På svenska

Svenska Dagbladet (SvD), Sweden’s second largest national newspaper, featured an interview with Susan Norton, a Circle surrogate who recently delivered twins for a Swedish gay couple. The interview was part of an article titled "Family happiness due to surrogate mother" ("Familjelycka tack vare surrogatmor"). Surrogacy is prohibited in Sweden, but it is legal for Swedish citizens to have children through surrogacy abroad and bring them back after the birth. The interview took place subsequent an informational seminar Circle recently held in Stockholm, and a growing number of Swedish clients who are using Circle's help to become parents. Below are translations of parts of the article and the entire interview with Susan.

Excerpts from "Family happiness due to surrogate mother"

Swedish Newspaper with Surrogate InterviewSeptember 28, 2008 SvD
by Anna-Lena Haverdahl

"Most surrogate mothers are engaged by one of the many agencies that e xist in countries where it is legal. There are currently around hundreds of such organizations. Svenska Dagbladet has been in contact with one of the largest U.S. agencies, Circle Surrogacy, whose surrogate mothers have so far given birth to the 280 children for couples and single in 32 different countries. Six of the children have been delivered for Swedish couples, and four more are in the pipeline. Today, [the agency] has 70 different women who are actively engaged by them. The requirements to become a surrogate mother are high: In addition to being healthy and having no criminal record, the women must have given birth to their children, have a good support network and be in decent financial situation. They are also [psychologically] tested by special experts. Only one in 30 applicants are being accepted. Prospective parents can expect to pay approximately half a million kronor for the service (roughly $70,000). Surrogate mother compensation varies between 120,000 and 180,000 kronor."

Susan Norton, surrogate
for Circle Surrogacy

1. Why did you become a surrogate mother?
   
   "For many years I have been fascinated by how much you can help and af fect other people's lives through a simple act [as surrogacy]. Eventually I was at a point in my life when I could do so - I had given birth to my own children, my finances were secure and I had a flexible job."
   
   
2. What is your background, how many children do you have?
   
   "I have two children of my own. Their father died several years ago and I am now remarried a man with three of his own children."
   
   
3. What did your husband and your family think about your decision to become a surrogate mother?
   
   " My husband and children supported me completely. This was my se cond surrogacy. Both times they have become very attached to both kids and parents. My parents, however, were strongly opposed and have been bothered by the relationship.
   
   
4. How did you react when you met the Swedish couple you were going to help?
   
   "First, we spoke with each other on the phone. I liked them immediately. The first time we saw each other was in New York. I knew that they would be wonderful parents. They seemed so caring, kind and full of energy and life. That feeling has never changed. Now, I regard them as part of my family and think of them daily."
   
   
5. How does it feel to carry someone else's children?
   
   "Since we used an egg donor the babies are not genetically my own. But it is a wonderful experience to carry a child for others. I wrote down each new event during pregnancy so that I could share it with th e parents. I never forget their facial expressions when they first saw the baby during the ultrasound test. Only then was it real for them."
   
   
6. Will you stay in contact as the children grow?
   
   "I hope so. It is up to the parents."
   
   
7. Have you had any regrets?
   
   "No, not for one second. How could I have? I have given birth to four wonderful children and fulfilled their parents' dreams."
   
   
8. Would you like to see the children when they are adults?
   
   "Absolutely, if their parents think it is appropriate."
   
   
9. Do you want to do it again?
   
   "If my body allows it, I could do it many more times. Other than giving birth to my own children, this has undoubtedly been the greatest experience of my life."
   
   

• Den svenska original