The Surrogacy Process for Becoming a Surrogate

8 Steps in the Surrogacy Process

Beginning the surrogacy process is a very exciting time for women that want to help others build their family! It can also be overwhelming at times creating unnecessary uncertainty and fear. This step-by-step guide will let you know what you can expect during the surrogacy process and give you a reference point along the way. Working with an experienced surrogacy agency like Pathways To Parenthood will provide support every step of the way.

Step 1: Making the big decision

I want to become a surrogate!

Is becoming a surrogate right for you? Most women have questions and life impacting points to consider before making their final decision about becoming a surrogate. Get your questions answered about surrogacy process timelines, surrogate compensation and pay and other important questions about being a surrogate mother.

If you have already decided to become a surrogate – CONGRATULATIONS! You have taken the first step in the journey of a lifetime. You have made an incredible decision to help others realize their dream of having a baby, as many other women have too! Read their inspiring stories here.

Step 2: Complete the surrogacy application

Learn if you meet basic criteria and qualifications to become a surrogate.

If you meet the basic criteria, complete our surrogacy application which helps us know if you meet fertility clinic qualifications. If you have questions about fertility clinic criteria and/or your personal health history, contact us and we can help!

Step 3: Complete the agency screening process

Once your application process is complete and you have been qualified to move forward in the surrogacy screening process, the next step is the agency interview and screening process timeline meeting. We want to get to know you better, answer all of your questions, and your spouse’s/partner’s questions, and make sure you have the information needed to feel comfortable moving forward in the process. After the agency interview, the remaining screening process steps will be completed as soon as possible so you can get to the much-anticipated step of matching with your future parents. Click here to complete the agency screening process.

Step 4: Matching Process

Beginning the surrogacy journey!

Matching with the family you will help become a bigger family is one of the most exciting times in the surrogacy process. It is one of the steps that many women dream of when they first consider becoming a surrogate. The matching process can happen quickly as Pathways To Parenthood Surrogacy Agency has families waiting to be matched with a surrogate mother. The matching phase will begin as soon as your screening process is complete.

Step 5: Medical Screening & Legal Agreement

The medical screening at the intended parents’ fertility clinic will include reviewing medical records, a physical examination and sonogram as well as blood tests. Surrogates will also learn about the types of medications used in the treatment phase (in preparation for embryo transfer) of the surrogacy process.

Once surrogates complete fertility clinic medical screening, the legal agreement between intended parents and surrogate and spouse/partner (if applicable) is completed. Surrogates have an independent attorney that represents their interests. The surrogate’s attorney explains, clarifies, and answers questions with respect to all aspects of the agreement and negotiates the terms of the contract.

All legal expenses will be paid for by intended parents. The legal agreement protects surrogates and ensures the intended parents are the legal parents of the child. The agreement covers many other important elements including surrogate compensation package and the personal wishes between surrogate and intended parents regarding pregnancy and birth.

Once the legal agreement is completed, funds for surrogate compensation are placed in escrow. This very important step ensures funds are available to be paid to surrogates as detailed in the legal agreement.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy

Once the legal agreement is completed, the embryo transfer cycle will begin. The fertility clinic will provide a detailed cycle calendar with instructions for medication protocols, monitoring appointments, and embryo transfer date.

Once the embryo transfer is complete and pregnancy is confirmed by the fertility clinic, surrogate will be released to begin care with her OB/GYN between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.

Step 7: Delivery Day

The incredible culmination of the surrogacy process is the birth of surro-baby. This day is one of the most highly anticipated and memorable times for surrogate mothers and parents.

Once baby and surrogate are medically stable and cleared to go home, it is time to part ways. This is an emotional time for surrogates and parents as the unique and extraordinary time spent together to bring a baby into a family has come to an end. Although goodbyes are said and done, it is more like goodbye for now! Most surrogates continue their relationship with the parents and baby beyond birth.

Step 8: Rest & Recovery

Arriving home after delivering your surro-baby is a time to rest, recover, and allow others to care for and support you. It is normal to have mixed emotions in the days and weeks after delivery. Of course, your hormones are a bit out of sync until your body has fully recovered, and that can cause your emotions to fluctuate. It is also normal to experience happiness and joy for your surrogacy journey and the baby that you worked hard to take care of and deliver into the arms of your waiting parents and miss the baby that you carried in your body for months.

Be sure that you are kind to yourself and talk through any difficult emotions with your spouse/partner, close friends, or a counselor. You will likely find that soon you will feel like your old self again, and also very likely be thinking about when you can become a surrogate again!!

Additional Information for Surrogates

• Surrogate Compensation
• Basic Criteria
• The Surrogacy Process
• Surrogate Application
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Legal Considerations
• Independent v. Agency