| The purpose of this study was to interview 15 social workers who have experience working with surrogate mothers and receiving parents. The telephone interviews were carried out to gain insight about the types of services that are being offered to surrogate mothers and receiving parents as well as the need for new services. In addition, the interviews explored the role of medical social work practitioners in the surrogacy process and implications for practice.;The results of this study found that social workers believe that surrogate mothers and receiving parents would benefit from counseling, support, anticipatory guidance, community resources (specialized), assistance throughout the delivery process including accommodations, and paperwork assistance. In addition, it was found that social workers are concerned about the lack of regulation of surrogacy agencies, knowledge regarding surrogacy by medical staff, and social work involvement in surrogacy. Overall, social workers are not concerned about being involved in surrogacy arrangements as long as social workers are practicing ethically and legally. In fact, social workers believe they can contribute to social policy by providing surrogacy information, suggestions, and consultation to policy makers.;Implications for social work practice and future research were addressed. |
