Surrogacy FAQ

The health risks are very similar to a normal pregnancy, but it is best to speak with your personal OB/GYN.

This will depend entirely on you and the Intended Parent(s). Some Surrogates maintain a very close relationship, while others have no contact after the birth. It is imperative to express your expectations prior to being matched.

Absolutely!

Surrogate compensation ranges from $35,000 to $70,000 depending on experience.

No! The Intended Parents will pay for all fees and costs related to the cycle. If you require specific testing (or retesting) directly related to your own health outside of the normal Surrogate screening process in order to clear you to proceed with a surrogacy cycle, you may be responsible for those costs.

A Surrogate is a woman who agrees to carry a child(ren) for another person or couple.

A Gestational Surrogate (most commonly preferred) is a Surrogate who is not genetically connected to the child she is carrying for the Intended Parent(s). The eggs are retrieved from the Intended Mother or an Egg Donor, are fertilized with the Intended Father’s sperm or Sperm Donor, and then transferred to the Surrogate’s womb. A Traditional Surrogate is a Surrogate who also donates her egg and is biologically related to the child she is carrying for the Intended Parents. This is where the Surrogate is artificially inseminated with the Intended Father’s or Donor sperm.

An agency serves as a guide through the process. We manage the process and handle the details so that the Surrogate and Intended Parents don't have to worry about anything. We want the pregnancy to be an enjoyable experience for everyone. We handle all of the discussions regarding cost & fees, doctors, lawyers and scheduling appointments. We ensure on time reimbursements to the Surrogate and make sure all parties’ expectations are being met at all times.

No.

You will be required to have an ultrasound, blood tests, and a psychological screening.

Yes, if you have a spouse or partner, he/she will be asked to submit to blood tests for STD and Drug screening (this can usually be done at a local laboratory).

Yes, you can be a Surrogate if you are unmarried or single.

Yes, you will meet the Intended Parents before you agree to work together, either face-to-face or a video meeting.

The amount of time varies for each medication. Injections are started approximately 3-4 weeks before an embryo transfer and some last until around the 13th or 14th week of pregnancy. It’s usually about three weeks on daily subcutaneous Lupron injections (in the tummy area), three and a half months of twice weekly intramuscular estradiol injections (in the muscle part of the buttocks), and three months of daily intramuscular progesterone injections (also in the muscular part of the buttocks). This will vary based on each fertility clinic's protocol. The medication schedule and instructions will be reviewed in detail with you before beginning medications. Instructions and demonstrations will be given for the injectable medications.

There are several reasons why a Surrogate may be asked to help another person. Many reasons involve the Intended Mother’s inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. She may have a history of illness or multiple miscarriages. The Intended Mother may not have a functioning uterus. An Intended Parent may be a single man or a male couple who would like to become parents.

Approximately 6-8 weeks depending on the Egg Donor's or Intended Mother's cycle, and the fertility specialist’s protocol.

The embryo is loaded into a special catheter. A speculum is placed into the vagina to allow visualization of the cervix, which will then be cleaned. Under ultrasound guidance, the catheter is placed through the cervix and into the uterus. When the catheter has been placed appropriately, the embryo is gently inserted into the uterus where it will hopefully implant. It should not hurt, although you may experience some minor discomfort with the insertion of the speculum or passing of the catheter.

The Intended Parents will pay all costs associated with the Surrogacy process and pregnancy, including travel expenses such as mileage reimbursement, air transportation, ground transportation, meals if you are required to stay overnight, hotel accommodations, childcare, lost wages, monthly housekeeping allowance, and all medical insurance costs. You will receive a monthly non-accountable expense allowance. All allowances, covered expenses and reimbursements will be specifically outlined in your legal contract.

The Base fee is disbursed in monthly installments following heartbeat confirmation. The amount depends on the base compensation fee. (Example: if base fee is $35,000, monthly installments of $3,500 will be paid to Surrogate, with balance paid within 10 days following delivery).

We do our best to match our Surrogates as quickly as possible. Once we have all of your medical records and profile complete, it can take 2-6 weeks to become matched. However, some Surrogates can be matched in as little as a few days after completing the application process. Once you are matched, the medical screening process and the legal process usually take 1-2 months. Once you have been cleared to start your IVF cycle, you are typically on medications for 3-4 weeks before you have an embryo transfer.

Yes. Once the Intended Parent(s) reviews your profile and shares an interest in working with you we will then share their profile with you. If you are interested in working with the Intended Parent(s), we will then set up a phone call/meeting for you. After speaking/meeting with them both parties will communicate to the Agency if they wish to work together. If both parties agree, you will be considered “matched.”

Typically, you are able to see your current OB doctor during your pregnancy provided he/she is in network with the insurance provider covering your pregnancy. If you need a new OB doctor we can provide you with a recommendation. You will be able to deliver at a hospital that is local to you so long as it’s approved by your insurance provider; this will most likely be where you delivered your own children.

In California through a pre-birth judgment the Intended Parents have full parental rights to the child and their names go on the birth certificate and not the Surrogate Mother or her spouse. This varies by State Law.

No, as a Gestational Surrogate you will be using the eggs from either the Intended Mother or an Egg Donor. You will have no genetic relation to the child(ren).

You will have a lot of contact with the Agency. We are here to guide you and offer support every step of the way.

There are so many loving and deserving people out there that cannot have children for various reasons. So many amazing people with so much love to offer are not able to conceive because of problems beyond their control. Surrogate Mothers offer an amazing gift of generosity. This experience is very emotionally and financially rewarding.

Yes, our Agency can help you apply for insurance that will cover Surrogacy. We can assist you with start-up fees and monthly premiums until you are matched. Once you are matched, the Intended Parents will take over all costs associated with your insurance policy.