Intended Parent(s) FAQs

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own eggs are fertilized using artificial insemination, making her the biological mother of the baby. Gestational Surrogacy, the surrogate becomes pregnant through in-vitro fertilization and has no biological connection to the baby.

Surrogacy success rates are influenced by the IVF clinic you work with, the health and viability of the embryo you use and the health and fertility history of your surrogate. Your fertility clinic can help you determine and advise of your best chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Gestational Carriers (Surrogates) are women of all different backgrounds who want to help others become a parent. Their situations can vary significantly, all Surrogates must meet specific criteria and requirements before they can be matched with intended parents. Medical Screening and eligibility requirements are determined by the agency you work with and medical clinic.

In addition to surrogate screening requirements, all reproductive clinics require intended parents to undergo testings and screenings. This mutual screening process ensures that all parties are physically, psychologically, legally and financially ready for surrogacy.

Intended parents may find a prospective surrogate in two ways: via a family member or friend or with the help of an agency’s matching services. If you have not already identified a surrogate, a surrogacy agency can help you find surrogates. These professionals often provide expert matching services and detailed databases that match intended parents with surrogates based on each intended parents compatibility and goals.

The frequency and type of contact you have with your surrogate before, during and after the pregnancy will be addressed as part of your surrogacy plan. You can have as much or as little contact as both parties are comfortable with. Many surrogacy agencies offer contact mediation services for this purpose.

The medical surrogacy process and embryo transfer will not begin until legal contracts are agreed to and signed by both the intended parents and gestational. Once there is legal clearance in place and all screenings have been approved, the synchronization of the gestational carrier transfer date will begin. Medical procedures will be handled by an agreed-upon reproductive fertility clinic.

Surrogacy costs can vary based on a number of factors, including the type of surrogacy you pursue, the professional and surrogate you work with, the services you need throughout the process and the course of the surrogate’s pregnancy. Agency fees are usually set by the surrogacy professional and rarely change, variable expenses can change significantly based on your individual situation. Most surrogacy arrangements range from $60,000–$135,000.

Your surrogacy agency will collaboratively work with your surrogates insurance plan. If your surrogate does not have insurance, a plan can be purchased for her through the agency in order to cover most costs including delivery and hospital stay.