The Reparative Motive in Surrogate Mothers

Abstract

This paper explores the motivations of surrogate mothers, with a focus on the underlying reparative motive. An overview of the typical surrogate's characteristics and personality, the theoretical underpinnings of the reparative motive, and the tension between reparation and loss in the surrogate are considered. Clinical material from psychological evaluations of women pursuing a surrogate pregnancy is presented to illustrate.