Intended Parents | American Surrogacy Blog

Can I Choose Surrogacy for Non-Medical Reasons?

We believe everyone deserves the chance to experience parenthood, but there are reasons why we only work with intended parents who are unable to conceive.

For infertile couples, LGBT couples and single individuals, surrogacy bridges the gap to parenthood. While medical reasons and physical limitations often drive intended parents toward this path, some hopeful parents may consider surrogacy for alternative reasons.

With over 40 years of experience in creating families, we prioritize helping those who can’t reach their dreams of parenthood on their own and safeguarding our surrogates’ wellbeing.

One way we do this is by requiring a medical diagnosis, not as a barrier, but as a way to preserve the integrity of the surrogacy process. To learn more about whether surrogacy is a family-building option for you, contact us today.

Why Do People Choose Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an opportunity to grow your family if doing so on your own is out of the realm of possibility. Everyone deserves the chance to have a family and you may decide to use a surrogate for reasons such as:

Infertility
Being a same-sex couple
Age
Being unable to carry a baby to term
Not wanting to pass on health conditions or genetic defects
You’re a single parent
Trauma during pregnancy or childbirth

What Is Elective Surrogacy?

Typically surrogacy is a family-building method for those who cannot physically conceive on their own for medical reasons or because they’re a same-sex couple.

Elective surrogacy is term used to refer to surrogacy chosen by intended parents who are able to become pregnant on t their own, but do not want to experience pregnancy or child birth, don’t want to take time off work, or they have a career or hobbies that don’t align with a safe pregnancy.

Can You Have A Surrogate Just Because You Don’t Want to Be Pregnant?

No. While we understand that pregnancy and childbirth are physically intensive processes that are not ideal or convenient for everyone, you cannot choose surrogacy for the purpose of avoiding pregnancy. The couples and individuals that we work with come to us because pregnancy is unlikely, impossible or dangerous for them.

Why is a Medical Diagnosis Needed?

Surrogacy with us requires a medical diagnosis because we want to commit our time and resources to helping couples who can’t become parents on their own finally have the family they’ve always wanted.

As a family-building agency, we have worked with infertile couples who, after painstakingly trying to become pregnant on their own, have had to accept that it would be improbable or even impossible and with LGBT couples who have yearned to become parents but have always known they’d only have a family through adoption or surrogacy.

Valuing Our Surrogates

The surrogates we work with share our goal of wanting to help others create families that cant on their own. We want to ensure that when they match with you, you know they’re making a brave decision to offer you the gift of experiencing what it’s like to be a parent.

We also want to protect our surrogates’ time and wellbeing by working with intended parents who truly value and appreciate the service our surrogates provide.

Possible Alternatives

If you want to grow your family, but don’t want to be pregnant, adoption may be an option for you. While you won’t be genetically related to your child, you will have the opportunity to be chosen as adoptive parents by mother who wants to give their child the best possible future with an amazing family. You can reach out to our adoption specialists today to learn more.

While we only accept intended parents with a medical diagnosis, LGBT couples and single individuals, we believe everyone should have the chance to experience parenthood if they want to. To learn more about the options available to you, contact us today.

What Is Embryo Donation?

If you’re an infertile couple, LGBT couple or a single individual, embryo donation can reduce IVF costs on your surrogacy journey.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) plays a significant role in the surrogacy medical process. You may have already attempted IVF and have no embryos left or you may be new to the process and are intimidated by the associated costs.

Through embryo donation, you can receive multiple frozen embryos for your surrogacy journey without paying for the most expensive parts of the IVF process.

Embryo donation is the process in which couples or individuals who have had success with IVF and have completed their family can choose to donate their remaining frozen embryos to other hopeful intended parents like you.

We can help you determine how embryo donation can fit into your surrogacy journey. If you want to learn more about the surrogacy medical process, contact us today.

What is Embryo Donation?

IVF and gestational surrogacy are increasingly popular family-building methods for infertile couples, LGBT couples and single individuals.

For those that do not want to cover costs of the IVF process such as egg retrieval, embryo creation, cryopreservation or an egg or sperm donor (if applicable), embryo donation allows them to receive frozen embryos donated by patients who have completed their families.

What is the Difference between Embryo Donation and Embryo Adoption?

Both embryo donation and embryo adoption are used interchangeably to refer to the same process of the donation and reception of frozen embryos. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, embryo donation is the medically and legally accurate term.

However, there may be differences in the processes used by embryo donation programs that use one term over the other.

Embryo Donation

Embryo donation is the widely accepted term for the practice of a person’s or couple’s unused frozen embryos are donated to another person or couple.

There are many fertility clinics that have an embryo donation programs, as well as embryo donation agencies. While these programs may provide matching services, embryo donation is treated as a medical process, similar to egg or sperm donation.

Embryo Adoption

Embryo adoption, sometimes referred to as “snowflake adoption” is a term coined by a Christian adoption agency to refer to the donation of frozen embryos. This term may be used by those who see the embryo as a child, or by professionals that employ similar practices used in traditional adoption in their embryo donation process, such as home studies and judicial measures.

Embryo adoption is a misnomer because state adoption laws currently apply to the post-birth placement of a living child, not an embryo. Instead, donated embryos are typically protected under property law and Food and Drug Administration regulations.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) cautions against treating embryo donation the same as adoption, as unnecessary measures like home studies and judicial intervention can lengthen the process or create restrictions.

How Much Does Embryo Donation Cost?

Receiving a frozen donor embryo costs significantly less than both the average cost of an IVF cycle.

The average cost of an IVF cycle in the U.S., according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, is $12,400-$30,000.

While the cost will depend on the program you choose, receiving a donor embryo can be as low as $2,500-$4,000.

Using Embryo Donation for Surrogacy

The embryo donation process may vary depending on the clinic or agency you work with, but must follow the guidelines set in place by the Food and Drug Administration. All donors must complete FDA screening.

Many embryo donation programs facilitate anonymous donations where you will not know the identity of the donor. Some may have the option of a known or direct donation, where you receive the embryo of someone you know.

For anonymous donation, you will not have access to identifying information about the donor, but their profile will include medical history, physical characteristics, family history and background and often a photo of the donor(s).

Once you’ve found a donor match and complete any necessary paperwork, the surrogacy medical process will proceed as normal. Once your surrogate has completed a prescribe regimen of fertility medications, the donor embryo will be transferred to her uterus through a simple and minimally invasive procedure.

If you have questions about creating or receiving donor embryos for your surrogacy journey, connect with us today.

Surrogacy With Frozen Embryos [What to Know]

Frozen embryo transfers play a pivotal role in the IVF process for surrogacy, and can increase your chances of becoming a parent.

In 2021, more than 97,000 infants were born in the U.S. from more than 400,000 cycles of assisted reproductive technology. Of these cycles, 167,689 used eggs or embryos that were frozen for future use.

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and frozen embryo transfers make gestational surrogacy possible, going beyond the traditional aspects of assisted reproductive technologies.

Using frozen embryos on your IVF journey not only enhances the chances of success in the surrogacy process but also brings about several advantages for intended parents who want to grow their family.

To learn more about what freezing your embryos might look like during the surrogacy process, fill out our form.

How Does Surrogacy With Frozen Embryos Work?

In-vitro fertilization plays a pivotal role in the surrogacy medical process. There are two main phases: Embryo creation and the embryo transfer.

Embryo creation

Your fertility specialist will perform a procedure to retrieve mature eggs. These eggs will be fertilized using the intended father’s sperm to create embryos. If you do not have viable eggs or sperm, you can use donor gametes.

By creating multiple embryos at once, you increase your surrogate’s chances of becoming pregnant. Not every egg that’s retrieved will become an embryo and not every embryo is viable. With your consent, additional embryos can be frozen for future use.

If you’ve attempted IVF prior to surrogacy, you may already have frozen embryos.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Once an embryo has formed, it will be transferred to your surrogate’s uterus for implantation.

If the first transfer doesn’t take, you can use one of your additional embryos without having to repeat the egg retrieval and embryo creation process, saving you time and money.

Frozen embryos are typically stored and monitored at hospital facilities, like labs or commercial reproductive medicine centers. They can be safely preserved for 10 years and even longer.

How are Embryos Frozen?

Embryos are frozen through a process known as vitrification. This is done in two stages:

The embryo is exposed to cryoprotectant agent to the embryos, which acts like antifreeze and prevents ice crystals from forming.
The embryos are quickly placed into liquid nitrogen at -321 Fahrenheit and stored in straw-like containers.

Benefits of Frozen Embryo Transfers In Surrogacy

1. Controlled Implantation and Reduced Risks

One of the key benefits is the ability to implant embryos one at a time, reducing the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. This approach not only safeguards the health of the surrogate but also minimizes potential complications during the pregnancy.

The risk of Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is also significantly reduced, ensuring the surrogate’s well-being throughout the surrogacy journey. OHSS is a potentially life-threatening response to fertility medication resulting in fluid in a women’s abdomen and comes with the risk of blood clots getting into the lungs.

2. Increased Chances of Success:

Surrogacy with frozen embryos offers a strategic advantage by increasing the overall chances of success. In cases where the initial transfer doesn’t result in pregnancy, having additional frozen embryos allows for subsequent attempts without the need for repeated egg retrieval.

The higher success rates associated with frozen embryo transfers in surrogacy underscore the effectiveness of this method, providing you with increased confidence and optimism on your journey to parenthood.

3. Cost-Efficiency and Convenience

Storing and using frozen embryos eliminates the need for repeated egg retrieval or acquiring them from a donor. This not only reduces the financial burden but also streamlines the surrogacy process, making it more convenient.

What Happens to Unused Frozen Embryos?

Once your surrogate is pregnant with your baby, you may have leftover embryos. You have 3 options for how to handle your unused frozen embryos:

Store them for future use: If you plan on having more children, you can store your embryos for your next IVF or surrogacy journey.
Disposal: If you feel your family is complete, you can request that your remaining embryos be destroyed.
Donation: You can donate unused embryos to a hopeful couple or individual like you who is growing their family through IVF or surrogacy.

How Are Frozen Embryos Destroyed?

Typically conducted under the guidance of fertility clinics or medical professionals, the common method involves thawing the embryos to room-temperature, rendering them non-viable. The cellular material is then disposed of according to lab policy, or handed over to you for burial if your state’s laws allow.

Using Frozen Embryo Donation

If couples have leftover embryos after IVF, they can donate them to others who want to grow their family.

If you have not yet created embryos or are unable to due to medical reasons, you can choose to receive a donor embryo through a fertility clinic or agency. The process will likely vary depending on the professional you work with, but here’s what you should know:

You will have access to donor info such as medical and family history, ethnic background and physical traits.
You get to choose the donor or approve the match if a donor chooses you.
Some clinics or agencies may allow degrees of openness in the donation where you can have a contact arrangement with the donor. Others only perform closed or anonymous donations where you will have no identifying information about the donor.
An attorney can help you negotiate an agreement where the donor relinquishes their parental rights, allowing you to become the legal parents.

Whether you’ve already tried IVF or have your heart set on surrogacy, if you have frozen embryos contact us online now to begin your journey to parenthood.

What Does Alabama’s IVF Ruling Mean for Surrogacy?

The Alabama Supreme Court’s recent IVF ruling has raised questions among intended parents in the state about whether their surrogacy journey will be affected.

On February 16, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through IVF can be considered children under the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act.

“…to all unborn children without limitation. And that includes unborn children who are not located in utero at the time they are killed.” Read more about the ruling.

Following the ruling, many fertility clinics in Alabama suspended IVF services until it is clear how the ruling would affect IVF patients, clinics and providers. Because IVF is a significant part of the surrogacy process, there have been concerns about how this ruling may affect those pursuing surrogacy in Alabama.

Below we’ll break down what you should know about IVF in Alabama following the ruling and how your journey may be affected.

This is an ongoing story that will be updated upon new developments.

The IVF Process for Surrogacy

IVF and surrogacy are both popular family building methods utilized by couples struggling with infertility, same-sex couples or single individuals who are ready to have a family.

In gestational surrogacy, a gestational carrier or surrogate carries and gives birth to a baby for the intended parents. Because of the role IVF plays in the surrogacy medical process, one or both parents can be biologically related to their child.

Embryo Creation

Intended parents create their embryos using their eggs and sperm or a donor’s. This process involves retrieving multiple eggs from the intended mother, or acquiring donor eggs, which are then fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor.

The egg retrieval portion of IVF makes up the bulk of the cost, which makes it more economical to create multiple embryos at once. If you tried conceiving through IVF before surrogacy, you may already have frozen embryos.

Embryo Transfer

One or more embryos are selected and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. Since her eggs are not used, the baby does not share DNA with the surrogate.

The first transfer doesn’t always take. Being able to freeze multiple embryos increases your chances of success.

How Does the Ruling Affect IVF and Surrogacy in Alabama?

The ruling did not ban IVF in Alabama nor mention surrogacy explicitly. However, it does set a precedent that IVF providers and patients could face criminal and civil penalties if unused embryos are destroyed.

Many times after an embryo transfer is successful and the parents do not intend to have another child, the unused embryos are discarded.

In the days following the ruling, the many fertility clinics in Alabama paused IVF services out of concern that staff and patients may face criminal or civil liabilities. In an attempt to resume IVF services, Alabama legislature approved bills that would legally protect IVF providers and fertility clinics.

What Can I Do With Leftover Embryos After IVF in Alabama?

When it’s confirmed that your surrogate is pregnant with your child, there’s a chance you will have unused frozen embryos. If you feel your family is complete but you are worried about the legal implications of frozen embryo disposal, you have two options:

You have two alternative options:

Indefinite storage: You have the option of keeping your embryos frozen indefinitely. If this is the route you take, you should be aware that it can become expensive over time. Fertility clinics might have a storage fee of $500-$1,000 a year.
Donation: You can donate your unused embryos to an infertile or gay couple, or an individual who intends to use surrogacy and/or IVF to grow their family. This can be done through an agency or your fertility clinic.

How We Can Help

If you want to grow your family through surrogacy in Alabama, we can provide you with the necessary support and resources for your journey.

All of our intended parents partner with an ART attorney when creating their surrogacy contract. Your attorney will be able to advise you on matters pertaining to how to handle your unused embryos.

If you are prepared to travel for your surrogacy journey, we can connect you with a fertility clinic in a nearby state such as Florida, Georgia or Tennessee.

If you have questions about IVF in Alabama and your journey to parenthood, we’re here for you. To get the support you need, fill out our easy form or call 1-800-875-2229.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional regarding specific legal matters related to in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Understanding the gestational surrogacy process can be impactful whether you are interested yourself or you know someone who might be.

Gestational surrogacy is a remarkable family-building method that allows individuals or couples struggling with infertility to achieve their dreams of parenthood by partnering with a surrogate who carries and delivers the baby on their behalf.

Unlike traditional surrogacy, gestational surrogacy ensures that the surrogate is not genetically related to the child she carries. In this article, we will delve into the step-by-step gestational surrogacy process and shed light on how a surrogate remains biologically unrelated to the baby.

To get more information about gestational surrogacy, fill out our easy form or text 913-204-0224.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

One of the distinguishing features of gestational surrogacy is that the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby she carries. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own eggs are used, making her genetically related to the child.

However, in gestational surrogacy, the embryo implanted in the surrogate’s uterus is created using the eggs of the intended mother or an egg donor, eliminating any genetic connection between the surrogate and the baby.

How Does Gestational Surrogacy Work? [5 Steps]

Step 1: Initial Consultation

The gestational surrogacy process begins with an initial consultation, where you will reach out to us to discuss your interest in surrogacy. During this phase, you will go over your application with your surrogacy specialist and discuss your surrogacy preferences and goals. If you meet our requirements for surrogacy, you’ll be able to move forward with the process.

Step 2: The Screening Process

You will undergo an extensive screening process that includes medical and social history, background checks, a home visit for surrogates and psychological evaluations. Our screening process ensures that everyone is fully prepared for the journey ahead.

Step 3: Finding a Perfect Match

Following the initial screening process, we will carefully assess the compatibility between you and your surrogacy match. This step involves considering factors such as lifestyle preferences, communication styles and shared expectations for the surrogacy journey. Open and transparent communication between you and your surrogate or the intended parents is encouraged to ensure that both parties feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.

Step 4: Creating a Contract

Once a compatible match is found, you will draft a surrogacy contract with an attorney who specializes in surrogacy laws in your state. These legal agreements are drafted to outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. Your contract will cover issues such as compensation, medical decisions and parental rights. Legal professionals ensure that all parties fully understand and agree to the terms before moving forward.

Step 5: Becoming Pregnant

With legalities in place, the medical process begins. The surrogate will undergo a medical evaluation to ensure she is physically capable of sustaining a healthy pregnancy. Eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor, and sperm is collected from the intended father or a sperm donor.

The resulting embryos are created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). One or more healthy embryos are then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus after she has completed a regimen of fertility medications.

Step 6: Pregnancy Monitoring and Support

Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate receives regular medical check-ups and support from a team of healthcare professionals. The intended parents may also be involved in the process, attending doctor’s appointments and forming a supportive relationship with the surrogate.

Why Do People Choose the Gestational Surrogacy Process?

People choose surrogacy for a variety of reasons. In some cases, individuals haven’t found the right partner and surrogacy allows the opportunity to have a child as an individual. In other cases, couples may have infertility or may be in a same-sex relationship where neither partner can carry a pregnancy.

As examples, people in the following scenarios may benefit from surrogacy:

A woman who had cancer in her 20s and had to have her uterus removed, but froze her eggs before undergoing cancer treatment may be able to have biological children with a partner or on her own later in life.

A couple who has unexplained fertility and has tried IVF with no success may be able to have a successful pregnancy with the help of a surrogate.

A couple who has one child already, but who had complications during labor or delivery that make a second pregnancy dangerous.

You can see a surrogacy story here.

Get Started Today

The gestational surrogacy process brings the joy of parenthood to individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. By carefully following the outlined steps, intended parents and surrogates can navigate this journey with confidence.

To get more information or begin your surrogacy journey today, contact us.

How Does a Surrogate Get Pregnant?

Have questions about how a surrogate gets pregnant? We explain how the surrogacy process enables you to be genetically linked to your child.

Many people have questions about how a surrogate gets pregnant and the biology associated between the surrogate mother and the child. We are here to dispute any concerns you may have about the process and explain how you will share DNA with your child.

If you have specific questions, contact us today. We know the process of having a baby is an important and heartfelt journey. Your own path to becoming a parent is deeply personal and our surrogacy specialists are ready to help.

Common Myths About Surrogacy And DNA

Myth #1: The child will share DNA with the surrogate.

No, your child will not share DNA with the surrogate mother. The surrogate mother is solely carrying the embryo to term. The embryo will be created through IVF at a fertility clinic before being implanted in the surrogate.

Myth #2: Surrogacy involves intercourse.

No. Surrogacy will never involve intercourse. The father of the child and the surrogate will not have intercourse to become pregnant. The whole process of pregnancy is achieved through IVF, which will be conducted at a trusted fertility clinic.

Myth #3: The gestational surrogate will grow attached and want to keep the baby.

Your surrogate will fully understand the scope of surrogacy. While surrogacy is an emotional process, the legal process helps protect everyone’s rights throughout the surrogacy. You will not have to worry about your legal right to your child.

Surrogacy and the IVF Process

The IVF process involves taking an egg from the intended mother or egg donor, and fertilizing it with the sperm from the intended father or sperm donor. You will decide whether you are using our own egg and sperm, or whether it will be more beneficial to use a donor’s. This will be something you determine in your surrogacy plan with your surrogacy specialist.

The whole IVF process is done in three steps.

Step 1: Egg Donation – A few eggs are extracted from the intended mother or an egg donor.

Step 2: Fertilization – The eggs are then fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or a donor’s in a lab to create the embryos.

Step 3: Embryo Transfer – Leading up to the step, the surrogate will take fertility drugs to prepare her body for the embryo transfer. Once an embryo has been created, it is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through a simple procedure at a fertility clinic.

Whether you are using your own egg and sperm or a donor’s will determine whether you are biologically related to your child. No matter which route you choose, your gestational surrogate will never share DNA with your child. Many people choose to go through surrogacy over other options like adoption because it means they will have a biological connection to their child. This is another topic to discuss with you surrogacy specialist as you are creating your plan.

Begin Your Journey to Parenthood

The journey to parenthood can be hard, and if you have come to surrogacy, we know you have likely been down a long road. We are ready to help you begin the surrogacy process today.

Contact a surrogacy specialist today.

Surrogacy for LGBT Couples

Surrogacy has become a popular family-building option for those who can’t conceive a child on their own. One of the biggest demographics of couples pursuing surrogacy are LGBT couples wanting to have a family of their own.

Our goal is to help you understand gay surrogacy and address any concerns or confusion that you may have on the process. You don’t deserve to wait any longer to become a parent and with our help you can experience the best version of the surrogacy process in the shortest amount of time.

If you’re ready to achieve your dreams of starting your family, then contact us online now or text us at 913-204-0224 to connect with us today.

If you want to become a surrogate for a gay couple, reach out to us today.

Is it Possible to Pursue Surrogacy for Gay Couples?

Contrary to popular belief, surrogacy is not exclusive to heterosexual couples. Gay surrogacy is one of the few ways that LGBT couples are able to start their families. It’s also one of the only ways to establish a biological connection with their child. Through gestational surrogacy, you can experience the joys of parenthood knowing that you share a genetic connection with your child.

“Surrogacy gave us an opportunity to complete our family. We looked at adoption and at the time there was a two-year waiting process. So, we thought why don’t we go through surrogacy and have someone that is part of me and our family, which was something we also really wanted.” – said Viet, one of our intended parents. More on Michael and Viet’s story here.

Can I Become a Surrogate for a Gay Couple?

Becoming a surrogate for gay couples is a compassionate and rewarding journey that involves helping individuals achieve their dream of parenthood.

If you want to become a surrogate for an LGBT couple, you can discuss this with your surrogacy specialist and they will help you find a same-sex couple who matches your preferences.

Choosing to become a surrogate for a gay couple allows you to play a vital role in expanding diverse families, fostering love and creating lasting connections.

How Does Gay Surrogacy Work?

Surrogacy for LGBT couples involves using in vitro fertilization to create an embryo outside the womb with IVF technology. This embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. At American Surrogacy, we only complete gestational surrogacies meaning that your surrogate will not be related to the baby she carries.

For many LGBT couples, gay surrogacy can be the ideal opportunity to not only start your family, but also have a child that shares your genetics. We know that you’ve always dreamed of having a child that looks like you. Through surrogacy, this dream can become a reality.

“The birth of our son was amazing. I just couldn’t believe after all the years and everything we went through that he was finally here. I was holding my little boy in my arms and he was perfect.” – said Viet, one of our intended parents.

Our Commitment to You

We know that there are many professionals out there that can help you begin your gay surrogacy journey. Finding the right professional is one of the most important parts of your surrogacy journey. You want to find someone who will not only be you advocate throughout the process, but who will also make sure you’re protected every step of the way. American Surrogacy can be that agency.

When you work with us, we will be there every step of the way, helping you develop a surrogacy plan that works for you. We’ll also make sure you understand every aspect of the process, providing transparency throughout every step. With over 40 years of experience building families through surrogacy and adoption, we know what it takes to make sure you feel safe and secure throughout the gay surrogacy process.

You’ve waited long enough on your path to parenthood. Let us help you experience the joy of holding your baby in your arms as soon as possible.

To start building your family through LGBT surrogacy, contact us online now or text us at 913-204-0224 to fulfill your dreams today.

How Long Does It Take to Find a Surrogate?

Wondering how long it takes to find a surrogate? We can help you find the perfect surrogate.

When you’re on your way to finally becoming parents, you want to get started immediately. One of the most important parts of this process is finding the right surrogate. But how long does this actually take? We have taken our time over the years to perfect our system of matching parents with their perfect surrogate.

We’re breaking down the timeline of surrogacy and how long it takes to find a surrogate. Ready to get started? Contact us today.

Timeline of Surrogacy Process

The surrogacy process is roughly a 12-18 month commitment. From connecting with a surrogacy agency to matching to holding your baby in your arms, it takes time. However, surrogacy can oftentimes move quicker than other options such as adoption. Different aspects of the surrogacy process can take different amounts of time, but we’ve worked on creating an efficient process so you don’t have to wait.

The Matching Process

We pride ourselves on our ability to match parents to the perfect surrogate in an average of 3-6 months. Once you get to this point of the process, everything begins to feel real. When you begin your surrogacy process, you’ll work with your surrogacy specialist to create your goals for the process. This can include how much your budget it, the type of person you want as a surrogate and more. This will all be included in a profile that is shared with prospective surrogates.

We know it’s important to find your perfect surrogate. That’s why we’ve created a trusted system to find that person for you. After this, you’re able to start the legal process and ultimately begin the medical process that will result in your future child.

Steps to Finding a Surrogate

Work with American Surrogacy
We have been working in the family building business for decades. We have built a team of outstanding surrogacy specialists who can ensure you are receiving the best care through the process.
Create a Family Profile
You will work with your surrogacy specialist to create an Intended Parent Profile. This will help you find a surrogate who shares your surrogacy goals. Your profile will include pictures, video and other information about your family and home to present to surrogates.
Connect with a Surrogate
Once you match with a surrogate, your surrogacy specialist will coordinate a meeting through phone, video or in person to meet the person who will potentially carry your child. From here you will all decide if this is the right match for you and begin the next steps of the surrogacy process. You’ll be one step closer to bringing your baby home!

Find Your Perfect Surrogate

We have made it our mission to create a quality and efficient matching process between parents and surrogates. Your surrogacy specialist will work with you to create a profile that stands out and details the information that is important to you. We want you to feel strong about your decision to pursue surrogacy, and the best way to do that is to find the best surrogate partner for you.

Find your perfect surrogate today!

Is Surrogacy Exploitative?

Concerns about exploitation in surrogacy are often prompted by lack of information. Learn about the systems that protect and empower surrogates in the United States.

In the U.S., surrogacy is designed to protect the well-being of the surrogate, intended parents and the new life they bring into the world together.

As the popularity of this family-building method has risen, so have questions about the prevalence of exploitation in surrogacy throughout the world.

Our agency takes every precaution to protect, empower and advocate for the surrogates that want to help others experience the joy of parenthood. To learn more about surrogacy and how our process works, reach out to us today.

Is Surrogacy Exploitative for Surrogates?

While there are documented cases of exploitation in surrogacy, they are primarily in countries that don’t have the systems in place to protect their surrogates that United States does. Surrogacy in the U.S. is regulated at the state, medical and professional level.

Each state has their own laws pertaining to surrogacy contracts and establishing parentage. Surrogacy professionals in the U.S. regulate their surrogacy processes through carefully curated practices that are designed to protect the surrogate and the child she carries.

What Does the Exploitation of Surrogate Mothers Look Like in Other Countries?

In countries where surrogates aren’t protected, surrogacy exploitation can look like:

Being forced or coerced into the process of surrogacy
Not being given legal representation during the surrogacy process
Being unsure of the surrogacy process or who have not been properly informed about surrogacy
Not being compensated for surrogacy or paying for expenses out-of-pocket
Feeling surrogacy is their only hope for income if they are in dire financial circumstances
Taking advantage of individuals in dire financial circumstances
Being asked to be a surrogate by or for an authority figure abusing their power

How We Protect the Surrogates We Work With

We take steps to prepare, screen and support surrogates during each portion of their surrogacy journey. You can read more below about how surrogacy is empowering with our agency or click here to hear from surrogates who have partner with our agency.

Preparing and Educating Prospective Surrogates

By providing prospective surrogates with information and educational resources, we empower them to make informed decisions and pursue what they want with confidence.

Any woman who is interested in surrogacy can request free information from us with no obligation to begin the process
We have staff available to answer any questions about surrogacy
We continuously strive to provide free articles about surrogacy to the public

Screening and Requirements

We have requirements and thorough screening processes in place that are designed to protect the safety of the surrogate and the child they will carry.

All surrogates must meet surrogacy requirements based on standards set by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
Once she meets all surrogate requirements, she must successfully complete a screening process that consists of a social and medical history form, an in-home assessment and background check, psychological evaluation.
All surrogates undergo a medical screening to ensure she is physically healthy enough to safely carry a pregnancy to term.

Learn more about our surrogate screening process.

Protecting a Surrogate’s Autonomy

Surrogates control their surrogacy journey. In addition to having a surrogacy specialist who will advocate for them every step of the way, the surrogacy process is designed to promote autonomy throughout the process by ensuring surrogates:

Go at their own pace throughout their surrogacy journey
Are represented by a legal professional who will help them draft a surrogacy contract in accordance with their state’s surrogacy laws
Are matched with families that align with their surrogacy goals
Never have to do anything they’re uncomfortable with

Comprehensive Surrogate Compensation

Surrogates are compensated for the time and effort they contribute to the amazing service they’re providing. In addition to receiving base pay, our surrogate compensation package covers:

Medical expenses
Legal fees
Travel and lodging
Lost wages
Maternity clothes
Prenatal vitamins
And more

Learn more about surrogate compensation.

Becoming a surrogate is a choice and one that is made out of generosity and kindness. You can learn more about our surrogacy practices and how we protect our surrogates by speaking with our surrogacy specialists. Contact us today.

Why Are Surrogates Paid?

Learn about paid surrogacy and why we offer the highest compensation possible for our surrogates.

Surrogacy is often surrounded by misconceptions, especially when it comes to paid surrogacy. We’re dedicated to demystifying these misconceptions to provide you with a clear understanding on what it means to receive surrogate compensation.

Our goal is to address the common points of confusion, explaining why surrogate compensation exists and how we protect you throughout the entire process.

To see how much you can be getting paid for surrogacy, contact us online now or text us at 913-204-0224

Why Should Surrogate Mothers Be Paid?

Paid surrogacy acknowledges the commitment surrogates make when they agree to carry a child for intended parents. Carrying a child for intended parents is a big responsibility and paid surrogacy ensures that you earn meaningful income for your family for the commitment you invest in the process.

Throughout the surrogacy process, surrogates incur various expenses, including medical bills, childcare, travel costs and more. Paid surrogacy helps alleviate the financial burden associated with the process. This ensures that you can focus on the well-being of the child you’re carrying without having to worry about financial stressors.

“The compensation I received from being a surrogate helped me to alleviate day-to-day stressors. If I needed to take off time from work I wasn’t as stressed about it.” – said Jade, one of our surrogate mothers.

How Do Surrogates Get Paid?

When you choose paid surrogacy, you’ll receive your surrogate compensation through a combination of base payments, expense reimbursements and potential additional payments. Your surrogate compensation can be anywhere from $50,000-$110,000 depending on factors such as you experience with surrogacy, income, and location.

Your base payment compensates you for carrying the pregnancy and typically covers a portion of the overall compensation. Expense reimbursements cover costs associated with pregnancy, such as medical bills, maternity clothing, travel fees, legal fees and more.

Our Commitment to Fair Practices

Our program follows the standards set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). This commitment ensures that our practices meet the highest ethics for paid surrogacy, safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved. Our dedication to fair compensation and adherence to ASRM guidelines protects surrogates from exploitation often observed in other parts of the world.

By prioritizing ethical practices, we create a safe and empowering environment where surrogates can earn meaningful income without having to worry.

“Not only was I able to do some renovations in my home but I was able to set up my sons college and that’s something that we set aside. This journey was for the experience and the financial compensation was definitely a plus for the future.” – said Allisandra, one of our surrogate mothers.

Surrogate compensation opens doors to life-changing opportunities, like buying your dream home, paying off debts and starting a college fund for your kids. Through our ASRM standards and commitment to advocating for paid surrogacy, we ensure a supportive environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

To start receiving meaningful income for your family, contact us online now or text us at 913-204-0224 to see how much you qualify for.