Can you make money with egg donation or surrogacy, is that allowed?
Not everyone has a desire for children, but there are also many people who do want kids. It is not a given that you can and want to have children in a ‘natural’ way. There are various reasons to look for an egg or sperm donor or to approach a surrogate mother. Think of same-sex couples, transgender people who want a child, singles with a desire for children, or people with fertility problems. How does it work if you want to help others fulfill their desire for children? LotteLust explains what is and isn't allowed and what you need to consider.
Making dreams come true
Donating sperm, eggs, or being a surrogate mother is an act of incredible generosity. Having a child is a dream for many people, and you can help make that wish come true. It can provide a profound sense of fulfillment to know that you are making a difference in someone's life. In the Netherlands, it is not allowed to openly offer yourself as a surrogate mother. A surrogate is often sought and found within one's own circles. Therefore, it is usually someone who is close to you. Even though it makes sense that you would sacrifice a lot for your loved ones, it is very important to think carefully about such a big decision. Going through a pregnancy and then giving the child up can be experienced as extremely intense. It is therefore recommended to only carry a child for someone else if you already have children and look back positively on that pregnancy.
Show me the money
Can you make money by donating sperm, eggs, or being a surrogate? The short answer is: yes. In parts of the United States, Ukraine, and Kenya, commercial surrogacy is fully legal. In the Netherlands and most other countries, it is only allowed to reimburse costs for the surrogate. Think of additional care costs and, for example, pregnancy outfits that someone will need to purchase. Also, if you donate eggs or sperm, you only receive a (non)reimbursement in the Netherlands. This is usually about forty euros per donation. So it is not a quick fix for financial problems. What sperm is good for you can read here.
No surprises
If you are considering carrying a child for someone, it is crucial to make clear agreements before you start. In some cases, surrogates may remain involved in the child's life, while in other cases they have no rights or responsibilities after the birth. Also read this article about lesbian couples who want to become parents. If you donate eggs or sperm, clear agreements must also be established. Some people choose to remain completely anonymous. The parents and the child will then never have the opportunity to contact you. Others choose to share their information so that the child could look for the biological parent later in life. Make sure you know what you want and what is expected of you so that you are not faced with unpleasant surprises.
