Testimonials

Surrogate Spotlight: Jayna’s Journey Begins

December 17, 2025

Every surrogacy journey begins with a single moment, a thought, a desire, a curiosity about whether one person might play a life-changing role in someone else’s story. For Jayna Clouse, that moment first surfaced years ago while she was still living in Indiana. Over time, that spark didn’t fade the way some ideas do. Instead, it grew steadier and stronger as life unfolded around her: military moves, new jobs, raising two young daughters, and eventually planting roots in Kansas.

Now, years after that first moment of interest, Jayna is living a beautifully unfolding first-time surrogate story. She is officially matched with a family who has been hoping for their chance at parenthood, has completed her medical evaluation, and is now entering the surrogate legal agreement phase, one of the last major steps before preparing for embryo transfer.

Her heartfelt gestational surrogate experience so far is full of purpose, reflection, and the meaningful steps that bring intended parents closer to building their family.

Meet Jayna: A Glimpse Into Her Life and Her Heart

Jayna grew up in Indiana, where family, community, and close connections shaped her early years. But everything shifted when her husband joined the military, bringing a new season of change and a move to Fort Riley, Kansas. Instead of resisting the unknown, she embraced it and built a life that feels warm, steady, and full of love.

As a paraprofessional supporting kindergarten students, Jayna spends her days helping little ones learn and grow. Her work requires patience, compassion, and the ability to stay calm in the small, everyday challenges. These qualities naturally translate into the emotional readiness needed for surrogacy.

Outside of work, her world revolves around her husband and their two daughters, Emorie (7) and Mallorie (5). The 4 of them love exploring, creating memories, and simply enjoying time together. “If I’m not at work, I’m spending time with my family,” she said. “We love to go on adventures.”

Motherhood is a huge part of Jayna’s identity, and it plays a central role in her desire to help another family grow. “I really wanted to give someone the chance to feel what being a mother is all about,” she shared. “It’s the best feeling you could ever have.”

The Inspiration Behind Surrogacy: How Jayna’s Idea Took Root

Jayna first started researching surrogacy years ago in Indiana. But life was moving quickly: her husband joined the military, they relocated to a different state, and she needed time to settle into their new surroundings before taking on something as meaningful and committed as surrogacy.

Still, the idea stayed with her. “Once we settled, I started doing my research again,” she said. Her husband’s support helped her feel confident as she reopened the possibility. “He said, ‘You definitely should do it. You like being pregnant, and you’d be great at this.’”

From her initial research to officially reaching out to Pathways to Parenthood, nearly 3 years passed. During that time, she kept imagining what it would feel like to help another family experience parenthood. Her early reflections mirrored what many women consider when learning how to prepare for your first surrogacy journey, whether you’re emotionally ready, how your family will react, how intended parents fit into the process, and whether the timing is right.

Like many first-time surrogates, Jayna had concerns about whether building a relationship with intended parents would feel natural. But once she entered the process, those concerns quickly faded. Her family and friends were openly supportive and fascinated by the experience. “They were very interested in how it all works,” she said.

Beginning the Process: The First Steps in Jayna’s Surrogacy Journey

Every surrogate begins her journey with a series of evaluations and screenings designed to protect both the surrogate and the intended parents. Jayna started with the surrogate application process and was surprised by how straightforward it felt. The Pathways team guided her step-by-step, offering clarity and support through the early phases.

Before long, she matched with intended parents, a deeply emotional milestone that transforms a possibility into a partnership. Being matched made the experience feel more concrete and gave Jayna a sense of direction and purpose.

After matching, she completed her medical evaluation at the fertility clinic. She didn’t know exactly what to expect but found the process surprisingly calm and meaningful. “It was a really nice experience finally getting to see and be part of the evaluation process,” she said.

One specific moment struck her in a way she didn’t anticipate. “At my first appointment at Blue Sky Fertility the doctor asked if I wanted to see inside my uterus,” she recalled. “That was the most amazing experience. Thinking to myself, ‘Wow, I’ve given birth twice, and now I’m preparing to help create a family for someone else.’ It’s surreal at times.”

Now that she has completed her medical clearance, Jayna is in the surrogate legal agreement phase, where all details between her and the intended parents are clarified and finalized. This stage ensures every part of the surrogacy journey is protected, supported, and fully understood by everyone involved.

For Jayna, reaching this stage feels like both progress and affirmation. “Getting each step done is so rewarding,” she said. “You can start to cross things off the list.”

She acknowledges that the process requires time and focus but doesn’t find it overwhelming. “It’s all fairly easy as long as you’re willing to put in the footwork to get it done in a timely manner.”

What Surrogacy Means to Jayna on a Personal Level

Although she is still early in the journey, surrogacy has already reshaped Jayna’s understanding of connection, generosity, and family. Helping intended parents build their family is something she feels deeply committed to.

“For me, it’s giving someone the chance to love a child the way I love and cherish mine,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade that for the world. And if I can help someone else get that, then I will.”

Moments of realization continue to surface as she moves through each stage. These “pinch me” moments like the ultrasound, or seeing her progress in the surrogate portal, or talking with her intended parents make the experience feel both surreal and profoundly grounded.

This early part of her gestational surrogate story is about more than checklists and appointments. It’s about witnessing how her desire to help someone else can transform into real steps toward creating a family.

Advice for Future Surrogates Considering the Journey

Jayna knows what it feels like to be curious about surrogacy but unsure whether to commit. Her advice to anyone considering their own first time surrogate story is genuine and simple:

“I would ask her if she enjoys being pregnant, or if she would want someone to be a surrogate for her if she needed one.”

She also believes in taking the time to learn about the process and letting yourself explore the emotional side of the journey. Pathways to Parenthood provides excellent resources for women wanting to understand how to prepare for your first surrogacy journey, including their Surrogacy FAQ and the detailed surrogate process pages.

Surrogacy may not be the right fit for everyone, but for those who feel called to it, Jayna says it can be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.

Looking Ahead: A Journey Still Unfolding

Jayna’s journey is still just beginning. She has many steps ahead: legal finalization, medications, embryo transfer, and pregnancy itself. Each stage will carry its own emotions, its own milestones, and its own reflections.

But even now, it’s clear that Jayna’s story is becoming something beautiful, something purposeful, generous, and deeply human.

Her first time surrogate story is a reminder that surrogacy isn’t just a medical process. It’s a relationship. It’s an act of compassion. It’s a gift that changes families forever.

And although she may not think of herself as doing something extraordinary, Jayna is already making an amazing impact that will last a lifetime.

Surrogacy Myths Debunked: Your Questions Answered

October 9, 2025

For many families exploring surrogacy as a path to parenthood, the process feels clouded by myths that seem designed to spark doubt rather than provide clarity. Here’s the truth: much of what you’ve heard about surrogacy is rooted in outdated information, sensationalized media portrayals, or confusion between different types of surrogacy. These misconceptions create unnecessary emotional barriers for intended parents who desperately want to build their families and for generous women considering becoming gestational carriers. In the Midwest, where surrogacy may feel less familiar than in coastal cities, these myths can feel even more daunting.

But there’s good news: Modern gestational surrogacy is a medically advanced, legally protected, and ethically sound process that has helped tens of thousands of families welcome healthy babies. The key difference lies in understanding what gestational surrogacy actually involves—an arrangement where a woman (the gestational carrier) carries a pregnancy for intended parents using an embryo created through IVF, with no genetic connection to the child she carries.

In this article, we’re pulling back the curtain on the most persistent surrogacy myths. We’ll walk you through the facts with transparency and compassion, addressing the real questions that keep you up at night. Whether you’re an intended parent wondering if surrogacy is right for your family or a prospective surrogate curious about what the process truly entails, understanding the truth empowers you to make confident, informed decisions. Let’s separate fact from fiction together.

Myth 1: The Surrogate Is the Biological Mother of the Baby

This is perhaps the most fundamental misconception about surrogacy, and it causes unnecessary anxiety for many intended parents. The confusion stems from not understanding the critical difference between two distinct types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational.

In modern practice throughout the United States, the overwhelming majority of surrogacy arrangements are gestational surrogacy. In this process, the woman carrying the pregnancy—medically and legally  identified as a gestational carrier—has absolutely no genetic connection to the child. The embryo is created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) using an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor and sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. This embryo is then transferred to the gestational carrier’s uterus.

Think of the gestational carrier as providing a nurturing, safe environment for someone else’s baby to grow. She contributes no genetic material whatsoever. The baby’s DNA, blood type, eye color, and every other genetic trait come entirely from the intended parents or the selected donors—not from the woman carrying the pregnancy. Even though the baby receives nourishment through the gestational carrier’s placenta, this doesn’t change the child’s genetic makeup any more than living in a house changes your family heritage.

Traditional surrogacy, on the other hand, is a very different scenario:

• The surrogate’s own egg is fertilized with the intended father’s sperm
• Fertilization usually occurs through intrauterine insemination
• In this case, the surrogate is both the genetic mother and the carrier
• This method was more common before IVF technology became refined and accessible

However, it’s rarely used today precisely because of the complex emotional and legal challenges it can create. The famous “Baby M” case in the 1980s, which involved a custody battle between a traditional surrogate and the intended parents, highlighted these potential complications and became a turning point in surrogacy practice. This landmark case was a major catalyst in the shift toward gestational surrogacy as the preferred and legally secure option.

Today, reputable fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies exclusively facilitate gestational surrogacy arrangements. This clear genetic distinction provides peace of mind for intended parents and creates the legal clarity necessary for a smooth, protected process. When you work with a professional surrogacy agency, you can rest assured that the child born through your experience will be genetically yours (or from your chosen donors), carried by a generous woman who understands she’s caring for someone else’s precious baby.

Myth 2: The Surrogate Will Become Too Attached and Try to Keep the Baby

If you’re an intended parent, this fear probably haunts you. It’s one of the most emotionally charged concerns about surrogacy, often fueled by dramatic television plotlines and sensationalized news stories. But here’s the reality: in professionally managed gestational surrogacy, this scenario is extraordinarily rare. The modern surrogacy process is built on a foundation of comprehensive legal, psychological, and practical safeguards designed specifically to prevent this situation.

Legal Protections

Before a single medical procedure takes place—before the embryo transfer—a detailed legal contract called a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement is carefully drafted and executed. This legally binding document outlines the rights, responsibilities, and intentions of everyone involved.

Key legal protections include:

• Both the intended parents and the gestational carrier are represented by their own independent legal counsel
• The contract explicitly establishes the intended parents as the sole legal parents of the child
• Details the surrogate’s responsibility to relinquish the baby to intended parents immediately upon birth
• In surrogacy-friendly states, these agreements are legally enforceable
• Pre-birth orders name the intended parents on the child’s original birth certificate

Psychological Screening Process

Becoming a gestational carrier isn’t as simple as volunteering. Candidates undergo extensive psychological evaluation conducted by experienced mental health professionals who specialize in third-party reproduction.

This screening process includes:

• In-depth clinical interviews
• Standardized psychological testing to assess emotional stability
• Evaluation of true motivations and understanding of the surrogacy process
• Assessment to determine the woman’s motivation to be a surrogate

A primary goal of this evaluation is to confirm the woman genuinely wants to help another family—not to have another child for herself. Gestational carriers are typically women who have already completed their own families, have at least one child they’re actively raising, and have a documented history of uncomplicated full-term pregnancies. They genuinely enjoy being pregnant but have no desire to raise another child. This existing family structure and clear motivation are vital indicators that a candidate is truly ready to serve as a gestational carrier.

The Surrogate’s Perspective

Research and countless testimonials reveal that gestational carriers view their role fundamentally differently from carrying their own child. From the very beginning, they understand they’re nurturing someone else’s baby. Their focus throughout the pregnancy remains on the health and well-being of the baby for the intended parents.

Studies conducted in Western countries show that the transfer of the baby from the gestational carrier to the intended parents is generally smooth and positive. Rather than leading to custody disputes, these experiences often develop into beautiful, long-term relationships. Many gestational carriers maintain ongoing contact with the families they helped create, celebrating birthdays and milestones together for years to come.

Far from experiencing regret, research shows gestational carriers report:

• Heightened self-worth
• A profound sense of accomplishment
• Deep satisfaction from their experience

Myth 3: Women Only Become Surrogates for the Money (Exploitation Myth)

Critics sometimes paint surrogacy with a troubling brush, suggesting it exploits financially vulnerable women who feel they have no other option. This narrative, while well-intentioned, doesn’t reflect the reality of how gestational surrogacy works in the United States. The truth reveals a very different picture—one of empowered women making informed, voluntary choices driven primarily by compassion.

Research consistently shows that money is not the primary motivation for gestational carriers. A 2023 survey found that:

• 72% of women cited “the desire to help a couple have a family” as their top reason
• 59% described feeling “a calling to help others in need”
• The financial compensation is viewed as recognition for time, effort, and physical commitment—not as payment for a baby

The surrogate compensation, which typically ranges from $55,000 to $75,000, helps offset opportunity costs like lost wages, childcare expenses, and the physical demands of pregnancy.

Many surrogacy agencies report that demonstrating financial need is actually a disqualifying factor in their screening process. They actively seek candidates who are financially stable and pursuing surrogacy out of genuine desire to help others, not out of desperation.

Protective Safeguards in Place

The surrogacy process is voluntary and structured with multiple layers of protection:

Candidate Requirements:

• Must be of legal age (over 21)
• Have a stable home environment
• Demonstrate strong social support systems

Long-Term Outcomes Contradict Exploitation Claims

If surrogacy were truly exploitative, you’d expect to see high rates of regret and negative outcomes. The opposite is true:

• The majority of gestational carriers report feeling a profound sense of self-worth and achievement
• A longitudinal study in the UK found that 10 years after birth, no surrogates expressed regret
• An online survey of California gestational carriers revealed that 83% would consider becoming a surrogate again
• Research shows increased self-esteem after the process

These findings directly contradict the exploitation narrative, instead revealing empowered women making conscious, informed, and deeply rewarding choices.

Myth 4: Surrogacy Is Just for Convenience or Vanity

Perhaps one of the most hurtful misconceptions is the belief that intended parents—particularly intended mothers—choose surrogacy for superficial reasons like wanting to “save their figure” or avoid the discomforts of pregnancy. This myth is not only inaccurate but deeply dismissive of the profound medical challenges that lead families to surrogacy.

The reality is that gestational surrogacy is almost always a path chosen out of medical necessity after other options have been exhausted. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the leading professional organization in reproductive medicine, provides clear guidelines on the medical indications for using a gestational carrier. These aren’t matters of preference or lifestyle choice—they’re medical imperatives.

Medical Indications for Gestational Surrogacy

ASRM recommends gestational surrogacy for several specific medical conditions:

Data shows that uterine factor infertility is five times more common in patients who use gestational carriers compared to typical IVF patients.

This isn’t a lifestyle choice made on a whim—it’s a deeply considered medical solution born from heartbreak, resilience, and an unwavering desire to become parents.

Myth 5: Anyone Can Easily Become a Surrogate

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, you might assume the path is straightforward. In reality, becoming a surrogate is highly selective and requires meeting rigorous standards. It’s genuinely an accomplishment to be accepted into a surrogacy program, and only a small percentage of women who initially apply successfully complete the demanding screening process.

If you’re considering becoming a gestational carrier, know that meeting these standards is a testament to your strength and generosity.

Myth 6: Surrogacy Harms the Surrogate and the Child

Concerns about potential harm to gestational carriers and the children born through surrogacy are understandable. Any pregnancy carries inherent risks, and it’s natural to wonder whether surrogacy adds additional dangers. However, decades of research show that gestational carriers and children born through surrogacy experience overwhelmingly positive outcomes, both medically and psychologically.

Health Outcomes for Surrogates

Every gestational carrier (GC) is carefully selected based on her history of healthy, full-term pregnancies. Because they’ve already demonstrated their ability to carry safely, surrogates begin with a strong baseline of reproductive health. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of complications.

Medical reviews—including a legislative study from the New York State Task Force on Life and the Law—concluded there are “no significant adverse medical or psychological outcomes for women who are gestational carriers.” Research consistently shows that surrogates report normal or even improved emotional wellbeing after completing their journeys.

Psychological Wellbeing and Long-Term Outcomes

Comprehensive studies show that gestational carriers maintain normal self-esteem, emotional stability, and mental health following delivery. Ten-year longitudinal research conducted in the United Kingdom found that surrogates experienced lasting satisfaction, with zero reporting regret or psychological harm. Many described their experience as one of the most fulfilling events of their lives.

Child Health and Development

Children born through gestational surrogacy also thrive. Studies tracking these children into adolescence found no psychological differences compared to peers born through traditional conception. One UK study that followed teenagers up to age 14 discovered overwhelmingly positive or neutral feelings about their birth origins—and no reports of distress or identity issues.

Managing Medical Risks

Gestational surrogates undergo extensive pre-screening, which helps mitigate the normal risks associated with pregnancy. Most modern IVF programs also use single embryo transfer (e-SET) to minimize the chance of multiple pregnancies, reducing complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight.

IVF-related risks, such as mild ovarian hyperstimulation or early miscarriage, are inherent to all fertility treatments—not surrogacy specifically. The medical oversight, monitoring, and selective process in gestational surrogacy ensure the safest possible conditions.

Ultimately, surrogates are informed, consenting adults who choose this journey because they find meaning and joy in helping others experience parenthood. The evidence is clear: when done ethically and responsibly, surrogacy is safe for both the surrogate and the child.

Myth 7: Intended Parents Can’t Bond with a Baby They Didn’t Carry

For many intended parents, one of the most profound fears is wondering whether they’ll feel the same bond with their child if they didn’t experience pregnancy firsthand. This concern is both natural and deeply human—but the evidence and real-world experiences offer reassurance.

Bonding Is Built Through Connection, Not Gestation

Parental attachment forms through consistent caregiving—holding, feeding, comforting, and responding to a baby’s needs. These nurturing behaviors release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” and build emotional connection regardless of who carried the child.

From the moment the intended parents hold their baby, they begin forming the same deep, instinctive attachment as any biological parent. Surrogacy doesn’t interrupt this process—it simply changes how the story begins.

Bonding Begins Before Birth

Many intended parents start bonding during the pregnancy itself. Through regular communication with their gestational carrier, attending ultrasound appointments, or feeling their baby’s movements during visits, they establish a sense of connection well before delivery.

Some parents even record themselves reading or singing to their baby, and surrogates happily play these messages so the child recognizes their voices after birth. These moments create emotional continuity and anticipation, fostering strong attachment.

The Role of Intentionality

Love and intention are the foundation of parenthood. Intended parents pour months—sometimes years—of emotional and physical energy into the surrogacy journey. Research shows that these parents experience the same levels of bonding, satisfaction, and parental confidence as those who carried their children themselves.

When they finally hold their baby, the emotional connection is immediate and powerful. Parenthood is defined not by pregnancy, but by love, care, and the profound act of showing up every day.

Myth 8: Surrogacy Is Only for the Rich and Famous

Headlines about celebrities welcoming children through surrogacy can make it seem like this path to parenthood is only for the wealthy. While surrogacy is undeniably a financial investment, it’s far more accessible than most people realize.

Understanding the Costs

The total cost of surrogacy in the U.S. can be significant, depending on variables like medical needs, location, insurance, and agency support. Expenses include:

• IVF procedures and fertility clinic fees
• Legal representation for both parties
• Surrogate compensation
• Medical care and maternity expenses
• Travel and insurance costs
• Agency coordination and psychological support services

Who Pursues Surrogacy?

Surrogacy isn’t reserved for celebrities—it’s pursued by teachers, nurses, small business owners, and everyday families who carefully plan, save, and budget for the experience. Many view surrogacy as a meaningful life goal and prepare for it with the same dedication as buying a home or planning for adoption.

Achievable for Dedicated Families

While surrogacy requires preparation, it’s an attainable investment for families who plan carefully and seek professional guidance. The real story of surrogacy isn’t about fame—it’s about ordinary people doing extraordinary things to build families.

Conclusion

Surrogacy myths persist because outdated information lingers longer than the truth. In reality, modern gestational surrogacy is ethical, compassionate, and medically safe, offering life-changing opportunities for both surrogates and intended parents.

By understanding the facts, families and potential gestational carriers can make decisions rooted in confidence—not fear. Every aspect of the surrogacy journey—from legal safeguards to emotional support—is designed to protect everyone involved and create the foundation for healthy, joyful outcomes.

At Pathways to Parenthood, we celebrate the courage it takes to explore surrogacy. With the right agency, medical team, and legal support, this journey can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

If you’re ready to learn more, reach out to Pathways to Parenthood for personalized guidance. Together, we can turn understanding into action and dreams into families.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is gestational surrogacy legal in my state?
Surrogacy laws vary by state. Some states, such as California and Illinois, have clear legal frameworks supporting surrogacy, while others maintain more restrictive or ambiguous laws. Always work with a surrogacy agency and reproductive attorney experienced in your state’s regulations.
2. How long does the surrogacy process take?
From initial consultation to birth, the timeline typically spans 18 to 24 months. This includes matching (1–12 months), legal contracts (1–2 months), medical screening and IVF (2–4 months), and pregnancy (9 months). Agencies guide families through each step to ensure a smooth, well-paced experience.
3. Can I stay in contact with my surrogate after the baby is born?
Yes. The level of contact is mutually agreed upon during the matching process. Some intended parents and surrogates maintain long-term friendships, while others prefer occasional updates. Pathways to Parenthood encourages open, respectful communication that feels right for everyone.
4. What if the surrogate experiences complications during pregnancy?
Gestational carriers receive comprehensive prenatal care from experienced OB/GYNs and are covered by full insurance policies funded by intended parents. Contracts outline how medical costs and support are handled in every scenario, ensuring safety and security for all.
5. Do surrogates choose the intended parents they work with?
Absolutely. Matching is a collaborative process where both the surrogate and intended parents review profiles, meet virtually or in person, and only proceed when both feel excited and comfortable moving forward. Mutual trust and compatibility are key to a successful surrogacy journey.

 

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

August 13, 2025

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.

8 Signs You Would Make A Good Surrogate

May 19, 2023

If you’re like many women considering becoming a surrogate, you’ve known for a long time that this is something you want to do. But every woman who considers surrogacy asks herself the same questions: Would I make a good surrogate? Is surrogacy right for me?

Choosing to carry a pregnancy for someone else is a big, life-changing decision, and there are many factors to consider before becoming a surrogate mother. Here are eight things to consider to help determine whether surrogacy is right for you.

 

You’re Becoming A Surrogate Mother For The Right Reasons

While being a surrogate has its financial benefits, money can’t be your biggest motivation. A surrogate should be someone who is primarily focused on giving, not receiving. Women who make amazing surrogates are those who hope to give an incredible gift and make a real impact on another person’s life.

You Are Healthy
One of the most important qualifications for a surrogate is a healthy lifestyle and medical history. This helps ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you as the surrogate, and the child you carry. Certain physical qualifications need to be met, such as a healthy body mass index (BMI), not being a smoker or drug user, and be within a certain age limit.

You Have Had A Healthy Pregnancy/Pregnancies
You must have had at least one healthy, complication free pregnancy and delivery. You cannot have had more than 5 pregnancies however, or more than 2 C-section deliveries.

You Enjoy Being Pregnant

Some women simply glow throughout their pregnancies. While many women couldn’t imagine being pregnant because they love being pregnant, surrogates have a special connection to pregnancy and often feel their best when carrying a child, whether that be for their own family or someone else’s.

You Are Organized

Surrogacy doesn’t just come together — it takes months of planning, interviews, meetings, and more before you even begin the pregnancy process. Throughout pregnancy, it’s imperative to track important pregnancy metrics, keep up with doctor’s visits, and maintain your everyday life at home, all the while planning for your impending delivery. Because of this, surrogate mothers must have strong organizational skills to be able to balance the demands of everyday life and being a surrogate.

You Are A Good Communicator
Good Communication is key to being a surrogate. Your Intended Parent’s will want to know how you’re doing, what’s coming up, and what they can help with. They’ll also want to see photos and maybe an occasional video. It’s important to know how to be open and honest with all involved parties though the surrogacy process.

You Have A Good Support Network

No matter how strong you are, there will always be times when you need the support of other people. Friends and family are essential, and they should be on hand whether you need to celebrate, talk things over, or cry on a shoulder. They’ll also need to accompany you to certain appointments and procedures. In fact, one of the prerequisites when applying to become a surrogate is that you have a support person. This could be a partner, a family member, or a close friend: someone you love and trust.  If you have more than one support person, all the better!

You Are Financially Stable

While being a surrogate does qualify you for surrogate compensation, you should be financially independent before starting the surrogacy journey. Our surrogates may not be receiving welfare, using Medicaid, or supplemental security income (SSI).

Is Surrogacy Right For You?

If you’ve decided to become a surrogate, or have questions about becoming a surrogate, Pathways to Parenthood can answer your questions and guide you through the process. We have helped surrogates and intended parents come together in Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois and Arkansas, Ohio and Kentucky. We can help you too!