Kansas Surrogate Spotlight: Amanda Z. – An Inspiring Midwest Surrogacy Story

Celebrating the Dedication of a Three-Time Kansas Surrogate

Pathways To Parenthood Surrogacy Agency is honored to shine a spotlight on Amanda Z., a remarkable surrogate from Kansas who has completed two surrogacy journeys and is currently pregnant with surro-baby number three.

Amanda’s kindness, dedication, and devotion to helping intended parents realize their dream of becoming parents is truly inspiring. She recently shared her experiences with us, hoping to encourage other women in Kansas City and across the Midwest to consider becoming surrogates and helping families grow.

Starting a Surrogacy Journey During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Amanda first decided to become a surrogate and work with Pathways To Parenthood during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, she had signed on with another surrogacy agency that worked with international intended parents. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused that agency to close, creating a deeply upsetting situation for Amanda — a woman who had already met all the requirements to become a surrogate and was determined to help others.

Finding the Right Surrogacy Agency Close to Home

After her first surrogacy opportunity fell through, Amanda decided she wanted to work with a surrogacy agency closer to home. While researching her options, she discovered Pathways To Parenthood Surrogacy Agency — a Kansas City-based agency that primarily works with intended parents and fertility clinics throughout the Midwest, including Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Why Choose to Become a Surrogate?

When asked why she first considered surrogacy, Amanda explained that she was inspired by two close friends who struggled with infertility. She initially thought she might be able to help her friends directly, but when they didn’t need her assistance, the calling to become a surrogate remained.

She describes surrogacy as “a way of leveling the cosmic playing field by giving of myself to help others in need.” That calling has since led her to work with three sets of intended parents, each expressing deep gratitude for her care, dedication, and compassion.

The Joys and Challenges of Surrogacy

Amanda genuinely enjoys the pregnancy experience — from carrying the baby to labor and delivery — and says she is “really good at it.” After her first surrogacy journey, she knew she would do it again, recalling that “seeing the unbridled joy in my first belly buddy’s mom was when I knew I would do it again.”

Still, Amanda is honest about the realities of surrogacy. The process can be joyful and fulfilling, but it can also be lengthy, frustrating, and sometimes even boring. She emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and working with an experienced, supportive agency to help navigate those challenges.

Understanding the Surrogacy Process in Kansas City and the Midwest

The process of becoming a surrogate involves several important steps:

• Meet Basic Criteria – These requirements are set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and fertility clinics. They typically include being between 21–40 years old, having at least one prior healthy pregnancy, and meeting health and lifestyle standards.
• Apply to a Surrogacy Agency – Select an agency that matches your values, offers the support you need, and serves your region.
• Complete the Screening Process – This includes medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and background checks.
• Matching with Intended Parents – Once you meet the criteria, you’ll be paired with intended parents based on compatibility and shared expectations.
• Begin the Medical Process – The embryo transfer process, pregnancy, and delivery follow, with the agency providing guidance throughout.

Amanda notes that the typical surrogacy journey lasts between 18 and 24 months from application to delivery.

Amanda’s View on Surrogate Compensation

Having completed two journeys and currently working on her third, Amanda understands the realistic value of surrogate compensation. She believes surrogates deserve fair pay for the time, dedication, and physical demands of the process — but stresses that compensation should not be the primary motivation.

She cautions against agencies that make inflated promises about payment, advising prospective surrogates to seek honest, transparent information about what they can expect to receive. For Amanda, the true reward comes from seeing the joy and gratitude of the families she helps.

Advice for Women Considering Becoming a Surrogate

Amanda encourages potential surrogates to:

• Understand their motivations.
• Research agencies carefully.
• Prepare for the emotional and time commitments involved.

She reminds women that surrogacy is more than pregnancy — it’s a partnership built on trust, compassion, and the shared goal of creating a family.

Why Choose Pathways To Parenthood

Based in Kansas City, Pathways To Parenthood has successfully guided surrogates and intended parents through the surrogacy process for years. Our agency works closely with fertility clinics and families across the Midwest, providing personalized guidance, legal coordination, medical scheduling, and emotional support from start to finish.

If you are considering becoming a surrogate in Kansas City or anywhere in the Midwest, we can help you take the first step toward a rewarding and life-changing experience.

FAQs About Becoming a Surrogate in Kansas City and the Midwest

Q: How do I know if I qualify to be a surrogate?
A: You must meet basic criteria established by the ASRM and fertility clinics, including age, health, pregnancy history, and lifestyle requirements.

Q: How long does the surrogacy process take?
A: On average, it takes 18–24 months from the initial application to delivery.

Q: How much do surrogates get paid in Kansas and Missouri?
A: Compensation varies by agency and experience. At Pathways To Parenthood, we ensure surrogates are compensated fairly and transparently.

Q: Do I have to live in Kansas City to work with Pathways To Parenthood?
A: No. We work with surrogates throughout Kansas, Missouri, and other Midwest states.

Q: What support will I receive as a surrogate?
A: We offer comprehensive guidance, legal and medical coordination, and emotional support throughout your journey.