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We are here to answer your questions and go over the surrogacy process with you anytime. Or, read our Frequently Asked Questions below.
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How long does it take to become a surrogate?
Typically surrogates find the right intended parents within 1-3 months. It usually takes another 1-3 months to schedule and complete the medical screening, psychological evaluation and legal contracts. Once legal contracts are done, the embryo transfers usually take place in the next 3-4 weeks. After that, you can expect a normal pregnancy term as long as there are no complications.
There are several factors that are taken into consideration in the surrogacy process with the most important factor being what you and the intended parents are looking for. Other factors include age, background, marital status, BMI and previous childbirth history. We have some surrogates who were discovered by parents very quickly, while others may take longer. We recommend that our surrogates make sure they keep their profiles current, that pictures are kept up to date and we even recommend submitting a brief introduction video about yourself.
Does surrogacy cost me anything?
Questions about finances are some of the most important surrogacy questions to ask. Any expenses you incur during the surrogacy process will be reimbursed by the intended parents. In addition, you will receive base compensation for your time and sacrifices made throughout the pregnancy.
How much contact will I have with the intended parents?
As much as you both want. We encourage surrogates to work with parents who have similar interests as themselves. After legal has been completed, intended parents and surrogates can arrange to meet at their own discretion.
How will I be compensated?
You do not need insurance to join our program, but all of our surrogates have medical insurance prior to starting their medications. Intended Parents are responsible for the cost of the insurance and we will evaluate your insurance status at the time of your match and help institute an appropriate policy.
Do I need insurance to become a surrogate?
The intended parents will fund an escrow account before starting your medical protocol. Prior to pregnancy confirmation, you will receive a monthly expense allowance, as well as compensation for the embryo transfer and an injectable medication fee. Your pregnancy compensation will begin on the first weekday of each month following confirmation of fetal heartbeat. Your base compensation is broken up into 10 monthly payments; however, after you deliver the baby the remaining balance will come in one final payment.
Will I have to travel?
Most likely. We do require that all Surrogates complete medical screening in California with our professionals. All costs associated with the trip are covered by Intended Parents. In addition to your surrogacy screening, you will likely need to travel for each embryo transfer.
What if I don’t become pregnant?
Typically, intended parents ask for a commitment from you for up to 3 embryo transfers. Because we work with great physicians, most surrogates do eventually become pregnant.
What happens after the baby is born?
The birth of the baby is one of the most exciting and rewarding steps of the entire surrogacy process. Most surrogates involve the intended parents in the labor and delivery process and celebrate with them as they welcome their new baby into the world. If they haven’t already, the intended parents will assume full parental rights at this point in the process.
You may experience a mix of emotions after the birth, including excitement, pride and satisfaction. However, if you find yourself experiencing any difficult feelings, you may seek counseling and support services from your surrogacy agency.
From there, you will always share an important connection with the intended parents and child. You may choose to maintain an ongoing relationship with the family as the child grows.
Will I be compensated more for carrying twins or triplets?
Yes. Currently our surrogates receive an additional $5,000 for carrying twins. Our team can discuss the “multiple fee” for triplets as we do compensate for them, but safe, healthy pregnancies are our priority.
Will I have to pump/ breastfeed?
No. during the matching process, we ask if you are interested in pumping and will match you with an Intended Parent that feels the same. Not all IPs want or need their Surrogate to pump. If intended parents ask you to supplying breast milk, currently our surrogates receive an additional $200 per week.
What medications will I have to take as a gestational surrogate?
Each fertility clinic requires its own, specific protocols. The typical medications taken are prenatal vitamins, birth control, Lupron, progesterone, and estrogen. Some medications are taken orally and others are in the form of injections.
Is the embryo transfer procedure painful?
Our surrogate community report that it is not painful though you may have some slight discomfort, including cramping afterwards.
Can I apply to be a surrogate if I have an IUD in place for my birth control?
Yes, however you will need to get the IUD removed after your application has been accepted. Please complete an application so we can determine your eligibility. Because your IUD removal and replacement costs are your own financial responsibility, the timing of its removal is important. After the IUD is removed, you will need to have at least one menstrual cycle before we can start looking for a match for you.
How many embryos will be transferred?
While most of the physicians we work with are conservative, this decision is made mutually between you and the intended parents. Usually no more than 1 to 2 embryos are transferred.
Can I be a surrogate with your program if I haven’t had a child? No. It is difficult to consent to something for someone else that one hasn’t done already for themselves. You must have given birth to and be raising at least one child. Part of our screening process involves the review of your prenatal and delivery records to ensure you have a history of healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries.
Will my spouse or partner have to be involved in this process?
Yes, if you are married, engaged or living with a significant other, your spouse, fiancé or partner will need to accompany you to the screening appointment(s) and be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. If you are sexually active with a partner but not living with that person, your partner will need to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases but will not have to participate in the process in any other way.
Will I have a choice in the selection of the couple or individual I work with?
Yes, you will be presented with profiles for all available couples or individuals who fit your desired criteria and/or have the same goals/beliefs as you. Because we work with prospective parents from all over the world, who are single, married or gay, we want to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to become matched with the right person for them. The matching process is based off finding you an individual or couple who you feel one hundred percent confident in traveling this journey with. This is a huge step in your life and experience that we want you to enjoy and remember for years to come. Taking the time to review parent profiles carefully, then when meeting with the parents, discussion about what each person is hopeful for achieving and learn more about how each person deals with stressful situations. Although every situation is different, finding a common ground between parent and surrogate is of the upmost importance to us. A strong connection with your prospective parent based on mutual trust, respect and understanding is crucial to a successful journey.
Why should I be matched through an agency rather than try to be matched myself?
Surrogacy is a very complicated process. It is important to have an agency with significant experience in the surrogacy world to help you and the intended parents navigate the various parts of the process. In addition, it is critical that both you and the intended parents have someone they can talk to and help mediate any issues that may arise during the surrogacy process. In fact, a good agency can help anticipate issues and avoid problems between you and the intended parents from the beginning.
