For years, the Iowa Supreme Court has made it clear: gestational surrogacy is an accepted practice. By upholding the enforceability of surrogacy contracts, Iowa ensures that choosing surrogacy in Iowa is safe, protected, and legally predictable.
This security means you can focus entirely on the joy of giving the gift of parenthood while receiving generous compensation that is legally assured. We provide the expert guidance and legal oversight needed to navigate the two-step parentage process common in Iowa.
If you've had a successful, uncomplicated pregnancy, you likely meet the basic surrogate requirements. Let's walk through the steps and connect you with a specialist for more details today.
How to Become a Surrogate in Iowa: 6 Steps
The process to become a surrogate in Iowa follows these six steps. While every individual journey is unique, here’s an outline of what you can expect:
Step 1: Determine if Surrogacy is Right for You
Commit to learning about how to become a surrogate and discussing the implications with your support network. Your emotional readiness is the first vital step in becoming a surrogate. We’re here to help with your research. Fill out this quick form to get information and help from a professional.
Step 2: See If You Qualify
To ensure a safe and successful pregnancy, you must meet all agency qualifications and complete a comprehensive screening process. This essential vetting determines if it is possible to become a surrogate for you specifically.
Not sure if you meet the qualifications?
When you reach out, we'll help you understand if you qualify and guide you through every step of the process.
Talk to a surrogacy specialist today for more qualifications details.
Step 3: Find Intended Parents
Our agency works diligently to connect you with intended parents whose communication style, values, and relationship goals match yours. We simplify the steps of the surrogate matching process to help you find a match that you are excited about.
Step 4: Surrogacy Contracts
A specialized reproductive attorney represents you in creating and finalizing the Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA). This document ensures your surrogate compensation and all legal rights are protected.
Step 5: Become Pregnant
You will travel for a medical screening at the intended parents' clinic. Once the clinic gives full medical clearance, the pregnancy is initiated via embryo transfer, and you'll begin the process to become pregnant as a surrogate in Iowa.
Step 6: Pregnancy and Delivery
You receive scheduled base payments during the pregnancy. The journey concludes with the baby's birth, delivering the incomparable gift of parenthood.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Surrogate in Iowa?
These qualifications ensure you're ready to become a surrogate in Iowa and protect everyone involved in the journey.
Here are the basic surrogate requirements:
- Age 21-40 years old
- BMI between 19-32
- Have given birth to at least one child (that you're currently raising)
- Had healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies
- No more than 5 vaginal births or 3 C-sections
- In good overall physical health
- Non-smoker in a smoke-free home
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Financially stable (not relying on compensation for basic bills)
- Strong support system
- No history of substance abuse
- No criminal history
If you meet most or all of these requirements, you likely qualify. Even if you're unsure about one or two, reach out. We'll help you understand if surrogacy is right for you.
Talk to a Surrogacy Specialist for more help with qualifications.
How American Surrogacy Supports You Through the Journey in Iowa
As you figure out how to find a surrogacy agency in the Midwest, choose the clarity and confidence that American Surrogacy provides for your surrogacy journey in Iowa.
Services for Surrogates in Iowa
We carefully screen and only work with the best intended parents, ensuring we find families whose values align with yours. Our screening ensures you know what to expect with education and honest conversations. We work with the best reproductive law attorneys to protect your rights and understand your state laws. Throughout your journey, we're here for medical guidance, emotional reassurance and communication help to ensure you have the best experience possible. You’ll know exactly what you'll be paid and when. Whether we're managing payments directly or working with a trusted escrow partner, all the financial logistics are handled professionally. Our relationship doesn't end at delivery. We support you through postpartum and help facilitate whatever relationship you want with the family.Services for Surrogates
Discover How We Support Iowa Surrogates
Is There Anything Unique About Becoming a Surrogate in Iowa?
Iowa surrogacy is built on legal precedent and established practice. Here are the key things to know about surrogacy in Iowa:
- Contracts are Enforceable: Unlike some states with unclear laws, the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that gestational surrogacy contracts are enforceable. This provides a high degree of confidence and protection for you and the intended parents.
- Two-Step Parentage Process: Iowa has a unique process for securing parental rights. Only a biological father can obtain a pre-birth order, meaning the non-genetic parent (and sometimes the genetic mother) must complete a post-birth court order or adoption to secure their rights. This does not impact your journey but highlights the need for expert legal support.
- Inclusive for Diverse Families: Iowa is inclusive, allowing married couples, unmarried partners, and LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue surrogacy. While the two-step legal process is required, the courts routinely grant parentage orders regardless of sexual orientation.
Common Questions from Surrogates in Iowa
Why do surrogate requirements exist?
These qualification rules are established not on arbitrary factors, but on professional standards developed over decades of medical and legal surrogacy work. The standards for age, BMI, and birth history are rooted in ASRM guidelines, ensuring your body is ready for a healthy outcome.
How long does it take to become a surrogate in Iowa?
The entire time frame, from the day you first apply until the delivery of the baby, usually requires 15 to 24 months. While we manage the timeline actively, factors like your flexibility on intended parent matching or the timing of IVF cycles can impact the speed. We strive to be completely upfront about the expected duration so you can plan accordingly.
How much do surrogates get paid in Iowa?
As a surrogate in Iowa, your pay could be between $55,000 - $110,000+. Your individual compensation is subject to variables such as whether this is a repeat journey for you, where you are located, and any specific contractual agreements. The full compensation includes your base fee, along with additional benefits like a generous monthly allowance, full maternity clothing coverage, and specific medical or delivery-related bonuses.
How does the surrogate matching process work?
Our comprehensive matching protocol is one of the most vital aspects of the program. We make a targeted effort to identify intended parents whose values and relationship goals align perfectly with yours. This includes discussing your desired level of contact during the pregnancy, how involved you wish to be in medical decisions, the potential post-birth relationship, and the personal values you are seeking.
Ready to Get Started?
Your incredible mission to help a family through surrogacy in Iowa begins with three straightforward steps:
Step 1: Request Your Free Iowa Surrogacy Guide
Use our quick, confidential form to request your guide to how to become a surrogate in Iowa. We detail all requirements, the financial outline, and the important legal steps.
Step 2: Connect with an Iowa Surrogacy Specialist
A caring, knowledgeable specialist will reach out within 24 hours. They will discuss your situation and answer all your questions, acting as your personal advisor from the beginning.
Step 3: Explore If Surrogacy Is Right for You
We offer complete honesty regarding your qualifications and options. Whether you start tomorrow or in a year, we ensure you have the information to make a confident choice.