Woman Watched Her Best Friend Become a Surrogate. Now She Says Helping Families Grow Changed Her Life (Exclusive)

**Air National Guard Officer Embraces Surrogacy to Help Families Achieve Parenthood**

Dr. LaShonda Unseld-Hopkins, a committed Air National Guard officer, entrepreneur, and mother, has undertaken the journey of surrogacy after witnessing the experience of her best friend. This personal encounter ignited a passion within her to assist others in their quest for parenthood, fundamentally altering her life trajectory.

Unseld-Hopkins, 41, closely observed her friend navigate the surrogacy process and felt moved by the profound impact it had on the family involved. “I became a surrogate because I watched my best friend go through surrogacy and had a front-row seat to her journey,” she explains. Having previously enjoyed a healthy pregnancy herself, she was acutely aware of the yearning many families feel to expand their own.

As she delved deeper into the world of surrogacy, Unseld-Hopkins recognised the opportunity it presented to make a profound difference in the lives of others. She embarked on her own surrogacy journey following extensive medical and psychological tests to ensure she was ready for the commitment ahead. After being matched with intended parents whose values resonated with hers, she began building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

The day of delivery marked a pivotal moment in Unseld-Hopkins’s life. She recalls the overwhelming sense of pride and joy associated with helping a family grow, especially when those parents were unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. “Delivering their babies was one of the most rewarding moments of my life because I had the privilege of helping a family grow who truly wanted more kids,” she reflects.

For Unseld-Hopkins, the surrogacy journey extends far beyond the act of childbirth. She takes immense satisfaction in witnessing the moment when intended parents first hold their newborns. “Being a part of making their dream a reality is something I’ll never take for granted,” she adds, underscoring the emotional significance of each experience.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. Throughout her time as a surrogate, Unseld-Hopkins adeptly balanced her responsibilities, which included serving in the Air National Guard, managing her travel business, and caring for her son, who is autistic. “Surrogacy doesn’t pause your life; you continue carrying every other responsibility while carrying someone else’s greatest hope,” she articulates, highlighting the complexity of her commitments.

The decision to pursue surrogacy was not made lightly. Unseld-Hopkins and her husband engaged in thorough discussions about the implications of taking on another pregnancy. They weighed the potential risks, considered the emotional toll, and evaluated how this journey would affect their family dynamics. “My husband was my biggest supporter, but surrogacy is something the entire family commits to, not just the surrogate,” she states, emphasising the importance of family involvement in the decision-making process.

Despite the hurdles inherent in surrogacy, Unseld-Hopkins hopes to illuminate the deeper meaning behind the process. She aspires for people to recognise that surrogacy is more than merely a financial transaction or a sensational headline. “I hope people walk away understanding that surrogacy is an act of service that deserves both respect and transparency,” she asserts. “Behind every headline is a woman making extraordinary sacrifices to help someone else’s dream come true.”

Through her advocacy, Unseld-Hopkins aims to foster a greater understanding of surrogacy, amplifying the voices of those who may be overlooked in the narrative. Her own experiences underscore the resilience required to navigate the complexities of bringing joy to others while handling her commitments.

Unequivocally, Dr. LaShonda Unseld-Hopkins stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of compassion and service that characterises the surrogacy journey.