What are the requirements to become a surrogate?

Our goal will always be to ensure your safety and have a successful surrogacy journey for everyone involved; potential surrogates must meet specific health, lifestyle, and legal criteria.

• Be between the ages of 21 and 38.
• Have experienced at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy and currently have custody of your child.
• Have had no more than three cesarean deliveries and no more than five total births.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, free from tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, with no criminal history.
• Possess a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 32.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and strong communication skills.
• Have a stable support system in place

These guidelines align with recommendations from leading reproductive medicine organizations to prioritize the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the baby.

What is an Egg Donation and Surrogacy agency?

An Egg Donation and Surrogacy agency is commonly known as a one-stop center for those entering the third-party reproduction process. This is because this kind of agency typically provides all or most of the services that you need as you complete your Egg Donation/Surrogacy experience, including coordination between all the other Surrogacy professionals involved in the process, like clinics and Surrogacy attorneys.

What is surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is when a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for someone else, using an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this arrangement, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child; the embryo is made from the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm.

This process is typically chosen when individuals or couples cannot carry a pregnancy themselves due to medical reasons, infertility, or other circumstances. The surrogate undergoes medical screening and legal agreements to ensure the health and safety of all parties involved.

Gestational surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for those who might otherwise be unable to have children, with the surrogate providing the physical means to bring the child into the world.

What does the timeline look like?

The surrogacy begins with a matching process, where intended parents are paired with a surrogate, typically within 5–6 weeks. This is followed by a psychological screening by an agency-appointed psychologist, often involving both the surrogate and their partner. Next is a medical screening at an IVF clinic to determine readiness for transfer, including physical exams and lab work, taking 1–2 months. Then, a surrogacy contract is reviewed and signed with legal guidance over 3–4 weeks. The IVF cycle and medications stage involves 4 weeks of preparatory medication continuing until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Embryo transfer is a procedure that places the embryo in the surrogate’s uterus, followed by a pregnancy test (HCG) after 10–14 days. If positive, a heartbeat ultrasound is done 10–14 days later to confirm pregnancy (6–8 weeks along). Around 10–12 weeks, the surrogate is released to her regular OB, and the journey continues like a typical pregnancy until delivery, with added monitoring and communication with the intended parents. This is a general outline of a surrogacy timeline; every journey is different.

Is it OK that my tubes are tied?

Yes, you can be a surrogate even if you’ve had your tubes tied. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm and then transferred directly into the surrogate's uterus. This process bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely, so having them tied or even removed does not prevent you from carrying a pregnancy as a surrogate. As long as your uterus is healthy and you meet the other medical and program requirements, tubal ligation is not a barrier to becoming a surrogate.

What if I am currently on an antidepressant medication?

Medication use will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Before beginning your surrogacy journey, it’s important to understand that the medications used during IVF can have significant effects on your body and emotions. These medications, which include hormones like estrogen and progesterone, are essential for preparing your body for pregnancy. However, they can also lead to side effects. Additionally, hormonal treatments could cause significant mental and emotional changes, affecting mood and overall well-being.

Do I need to have a child of my own to be a surrogate?

Yes, to become a surrogate, you must have given birth to at least one child. This requirement is in place to ensure that you have experienced pregnancy and childbirth firsthand, which helps medical professionals assess your ability to carry a pregnancy to term safely. It also provides you with a personal understanding of pregnancy’s physical and emotional aspects, which is crucial when carrying a child for someone else.

Why does my partner need to be supportive?

Having your partner’s full support is essential when embarking on a surrogacy journey. Not only does their encouragement help you navigate the emotional and physical aspects of the process, but their involvement is often legally required. If you’re married, your spouse may need to participate in medical screenings and sign legal documents. Even if you’re unmarried, a supportive partner can assist with childcare, accompany you to appointments, and provide emotional support, ensuring a smoother and more positive experience for everyone involved.

How long does the process take to finish?

Having your partner’s full support is essential when embarking on a surrogacy journey. Not only does their encouragement help you navigate the emotional and physical aspects of the process, but their involvement is often legally required. If you’re married, your spouse may need to participate in medical screenings and sign legal documents. Even if you’re unmarried, a supportive partner can assist with childcare, accompany you to appointments, and provide emotional support, ensuring a smoother and more positive experience for everyone involved.

Am I able to be a surrogate as a single mom?

Absolutely! Being a single mom doesn’t prevent you from becoming a surrogate. Many single women have successfully embarked on this rewarding journey. The key requirement is having a reliable support system in place. This network, be it family, friends, or trusted individuals, should be able to assist with childcare during medical appointments, accompany you to clinic visits if needed, and provide emotional support throughout the process. Agencies recognize that single mothers often have strong, established support networks and are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of surrogacy.

Why is it important that I have a good emotional support system?

Having a reliable support system is crucial for surrogates to navigate the emotional, physical, and logistical aspects of the journey. Surrogacy involves medical procedures, appointments, and the emotional experience of carrying a child for another family. A dependable support network comprising partners, family, friends, and your agency can assist with daily tasks, accompany you to appointments, and provide emotional encouragement. Additionally, having someone to help care for your children during appointments or travel related to the surrogacy process can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on your health and well-being. A solid support system ultimately helps surrogates feel cared for, reduces stress, and contributes to a more positive and fulfilling experience.

Who pays the medical bills?

Once you’re officially matched and the contract is signed, the intended parents take care of all the costs. This includes medical expenses, legal fees, and any other agreed-upon payments. Additionally, certain expenses you incur during the process, such as medical co-pays and prescriptions, may be reimbursed upon submission of receipts.

I do not live in the same city as the IVF clinic used by the intended parents. How many times will I have to travel to the IVF clinic?

Traveling to the IVF clinic usually involves two or more visits. The first will be for medical screening, and the second will be for the embryo transfer. Additional travel may be required depending on your specific journey. Applicable travel expenses are covered.

Which IVF clinics do you work with?

We work with some of the top-rated fertility clinics and doctors across the United States, and we have built great relationships with them. These relationships allow you to take advantage of the special pricing packages we have negotiated. However, the decision of which fertility clinic to use is entirely the decision of the Intended Parents. We will work with any fertility clinic that the Intended Parents choose, as long as they will be able to coordinate with our agency.