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Surrogacy for Gay Parents: Celebrating Pride and Parenthood

Through the stories of surrogacy for gay parents that we’ve worked with, we witness the profound impact of surrogacy and the essence of family.

Family is more than just a biological connection. In today’s diverse and evolving society, stories of gay surrogacy demonstrate the power of love and determination in creating families. These heartfelt journeys of gay intended parents we’ve helped have the family of their dreams highlight the path through the surrogacy process to the joy of parenthood.

Each narrative is a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment and resilience, demonstrating how surrogacy turns dreams of parenthood into reality. Through these stories, we witness the profound impact of surrogacy, fostering acceptance, equality and the true essence of family.

To learn more about the process of surrogacy for gay parents, fill out our simple form.

Gay Surrogacy Stories from American Surrogacy

Michael and Viet’s Story

For Michael and Viet, becoming parents was the next step in their journey together as a couple. As they considered their family-building options, surrogacy stood out as a way to share a biological connection to their child.

“Surrogacy just gave us an opportunity to complete our family and it completely changed our lives,” says Viet. “We looked at adoption and at the time there was a two year waiting process and the fees were just about the same so we though why don’t we just go through surrogacy and have someone that is part of me in our family which was something we also really wanted.”

After meeting their surrogate, Alissandra, Michael knew she was the person who they wanted to help grow their family.

“The first meeting with our surrogacy Alissandra I definitely felt like it was an instant connection and it was an amazing match because the reasons why she wanted to this were very heartfelt,” says Michael.

It was as if their family grew by two through surrogacy. “After we started the whole process we just got really close and we were a family I felt,” Viet says.

The birth of Michael and Viet’s son through surrogacy fulfilled them in ways they never could have imagined. Viet recalls the first time he held his son.

“The birth of our son was amazing. Alissandra had just given birth and the nurses handed him to me and 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.”

“My son has filled a part of my existence and should and heart with a love that I just never knew existed,” Michael adds.

Watch more of their story here.

Nicholas’s Story

Surrogacy for gay parents isn’t limited to couples. Nicholas, a single gay man, wanted to have a family. Having a genetic connection to his child was important to him, but he worried that surrogacy wouldn’t be an option on his own.

“You first say, ‘Forget it; it’s too complicated, it’s too risky,” Nicholas says. “And then you start to talking to some people and understanding that it is possible to do so if you really want to, so then you have to sleep on it — and then one day realize this is not just an option, but you can do it.”

After finding American Surrogacy, Nicholas’s surrogacy specialist presented him with Nichole’s surrogate profile. Within moments of getting to know her, he knew she was the perfect fit. “We talked to each other, and it seemed really natural,” he remembers. “But what made me sure that Nichole was perfect was because she came across really genuine, and she wasn’t doing it for the money but truly to help.”

The day Julian, Nicholas’s son was born, was the day his life changed forever.

“I had been waiting for so long that… when I saw Julian, I was just completely overwhelmed,” Nicholas remembers. “It was such a wonderful experience to see Julian coming into our world.”

How American Surrogacy Facilitates Surrogacy for Gay Parents

For all of our intended parents, we work tirelessly to help them find the perfect surrogate match as soon as possible.

“Within a few weeks of making first contact, American Surrogacy told us we have a very, very strong match for you,” Michael remembers. “It was a really wonderful match. I wish all intended parents to have such a wonderful match like that.”

We help you find the right surrogate for you by showing you profiles of surrogates who possess the qualities you want in the person who will carry your child. We put the best interests of you and your future child at the forefront.

“You need someone that you’re going to trust to choose a surrogate for you, and American Surrogacy was the only agency I felt comfortable with and was genuine enough for me to choose over the other agencies,” Nicholas remembers. “I spoke to many surrogacy agencies — small and big — and none of them made me feel the way American Surrogacy made me feel.”

We’re here for you every step of the way throughout your surrogacy journey.

“The staff at American Surrogacy made our experience really good. We spoke to [our surrogacy specialist] and she was just comfortable to talk to,” says Viet. “She reassured us when we needed it. Every time we called her, she always answered the phone. They’re very supportive and invested in our process.”

“The whole thing is to truly find people like [my surrogacy specialist], who have experience, patience and care for what you go through,” says Nicholas. “This is such a wonderful journey because you realize you’re not alone, and it gets easier than you think.”

Whether you’re an LGBT couple or individual, parenthood is just in reach through our agency. If you’re ready to begin your journey or have questions about surrogacy for gay parents, contact us today.

How Do Surrogacy Agencies Find Surrogates?

You can become the parent you’ve been dreaming of being through surrogacy. Find out how a surrogacy agency connects you with a great surrogate.

Becoming a parent through surrogacy can be a beautiful shared journey with a great surrogate, but the process of finding a surrogate can be difficult. That’s why American Surrogacy has a system in place to find great surrogates and connect you with the best surrogate for your family.

You can get help finding a surrogate here or call 1-800-875-2229. Read on to learn more about how we find our surrogates.

Surrogate Advertising

The first step in finding surrogates is to find women who may want to become surrogates. Our advertising team works hard to connect with these women. Women may see an advertisement for our surrogacy agency, hear about us from a friend or family member, or find us through web search results.

Often, women find us through searches because they have been considering surrogacy and are excited about helping out a family who is dreaming of having a child.

These women may send us a message, connect with us through our online contact form, or call our surrogacy specialists directly at 1-800-875-2229.

Surrogate Intake

Once a woman connects with us as a potential surrogate, our surrogacy specialists begin sharing information with her and gathering information about her.

Our surrogacy specialists know the importance of having surrogates who are well-informed and committed to the process, so our surrogacy specialists share all the information a surrogate might need to begin the process of surrogacy, and each woman has the opportunity to ask any questions she might have about the process.

When she feels ready, a potential surrogate will also answer basic questions about herself that help our surrogate specialists determine if she might be a good candidate to be a surrogate.

These initial questions can include:

Age
General health information
Previous pregnancy information
Whether or not she is currently raising a child
Social history
Reasons for wanting to become a surrogate

Surrogate Screening

Once a potential surrogate is well-informed of the surrogacy process, and the surrogate specialist has determined she meets the basic qualifications to become a surrogate, she will begin the screening process.

The screening process goes more in-depth to determine whether a potential surrogate is qualified and ready to become a surrogate.

The screening process involves help from professionals and can include:

A psychological screening
An in-home visit
Medical records review
Background check
And more

Surrogate Matching

Once a surrogate has been fully screened and is ready to get matched with a family, your surrogacy specialist will prepare her for the matching process by helping her create a surrogate profile. The surrogate profile will include important information about the surrogate as well as personal information that can help you find the perfect match for your family.

When you are ready to be matched with a surrogate, you can view profiles of surrogates who are fully screened and ready to help you on your surrogacy journey. At American Surrogacy, you can get matched with a surrogate in as little as 30-90 days, the shortest wait time in the industry.

Identified Surrogacy

Sometimes, we don’t need to do the work of finding a surrogate because some intended parents come to surrogacy with a surrogate already in mind. There have been friends, siblings, in-laws, aunts, cousins, daughters, and even mothers who were surrogates for someone in their life.

When intended parents come to us with a woman in mind who is ready to become a surrogate, we screen the potential surrogate, and if the woman meets the requirements to become a surrogate, we can help them along the rest of the journey.

If you have a friend, family member, or another person in your life who is interested in becoming a surrogate for you, we can help you complete your surrogacy journey through our identified surrogacy program.

Get Help Now

Whether you need help finding a surrogate or have a surrogate in mind, you can call 1-800-875-2229 or get help here from one of our surrogacy specialists.

What to Know About Egg Donor Surrogacy

If you’re interested in growing your family, working with an agency that has an egg donor and surrogacy program can help prepare you for a successful surrogacy journey.

As surrogacy gains popularity as a family-planning option, many egg donor and surrogacy programs are starting to move to the forefront of the conversation. If you’re intended parents struggling with female infertility, a same-sex couple or a hopeful single parent, utilizing an egg donor and surrogacy can help you achieve your dreams of parenthood.

If you’re trying to grow your family and have questions about egg donor surrogacy, you can get connected with our surrogacy specialists today.

Finding the right egg donor and surrogacy program is a big component of the surrogacy journey, so it’s important that everyone involved feels confident and informed. This article will break down the key points of using an egg donor and surrogacy to grow your family.

Egg Donor Surrogacy [What to Know]

Many intended parents utilize an egg donor and surrogacy to start their families. There are typically three parties involved in egg donor surrogacy:

The intended parents
The gestational carrier
An egg donor

To get started, intended parents will need to identify an egg donor for surrogacy. This can be done through a separate fertility clinic or an agency that has an egg donor and surrogacy program. Intended parents want to be as involved as they can in bringing their baby into the world, which is why they’ll be able to choose a donor who has qualities that align with their surrogacy goals.

Viable eggs are taken from the donor through the egg retrieval process and then fertilized through the IVF process with the sperm of the intended father or a donor. The embryo will then be transferred to the gestational carrier for her to carry to term.

Benefits of Using an Egg Donor and Surrogacy

Using an egg donor and surrogacy to grow your family is a great option if you:

A couple experiencing female infertility
A same-sex couple
A single hopeful father

When you work with an agency that has an egg donor and surrogacy program, you’ll have both the comfort and convenience of having almost all the necessary services and resources for your surrogacy journey in one place. Your surrogacy specialist will be able to help you find an egg donor that matches your preferences so that you can feel in control of your surrogacy journey.

Choosing Your Egg Donor and Surrogacy Program [Questions to Ask]

When it comes to finding the right egg donor and surrogacy program, you’ll want to make sure you’re adequately prepared for the egg donor and surrogacy process. Below are a few of the questions you should be asking yourself about any egg donor and surrogacy program you’re considering.

What are you Looking for in an Egg Surrogacy Donor?

You’ll want to make sure you have a clear vision of what you’re looking for in an egg donor. Think about medical history, genetics, blood type, background, etc. You’ll also need to think about whether you want an anonymous or identified egg donor.

Are You Prepared for Egg Donor Surrogacy and Cost?

You can’t put a price on family, but because egg donation is such an intricate process, egg donor surrogacy can be an expensive process. In addition to surrogacy costs, you’ll want to have enough money set aside for all necessary costs. When you work with an agency that has an egg donor and surrogacy program, you may pay a lower cost than if you went through a separate agency.

Are you Prepared to Raise a Child Conceived from an Egg Donor and Surrogacy?

We know that you’ll love your child, regardless of their genetic makeup. But it’s important that you’re prepared for the unique challenges that come with raising a donor-conceived child. At some point, your child may ask about their surrogacy story and how they came to be. They may even have questions about who their donor was. You’ll want to be prepared to have these conversations.

Next Steps

If you have questions about the intricacies of egg donor and surrogacy programs, our specialists would be happy to answer them. Get connected with our surrogacy specialist today.

How to Find Couples Looking for a Surrogate

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, you’re driven to help others experience all that parenthood has to offer. We’re here to help you find the perfect match.

Choosing to be a surrogate is the start of making your dreams of parenthood come true. One of the biggest decisions you have to make during this life-changing journey is to find the best intended parents.

As a full-service, national surrogacy agency, we’ve helped create tens of families and we can help you find couples looking for a surrogate. We will:

Create your surrogate profile
Show you profiles of people looking for surrogates
Set up a conference call with potential matches

To find great intended parents, fill out our easy form.

How to Find Intended Parents

The easiest way to find intended parents for surrogate mothers is to work with us. That’s because our screening process quickly identifies quality intended parents looking for a surrogate without compromising your safety.

We know you can’t wait to begin life with your new family as soon as possible which is why we’ve designed our screening process to be as safe and efficient as possible. This means our intended parents are:

100% committed to surrogacy
Physically and emotionally ready for parenthood
Living in a safe and viable home in which to raise a child
Free of any criminal or legal troubles
Financially prepared for surrogacy and for raising a child

Here’s how we find the best intended parents:

Surrogacy Planning Questionnaire

The surrogacy planning questionnaire is part of the initial application to work with us and has an extensive list of questions that let us get to know the intended parents looking for a gestational surrogate.

Their answers to the questionnaire will help shape their family profiles, similar to the surrogate profile we create for you. These profiles are what we show to you to help you learn more about their family and situation.

Home Assessment

These are not a legal requirement for you or people looking for surrogate mothers, but it’s something we reserve the right to do.

The home assessment has a licensed social worker visit the home of the intended parents to go more in-depth with them about their lives and the impact it could have on their journey if you were to choose them.

Background Checks

Both sides must complete a background check to be eligible to go through this journey. Intended parents looking for a surrogate must pass:

FBI clearances
Criminal background checks
Child abuse records checks

Get to Know Couples Looking for a Surrogate

Our screening process is thorough but only you can know who the right match is for the journey you’re embarking on.

A conference call can only do so much but it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know the people looking for surrogate mothers on a deeper level.

Consider these three steps when getting to know the intended parents looking for a gestational surrogate:

Step 1: Be Prepared: Know what you want to talk about ahead of time, and identify what’s important to you.
Step 2: Know Which Questions to Ask: You want to get to know the intended parents but not interrogate them. Talk with your specialists about topics and questions to discuss, as well as what to avoid.
Step 3: Ask About Their Profile: If the intended parent profile drew you in for a specific reason, follow up on their profile and learn more about them to see if they’re a perfect match.

7 Tips for How to Find Intended Parents and Have a Healthy Relationship

Surrogacy changes the lives of everyone involved. The relationship you have with the intended parents is a partnership, you’re both in it together and having a healthy relationship will help make the process that much easier.

Here are seven tips to keep in mind when building that relationship:

Intended parents have no control over their pregnancy
Create a schedule for updates during the pregnancy
Be open and honest about your needs
Be accepting of the intended parents’ desires
Share your pregnancy experience with the intended parents
Treat the parents as you’d like to be treated
Reach out to your surrogacy specialist

If you’re ready to help someone’s dreams of parenthood come true, contact us today to learn more about our intended parents.

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.

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 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.