Stacey Thornton’s decision to be a surrogate is “the ultimate gift”

When Matthew Phillips and Tammy Mercer turned to Facebook for their search for a surrogate, they never imagined that Stacey Thornton would come into their lives.

Although Thornton did not know the couple personally, when she saw their Facebook status searching for a surrogate had been reposted, she immediately knew she had to contact them.

“I’ve always said I would be a surrogate because of how much I loved being pregnant with my daughter. She was so supportive of my decision and was excited. I always joke and tell people ‘well my uterus was empty so someone may as well use it,’” said Thornton.

Their post stated that the couple was hoping to find someone who wanted involvement in the baby’s life after the birth and that they also wanted to avoid an agency, hoping to find someone close to home.

Thornton messaged Mercer in response to the Facebook status and after meeting up the three hit it off immediately.

“Tammy has two grown children of her own and is already such an amazing mom. If there’s one person on the planet who is meant to have a child it’s Matthew. He will be such an incredible dad,” said Thornton.

To begin the process, Thornton had to go through extensive medical testing and a psychological evaluation.

“We used the CReATe Fertility Centre clinic in Toronto,” said Thornton, “along with lawyers as well as a 40-page legal contract.”

While many surrogates use their own egg, Phillips’ sperm and Mercer’s egg were used to create a 5-day embryo that was then injected into Thornton.

“The chance of it sticking was 28 per cent and it happened the first time. This baby clearly really wanted to come into the world,” said Thornton.

I have always really just wanted to make other people happy. This was the ultimate gift I could ever give someone.

Phillips and Mercer attend every appointment and want to be as supportive and involved as possible throughout the pregnancy.

“They’re like my little cheering squad everywhere we go,” said Thornton. “We all get along so well, I couldn’t have asked for a better couple.”

As Thornton is just over three months along, the baby will be born the end of November. Phillips and Mercer want him or her to call Thornton “Auntie Stacey” and want her to be present for holidays as well as regular visits.

“I’m not stressed or nervous at all. The whole experience has been great,” said Thornton. “I think the reason that my daughter turned out so well and this baby will too is because we are all so calm about it.”

When asked if she would recommend surrogacy to another woman, Thornton ecstatically replied, “One hundred per cent!

“I would totally recommend surrogacy to any woman. I would also say to do your research. Realize the full extent of what you’re signing up for. It is an amazing experience in many ways and a great gift but you are also putting your life on hold for a year. You’re responsible for someone else’s child. It’s emotionally and physically draining but worth every second.”

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