As a gestational surrogate, you have the power to give the ultimate gift to those struggling to start a family. When an intended parent can’t carry a pregnancy on their own, there are many reasons. Absence of a uterus, uterine abnormalities, multiple failed IVF cycles, and numerous miscarriages are just some struggles that parents have faced before they come to us for help. It is our mission to provide hope for these families, bringing them closer to their dreams of becoming parents. Your decision to explore surrogacy pushes us one step closer to making those dreams a reality. Here’s more information on beginning one of the most fulfilling journeys of your life.
Thank You for
Considering Surrogacy
Why Should I Become
a Surrogate?
Fulfilling dreams. Finding purpose. Changing lives. These are just a few reasons our surrogates say they chose to join our program. Building families and fulfilling the dreams of deserving families would not be possible without our amazing surrogates.
As a surrogate, you play an integral part in helping individuals and couples start and expand their family. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, the following information will help answer the most common questions.
What Is a Gestational
Surrogate?
Gestational surrogacy is the most common journey our families follow. As a gestational surrogate, you will not be biologically related to the child or children you will be carrying. Gestational surrogacy takes an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor and combines it with the sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor.
Through in vitro fertilization, commonly referred to as IVF, we create an embryo transferred into the chosen surrogate. You’ll be fully supported through every step of the embryo transfer process. With gestational surrogacy, your eggs will not be used in the process.
A Look at the Medical Process
for Gestational Surrogacy
Surrogacy is considered a medical process. It consists of three main steps:
- Screening by an IVF Physician
- Embryo Transfer at an IVF Facility
- Pregnancy and Delivery Care
Here’s a closer look at what you can expect during the embryo transfer and pregnancy process:
1. Embryo Transfer Process
Once you’ve received medical and psychological clearance, you’ll wait for a match to be confirmed before the legal phase begins. After you and the intended parent’s sign contracts, we’ll work with you and an IVF doctor to create a calendar with tentative dates.
Once you’ve completed your embryo transfer, you’ll take your first pregnancy test 10-12 dates later. Your IVF medical team will be with you every step of the process, setting up medication delivery, and monitoring you with appointments at the doctor’s office or a medical facility of your choice. At around 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll be released to your obstetrician for follow-through.
2. Pregnancy and Delivery
We want to start by reminding you that you are never alone throughout the process. Our case specialists will know the ins-and-outs of your journey and understand your situation. We’ll guide you through this process’s administrative and emotional aspects, from appointment reminders to payment coverage.
You’ll have continued access to expert professionals and compassionate support. That means you’ll have answers to all your questions or concerns and a place to share your feelings and worries. As you get closer to your delivery date, we’ll create a birth plan that allows you to deliver in your hometown hospital and work with the intended parents to determine their role in the delivery process.
Surrogate Requirements
While we would love to work with everyone who hopes to create families and help others, we adhere to strict guidelines to ensure our families and surrogates’ best matches. Below is a list of the general guidelines we follow. Final approval is based on our team’s decision after reviewing your unique circumstances and providing a full workup.
General requirements:
- Women ages 21-42
- Have at least one full-term pregnancy
- Have custody of at least one child
- No more than three c-section deliveries
- Maximum Body Mass Index (BMI)of 32.5
- Non-smoker, no alcohol or prescription medication abuse or use of illicit drugs
- Not receiving welfare, public housing assistance, or case assistance (food stamps, etc.) from the government
- No mental health conditions that require the use of medication within the last six months
- United States citizens or current legal resident
How Much Compensation
Will I Receive as a Surrogate?
One of the biggest questions our surrogates ask is how much compensation they will receive. While we look for individuals whose main reason to become a surrogate is to help intended parents build their families, we understand that payment is essential. We offer generous compensation packages that allow our surrogates to pursue their dreams while helping others reach theirs. Surrogacy compensation depends on experience, state of residence, and several other factors. Get in touch with our team to talk about how much compensation you might be eligible for through the surrogacy process.
Meet the Requirements?
Ready to Begin?
What’s Next?
If you meet the requirements we’ve listed above and have decided that you want to become a surrogate, you’re probably wondering what’s next. First of all, congratulations! You are one step closer to making incredible, positive changes in the lives of others. Get in touch with our compassionate experts to answer any questions or start the application process. Welcome to the Paying It Forward family, and thank you for helping us build beautiful families.
