Starting a family through surrogacy is never just about embryos, agencies, or checklists. It’s a deeply human journey, filled with emotions, hopes, fears, and, at times, uncertainty.
Whether it’s happening in Australia, Canada, or anywhere else in the world, surrogacy is a collaboration. One built on trust, communication, and an incredible amount of care. Behind every journey is something even more important than the process itself: a relationship.
The Invisible Threads of Surrogacy
At Growing Families, we work with intended parents navigating surrogacy across a range of countries. One thing becomes clear time and again: while laws, logistics, and costs may vary, the heart of the journey is always personal.
There’s the joy of connection, the moments of doubt, and the cultural differences that sometimes surface in unexpected ways. There’s the surrogate’s partner and children, her motivations, her values. All of it becomes part of the story. A shared experience that stays with everyone involved.
Listening to Surrogates, Too
While intended parents are often guided and supported throughout the process (and rightly so), the surrogate’s voice is not always heard. Especially in the public conversation.
Yet her perspective is vital.
Not just because she’s carrying the child, but because she’s part of a deeply meaningful, life-changing experience. And if we’re serious about making surrogacy safer, more ethical, and more human, then we need to listen more closely.
Keen to hear about real-life experiences?
Join one of our upcoming in-person events to connect with surrogates, experts, and intended parents from around the world.
View All Upcoming EventsResearch That Listens, Not Just Measures
That’s why it’s encouraging to see more efforts to understand the surrogate’s experience on a deeper level. One recent example is a Canadian research project led by doctoral student Roxane Guay at Université Laval. Her study is capturing the voices of Canadian surrogates, their partners, and the international intended parents they’ve worked with.
What makes this project important is that it’s not just focused on processes and paperwork. It’s about the real experience. What helps. What challenges people face. What’s misunderstood.
And while the research is based in Canada, the lessons it brings will likely apply in many places. Because wherever it takes place, every surrogate has a story. And every intended parent benefits from hearing it.
Why This Matters for Future Intended Parents
If you’re considering surrogacy, anywhere in the world, it’s easy to focus on the practical elements: timelines, legal steps, success rates. But what often shapes your experience most is the relationship you build with the person helping you bring your child into the world.
Understanding her reality, and being open to her experience as much as she’s open to yours, isn’t just kind. It’s wise.
And with the help of research, storytelling, and open conversations, we can all do better to support that connection.
Building Families, Not Just Systems
At Growing Families, we’re here to help with the practical side of things. But just as importantly, we’re here to hold space for the emotional side too.
We’re educators, yes. But we’re also listeners.
And we’re proud to support conversations and research that remind us of the power of empathy in this journey.
Roxane’s Canadian study is currently seeking input from Canadian surrogates, their partners, and international intended parents. If you’ve been part of a surrogacy journey in Canada and would like to contribute, you can contact her at roxane.guay.1@ulaval.ca.
