Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues Among Surrogates: New Research Findings

Recent research conducted by ICES, McGill University, and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center highlights a concerning trend: gestational carriers, commonly known as surrogates, are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions during and after pregnancy. Utilizing Ontario-based health data, the study analyzed 767,406 births in the region from 2012 to 2021, excluding women with pre-existing mental illnesses. The findings revealed that nearly 20% of surrogates had prior mental health diagnoses, including serious conditions that could have disqualified them from participating as surrogates.

The study demonstrated that surrogates face a higher incidence rate of new-onset mental illnesses, with 6.9 cases per 100 person-years, compared to 5.2 and 5.0 among women who conceived without assistance or through IVF, respectively. Notably, the risk was even more pronounced when mental health issues resulted in emergency department visits or hospitalizations.

Lead author Dr. Maria Velez emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that they highlight the critical need for comprehensive mental health screening and ongoing counseling for potential surrogates. Despite existing guidelines recommending mental health evaluations, the study indicates gaps, especially as many surrogates may already have experienced mental health challenges prior to pregnancy.

This research underscores the importance of providing enhanced mental health support during and after surrogacy arrangements. It aims to inform future guidelines to ensure better psychological care for surrogates, safeguarding their well-being during this vulnerable period.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study also noted that surrogates often have higher rates of prior childbirth, lower income, obesity, and hypertension, factors that may influence mental health outcomes. The findings suggest that health care providers should be particularly vigilant in offering tailored mental health resources to this group to prevent long-term adverse effects.

For further details, the full study can be accessed at JAMA Network Open.