I made $22,500 and $30,000 being a surrogate twice. I had easy pregnancies and loved helping others start a family.

• Heather Wilkinson was a surrogate twice and earned $22,500 and $30,000 in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
• Surrogacy is increasing, with the global market valued at $14 billion in 2022.
• Surrogates can now earn $35,000 to $50,000, while intended parents may spend around $200,000 or more.

Heather Wilkinson was at the park visiting with a relatively new friend while their children played, when the friend explained she had babies for other people.

"At first, I thought she was kind of crazy," Wilkinson said of her first impression of surrogacy. But as the friend explained that she'd had easy pregnancies and now she was helping others build their families, Wilkinson thought, "I might be into this crazy idea after all."