Surrogate Stories: Meet Ashley

When people are unable to have a child of their own, finding a surrogate can be life changing. And just as these intended parents seek a surrogate with whom they’re comfortable, the surrogates themselves have to feel comfortable with their surrogacy agency.

“I’d been interested in being a surrogate since high school,” said Ashley R. “But I wanted to experience my own pregnancies first. I love being pregnant and everything about pregnancies.

“I’ve had family and friends that haven’t been able to conceive as easily as I did. I have a brother-in-law who is gay. That was actually the first time I thought, ‘I would carry a baby for you guys.’ Being able to provide that kind of help to others is amazing.

“Then there’s just the passion of pregnancy. I’m fortunate that I don’t really have the complications that others experience. And since pregnancy is something that I enjoy and love, and I don't want any more kids myself, I thought it would be great to be able to help out others and help them grow their families.

“So, when the time was right, I looked into becoming a surrogate. After researching surrogacy, I applied to two programs. In going to the first, I didn’t like the environment. It wasn’t opening or inviting. I didn’t want to feel like I was doing a job. I wanted it to be more like I'm doing a helpful thing.

“That was the vibe I got from the second agency, the Egg Donor & Surrogacy Program. The environment was inviting, with people that I felt like I could relate with and talk to. It was a positive, family-run environment.

“I didn’t expect it to be so close-knit and be able to get on and chitchat with other surrogates. I didn’t expect any of that. And then also, emotional help is there if needed and I didn’t expect to have that either. I didn’t need it, but knowing that it was there was reassuring.”

The Egg Donor and Surrogacy Program is the oldest such program in America, responsible for 3,300 pregnancies. Two of the program’s administrators are surrogates themselves who are able to provide first-hand knowledge and advice to their surrogate candidates.

“I absolutely love Shoshanna and Janice,” continued Ashley. “They’ve been surrogates and are the main people I work with. If I ever have a question or request, they are really on top of it, getting me the answer right away from one of the doctors or nurses.

“I honestly love the program. I’ve referred it to several different people. I think it’s a great experience, a great program. I’ve enjoyed my journeys and the support that I’ve had. I feel this program does a great job. In fact, my future job is to be in labor and delivery, which is just something I’m really fascinated with and enjoy. And The Egg Donor & Surrogacy Program has contributed to this interest and joy.”