German politician Jens Spahn stepped down after revealing he welcomed a child through surrogacy in the US. The news has renewed focus on surrogacy, which remains banned in Germany yet permitted in the US. This account comes from an interview with Katherine Reinhart, 31, a stay-at-home mother of three in Midwest Ohio. It has been condensed and clarified.

Five years ago, a close friend shared her struggle with infertility. Hearing her story left me deeply saddened.

She yearned for a child, while I had already welcomed three, now aged 12, 8, and 6. My own pregnancies had been straightforward, and I cherished each stage. My friend later pursued adoption, and her excitement about expanding her family inspired me to consider aiding other couples.

My husband offered his support

I knew several women who had served as surrogates. In June 2022, I contacted the Ohio-based agency Carrying Dreams, as I was familiar with owner Emily Westerfield through shared connections.

I first discussed the idea with my husband, Jordan, a 31-year-old machinist. He felt uncertain at first. After reviewing information online and recognizing my strong commitment, he gave his full backing.

The initial process required completing extensive forms about my expectations. Questions covered whether I sought ongoing contact with the intended parents, known as IPs, and the child, along with my preferred delivery approach.

A psychological assessment followed to confirm my emotional preparedness. The agency prefers candidates who already have children and have finished building their own families.

The psychologist explored my reasons for participating to ensure finances were not the primary driver, and checked for any past depression or anxiety. I received clearance on every point.

The agency forwards medical records to prospective IPs and their fertility clinics. After preapproval, I met virtually with several IP pairs.

I connected immediately with the first couple, both professionals living in nearby Michigan. Our views aligned closely, and their circumstances moved me.

The agency supplied legal counsel

The woman explained she carried a genetic condition she wished to avoid passing on. Her husband, who was adopted himself, hoped to raise a biological child.

Legal agreements were then prepared by attorneys for both the couple and the agency. The documents outlined expectations such as maintaining healthy nutrition or using specific prenatal vitamins, yet the pair expressed confidence in my judgment.

We agreed on base pay of $35,000, plus roughly $7,000 in additional allowances covering a monthly stipend, maternity attire, IVF medications, and travel costs.

They relied on a donor egg and the husband's sperm. Pregnancy occurred after the first embryo transfer at their clinic. The moment felt especially meaningful because both IPs attended the procedure.

The IPs stayed in regular contact to confirm all was well. They joined key visits, including the anatomy scan, remaining closely involved throughout.

The pregnancy progressed without issue, and I delivered their son in January 2024. The birth was uncomplicated. I will always remember the parents' expressions as he cut the cord and the baby was placed on her chest.

People have asked whether I experienced conflicting feelings. Instead, I felt only profound happiness. The experience proved deeply fulfilling.

I chose to become a surrogate once more

My children visited me in the hospital and were delighted by the couple's newborn. They understood that I was carrying a baby for others unable to do so themselves, and they accepted the situation.

Our family later traveled to Michigan to meet the infant at three months old, with plans for future visits. The parents continue to share updates, including videos of first steps and photos from birthdays.

I have sent gifts such as a holiday ornament and a wooden puzzle. I still feel connected to his life.

I decided to repeat the process even before delivering. The agency paired me with another couple from Ohio in a second marriage.

The woman, already mother to two children, had undergone a partial hysterectomy. She wanted a child with her new husband. Since her ovaries remained intact, they used her eggs and his sperm.

As a returning surrogate, I received $45,000 for this pregnancy, along with comparable expense coverage.

The pregnancy went smoothly, and I delivered another boy in November 2025. The IPs, present in the delivery room, were overcome with emotion. I felt pure elation.

The pride I feel is beyond measure

We have remained in touch, and their son is thriving.

I am now beginning the process for a third surrogacy. The agency holds my medical records, and another psychological evaluation is upcoming.

Compensation has never been my main focus. Jordan and I applied the $75,000 earned toward a home renovation, with the balance placed in savings.

No sum of money can equal the pride and fulfillment of giving another person the gift of a new life to cherish.