This Guelph, Ont., couple is looking for a surrogate via social media after frustrating search
CBC
Stephanie Craig and Mike Murphy of Guelph, Ont., are a pretty average couple.
They got married and bought a home together, and have been trying to grow their family since 2017 — but that's been difficult.
Craig had a miscarriage in 2018 at 24 weeks. The couple also tried in-vitro fertilization (IVF) but it didn't work. Since then, they've been looking for a surrogate but there aren't many available for their needs.
In July, the couple decided to create an Instagram page documenting their search and sharing their experience with others going through the same the same experience.
They also hoped the online profile might help them find their surrogate.
"We found out that we were likely going to have to go public with our search, and that's scary, putting yourself out there," Craig said.
Craig said while you can use an agency to find a surrogate, many couples search independently to have more flexibility.
She said an agency will have a list of all the service providers a couple would work with, but they want to be able to carefully pick their own lawyers and therapists to work with.
"It's more work for us, but we get to have the benefit of working with those that fit our needs best. It is particularly important to us that our future surrogate have the choice as to [which lawyer and therapist] she wants to work with as well."
Under Canadian regulations, surrogacy is legal but there are rules surrounding what can and can't be paid to surrogates. For instance, you can't offer to pay or advertise payment for someone to be a surrogate mother. However, surrogates may be paid for medical and some other expenses related to the pregnancy.
To reduce the chances that young women are taken advantage of, it is also illegal to help or advise someone under age 21 to become a surrogate.
Anyone found guilty of breaking these laws can be fined up to $500,000 or jailed for up to 10 years.
Lisa Feldstein, a lawyer in Markham, Ont., who helps families navigate the health-care system, said there's lots to consider when looking for a surrogate.
They include ensuring it's the right path for you, including by speaking to your doctor and getting well informed.
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