Surrogates’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic: mental health, social support, and relationship with intended parents

PURPOSE: To examine surrogates’ mental health, social support, and relationship with intended parents (IPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to February 2022. METHODS: Data were collected between April 29, 2022 and July 31, 2022, at an academic IVF center in Canada using an 85-item online anonymous cross-sectional survey that included three standardized scales measuring mental health (PHQ-4), loneliness, and social support. Eligible surrogates actively involved in surrogacy during the study period received email invitations. RESULTS: The response rate was 50.3% (338/672); 320 submitted surveys were analyzed. Two-thirds (65%) of respondents experienced mental health concerns during the pandemic and were significantly less comfortable about seeking mental health support than those without concerns. Nonetheless, 64% were highly satisfied with their surrogacy experience; 80% received a high level of support from their IPs, and 90% reported a good relationship with them. The final hierarchical regression model identified five significant predictors, explaining 39.4% of the variance in PHQ-4 scores: a prior mental health history, COVID-19 impact on personal life, surrogacy satisfaction, loneliness, and social support. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 created an unprecedented challenge to surrogacy care, increasing surrogates’ risk of experiencing mental health symptoms. Our data show that IP support and the surrogate-IP relationship were fundamentals to surrogacy satisfaction. The findings are relevant to fertility and mental health practitioners in identifying surrogates who are more susceptible to mental health challenges. Fertility clinics should ensure adequate psychological screening of surrogate candidates and proactively offer mental health support services. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10815-023-02824-w.