I am always on the look out for ways to make money. I firmly believe in having multiple streams of income, because if one dries up you have other sources to fall back on.

So I visit Craigslist.org often to see what is on the jobs site, especially the ETC. section. There are a lot of interesting things there and that is where I find many focus group and survey opportunities.

Egg Donors Wanted

Recently there have been quite few ads for egg donors. Yes there are companies that pay you for your eggs, as in ovaries. Many couples can’t have babies because the woman’s ovaries aren’t working properly to produce eggs.

Compensation

The compensation is typically $5k but could go as high as $20k if you are working in a private situation. The eligibility depends on age, education, and other specifics. All medical exams, medications, and doctor’s visits are covered. All of the sites that I visited regarding egg donor services say that the gift of egg donation is an act of kindness.

Surrogate Moms Wanted

Surrogacy is also another way of making money. For the couples that cannot have or carry their own child a surrogate mother is one of the options they look at. Even with millions of kids waiting for adoption, couples still want to have their own children and will spend thousands of dollars to make it a reality.

Compensation

The standard compensation for surrogates is $25k. There are agencies that specialize in surrogate situations as well as couples who place ads on their own to cut out the middle man. There are risks and rewards for both types of donation. You are giving your body in the service of others to assist in bringing a new life into the world. All medical expenses are paid and you receive a large amount of money as compensation. The risks are mostly emotional because there is likely to be a bond that occurs, especially in a surrogacy situation.

A Moral Dilemma?

I don’t advocate either process, though I have given thought to donating my eggs, but now I am considered to old (go figure, lol). Surrogacy would be more difficult for me because I know I would want to keep the baby. Another thing is I am already a single mom, and though I shouldn’t care about what others think, my kids would be greatly affected.

So would you be able to be an egg donor or surrogate? Would the need or want of money convince you to do it? Is there a moral dilemma involved?

Samantha Gregory

Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.

Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.

She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.