Can Military Spouses Become Surrogates? 5 Women Share Their Inspiring Surrogacy Stories

Military spouses are known for being resilient—but constant moves, career disruptions, and unpredictable schedules can make it hard to find stability. For many, traditional jobs don’t offer the flexibility military life demands and surrogacy can be a good fit for their life.

Here are five women and their surrogacy journeys as military spouses.

A Calling to Serve

Rachelle McKay is a military spouse and mom of five who felt a powerful calling to become a surrogate. After two uncomplicated pregnancies, she began exploring surrogacy and realized it was her way to give back—much like her husband serves their country.

After witnessing a friend struggle with infertility, Rachelle was inspired to help another family experience the joys of parenthood.

For Rachelle, the most unforgettable moment? Seeing intended parents meet their baby for the very first time.

Watch her share her surrogacy spark here:

Surrogacy and the Military

Tayler Lewis shares what so many military families experience: “Stability was never part of the plan—until I found surrogacy.” After years of moving, job-hopping, and staying home due to childcare costs, she wanted a way to contribute financially while still supporting her family. Surrogacy gave her exactly that—steady income, flexibility, and purpose that moves with her. Since starting her surrogacy journey in 2022, she has helped two families grow.

Read more about Tayler’s surrogacy story:

Understanding Surrogacy Eligibility

For Whitney Long, one of the biggest misconceptions is eligibility. “Being a military spouse doesn’t disqualify you from being a surrogate.”

Whitney experienced challenges building her family and experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage. After she and her husband, Geremi, welcomed two beautiful children, Whitney felt compelled to do more to someone else who was going through the challenges of infertility. She had textbook pregnancies and couldn’t shake the thought: “What if I could help someone else become a parent?." That calling led her to become a surrogate.

After completing her first surrogacy journey, she describes it as “the most amazing experience.” She emphasizes that the process is supportive and flexible—her husband was involved when it mattered most, and the intended parents are now like family. The emotional reward, she says, is second only to having her own children.

Listen to Whitney and her husband Geremi share their surrogacy experience.

The Importance of Support

Becoming a gestational surrogate wasn’t a decision Christina took lightly. It was the culmination of a deep desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. Her journey into surrogacy began with a simple thought: "What if I could be the one to make someone’s dream of having a child come true?" 

After doing her research, Christina chose to become a surrogate not once, but twice.

Christina understands the concerns many military spouses have, especially around healthcare. “I worried Tricare and military hospitals might be an issue, but my surrogacy agency made sure I was fully supported.”

As a two-time surrogate during her husband’s Air Force and Space Force career, she not only helped another family but also created a financial cushion during their transition out of the military.

Read more about Christina’s decision to be a repeat surrogate:

Finding Purpose

Then there’s Amy, who brings honesty and humor to the journey: “I looked at deployment schedules and working full time and thought, sure, let’s add surrogacy to the mix.”

Like many, she once thought it wasn’t realistic. Now, after completing one journey and preparing for another, she calls it “one of the most purposeful things I’ve ever done.” She highlights common concerns—the baby isn’t biologically yours, your spouse’s involvement is flexible, and yes, it’s compensated—making it a practical option for military families.

Watch Amy’s surrogacy spark:

Inspired by these five women and their journeys? Check out our How to Become a Surrogate Guide for everything you need to know about surrogacy!