Surrogacy in Ghana: a qualitative study exploring recruitment processes, eligibility criteria, stigma and postnatal care experiences among surrogate mothers.

OBJECTIVE: Surrogacy has become a vital reproductive option for individuals and couples who are unable to conceive naturally. This study explores the experiences of surrogate mothers in Ghana, focusing on recruitment pathways, eligibility criteria, societal stigma and postnatal care experiences. DESIGN: Qualitative phenomenological research design was used, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. SETTING: Three private agencies that source surrogate mothers for assisted reproduction facilities in Accra, Ghana. Data were collected between December 2020 and June 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one surrogate mothers aged 20-40 years who were either pregnant (gestational age ≥16 weeks) or had delivered within the past 2 years were recruited from three private agencies in Accra. RESULTS: Thematic analysis generated four themes: (1) recruitment pathways into surrogacy, (2) eligibility criteria and assessments, (3) experiences of stigma and concealment and (4) postnatal care and recovery. These themes illustrate how surrogate mothers in Ghana navigate recruitment processes, psychosocial and medical evaluations, societal stigma and challenges with discharge and follow-up care. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the need for systemic changes, including enhanced postnatal care, structured psychological evaluations and culturally sensitive interventions to reduce stigma.