Considering Surrogacy? Get the Answers You Need

The medical process for gestational surrogacy varies by individual circumstances and the fertility clinic you ultimately choose to work with. However, all instances of gestational surrogacy involve in vitro fertilization, which is the fertilization of an egg by the sperm outside of the body and in a laboratory. If IVF is successful, then an embryo transfer procedure will take place, which involves manually placing the embryo in a woman's uterus. In some instances, the process may include a donor egg, donor sperm or donor embryo.

The expenses incurred as part of the gestational surrogacy process, including your surrogate mother's compensation and out-of-pocket expenses, are the responsibility of the intended parents. This will be detailed as part of the surrogacy agreement prepared by qualified legal representation and signed with your surrogate mother before the medical process commences.    

How can someone tell if the agency they are considering is reputable?
Learning about different surrogacy agencies and deciding which one you would like to work with can be overwhelming. Every agency's approach is different, and we recommend choosing a qualified agency that fits your personal requirements and expectations. Consider how the agency prescreens its potential surrogate mothers and whether its services and support offering is comprehensive. Understand how it will manage insurance coverage and financial transactions, facilitate legal representation and how much the agency will charge in fees.

Your fertility clinic or a previous intended parent may be able to provide referrals for reputable agencies. If you are not already working with a fertility clinic, we have a network of professionals that we can share with you. We offer complimentary consultations so you can familiarize yourself with our agency, staff, process and prescreening process. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible while you make the decision that is best for you and your loved ones.

Is there any legal possibility that the surrogate could get custody of the baby?
A gestational surrogate has no biological tie to the child, and legal agreements between the intended parents and their surrogate, as well as the pre-birth order, help to protect the rights of the intended parents. It is important that all intended parents arrange qualified legal representation to navigate the legal process of gestational surrogacy.