Illinois is not just surrogacy-friendly; it's a national leader. The streamlined legal process ensures your compensation is protected, eliminates the need for post-birth adoption, and provides a predictable, supportive environment from your first appointment to the delivery.
Ready to carry a dream in a state that sets the gold standard for legal protection?
If you have had a healthy pregnancy and are over 21, you likely meet the basic surrogate requirements. Let's review the steps and connect you with a specialist today to see if this secure journey is right for you.
How to Become a Surrogate in Illinois: 6 Steps
The journey to become a surrogate in Illinois follows these six clear milestones:
Step 1: Determine if Surrogacy is Right for You
Before taking the plunge, thoroughly investigate how to become a surrogate and discuss the commitment with your personal support system. If you have questions, reach out to us anytime to take the first step in becoming a surrogate.
Step 2: See If You Qualify
To confirm you are physically and emotionally prepared to become a surrogate in Illinois, you will undergo a rigorous screening and qualification process. This screening ensures that becoming a surrogate is a viable path given your medical and personal background.
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
Following medical clearance, our agency facilitates an introduction to intended parents who share your fundamental values. We guide you through the initial steps of how the surrogate matching process works.
Step 4: Surrogacy Contracts
Separate, specialized reproductive attorneys draft the legally enforceable Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA). This contract secures your financial and legal rights throughout the entire process.
Step 5: Become Pregnant
You will attend a final medical screening at the fertility clinic before starting medications. Once cleared, the embryo transfer procedure is performed to initiate the pregnancy.
Step 6: Pregnancy and Delivery
Throughout your pregnancy, you receive scheduled base payments. You continue your standard prenatal care, leading to the incomparable joy of delivery and handing the baby to their parents
What Are the Requirements to Be a Surrogate in Illinois?
These qualifications ensure you're ready to become a surrogate in Illinois 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 Illinois
With decades of proven success creating families, we've perfected the art of making your surrogacy journey in Illinois positive and meaningful. As you figure out how to find a surrogacy agency, choose the experience and expertise of American Surrogacy.
Services for Surrogates in Illinois
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 Illinois Surrogates
Is There Anything Unique About Becoming a Surrogate in Illinois?
Illinois is widely known as one of America's most surrogacy-friendly states. There are a few key reasons why becoming a surrogate here is especially beneficial:
- Strongest Legal Protection: The Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act is one of the clearest and most comprehensive surrogacy statutes in the nation. This legal framework ensures contracts are fully enforceable and allows intended parents to be named on the birth certificate directly (with no court order typically needed if one parent is genetically related), which provides immense clarity and peace of mind for you and the family.
- Highly Inclusive State: Illinois has long been at the forefront of inclusive reproductive rights, protecting the rights of all family types, including single parents, same-sex couples, and unmarried couples. Your altruistic effort will be valued by a diverse range of hopeful families.
- World-Class Medical Hub: The state is home to a robust network of top fertility clinics and experienced reproductive law attorneys, especially near major metropolitan areas like Chicago. This means you have access to the highest quality medical care throughout your journey.
Common Questions from Surrogates in Illinois
Why do surrogate requirements exist?
These prerequisites are anything but arbitrary. They are built upon extensive medical best practices and years of field experience. The standards for age, health, and previous pregnancy history directly align with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's (ASRM) guidelines, prioritizing your well-being and the best possible outcome for the baby.
How long does it take to become a surrogate in Illinois?
From your initial contact with our agency until the child is born, the full journey to become a surrogate in Illinois generally spans between 15 and 24 months. While that range is typical, your path may be slightly expedited if you are flexible with preferences, or it might be longer if you have specific family or personal commitments that need to be scheduled around. We maintain total transparency regarding your projected timeline.
How much do surrogates get paid in Illinois?
Do I get paid to be a surrogate? Yes. Surrogate compensation packages in Illinois are among the most competitive nationally, ranging from $55,000 - $110,000+. Your specific pay depends on your previous surrogacy experience (repeat surrogates earn higher compensation), your current income, and the agency you choose. This compensation covers your base fee, medical expenses, maternity clothing, and other allowances (Financial compensation attribute).
How does the surrogate matching process work?
Finding the right intended parents is one of the most critical parts of your journey. Our process is designed to find the best match for you by understanding what matters to you: communication frequency, appointment involvement, relationship after birth, and the values that are important in the family you're helping create (Relationship with intended parents attribute). How to find a surrogacy agency that prioritizes this match? Our team is dedicated to pairing you with a family that shares your values.
Ready to Get Started?
There are three simple steps you can take to become a surrogate in Illinois, starting with:
Step 1: Request Your Free Illinois Surrogacy Guide
Fill out our simple form in just 2 minutes. We'll send you comprehensive information about how to become a surrogate in Illinois, including surrogate requirements, pay, and what makes the Prairie State such a secure place for surrogacy.
Step 2: Connect with an Illinois Surrogacy Specialist
Within 24 hours, one of our experienced specialists will reach out for a relaxed, no-pressure conversation about your situation and answer all your questions about surrogacy in Illinois.
Step 3: Explore If Surrogacy Is Right for You
Whether surrogacy is the perfect fit or the timing isn't quite right, we'll help you understand your options with complete honesty and clarity.