment to women whose husbands are on the move every year.
Most surrogate mothers in the US are the wives of military men, as if provides a source of income and a sense of fulfillment to women whose husbands are on the move every year.   (Shutterstock)
Surrogate mothers are increasingly common in the US, but they suffer stigmas for their choice to help infertile couples have a baby.
Surrogate mothers are increasingly common in the US, but they suffer stigmas for their choice to help infertile couples have a baby.   (Shutterstock)
After the surrogate mother gives birth, she immediately gives the newborn to the legal parents. This step can be difficult for some women.
After the surrogate mother gives birth, she immediately gives the newborn to the legal parents. This step can be difficult for some women.   (Shutterstock)
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Zebraone
Dec 9, 08 4:44 PM CST
What a cool way to be paid for infidelity! Reply
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