Surrogates
How to Become a Surrogate in the U.S.: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a surrogate is a meaningful decision that allows you to help another family grow while receiving medical care, professional support, and fair compensation.
This guide explains how to become a surrogate in the United States, who qualifies, what the process looks like, how long it takes, and what to expect at every stage.
Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to apply, this page walks you through the journey clearly and transparently.
What Happens After You Apply to Be a Surrogate?
This page focuses on the application-to-clearance stage for prospective gestational carriers. If you are looking for the broader eligibility and journey overview, see our complete guide to becoming a surrogate.
In the U.S., most journeys involve gestational surrogacy, meaning:
- The surrogate does not use her own eggs
- The embryo is created through IVF
- The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby
Gestational surrogacy is widely practiced and legally structured in many U.S. states.
Who Can Become a Surrogate?
Surrogacy has specific eligibility criteria designed to protect both the surrogate and the baby.
While requirements may vary slightly by clinic or state, most surrogates meet the following general guidelines.
Basic Surrogate Requirements
- Adult age within the fertility clinic or program's current eligibility range
- At least one prior pregnancy and delivery, with obstetric records available for review
- Medical history that the treating fertility clinic considers appropriate for another pregnancy
- Psychological readiness and an adequate support system
- Compliance with the program's nicotine, substance-use and medication policies
- Practical ability to attend appointments and follow the treatment plan
- A proposed arrangement that can proceed under the laws applicable to the parties
These criteria exist to ensure a safe and healthy journey for everyone involved.
Surrogate Medical Requirements
Medical screening is a key part of becoming a surrogate and is handled by fertility professionals.
This usually includes:
- Review of medical records
- Physical exam
- Bloodwork and hormone testing
- Uterine evaluation
- Infectious disease screening
- IVF readiness assessment
Medical screening ensures your body is well prepared for pregnancy and embryo transfer.
Psychological Screening & Emotional Readiness
Surrogacy is both a physical and emotional journey.
You’ll typically complete:
- A psychological evaluation
- A consultation to discuss expectations and boundaries
- Education about emotional aspects of surrogacy
This step helps confirm that surrogacy is the right choice for you and that you feel supported throughout the process.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Surrogate
Here’s a clear overview of the typical surrogacy journey in the U.S.
Step 1: Submit an Application
You begin by completing a detailed application that covers:
- Health history
- Pregnancy history
- Lifestyle information
- Availability and preferences
Step 2: Initial Screening
Your application is reviewed to confirm basic eligibility before moving forward.
Step 3: Medical & Psychological Evaluations
You complete clinical screenings and psychological assessments with licensed professionals.
Step 4: Matching With Intended Parents
Once approved, you are matched with intended parents based on:
- Medical compatibility
- Expectations and values
- Communication preferences
Step 5: Legal Agreements
Each party has independent legal representation.
A surrogacy agreement outlines:
- Compensation
- Medical decisions
- Parental rights
- Expectations during pregnancy
Step 6: IVF & Embryo Transfer
You begin a medically supervised cycle leading up to embryo transfer at a fertility clinic.
Step 7: Pregnancy & Support
Throughout pregnancy, you receive ongoing medical care, emotional support, and coordination until delivery.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Surrogate?
The timeline varies considerably. Record collection, agency prescreening, matching, fertility-clinic medical clearance, psychological evaluation, legal contracts and embryo-transfer preparation can each take different amounts of time. An unsuccessful transfer or a medical or legal issue can extend the journey further.
Ask the specific agency and fertility clinic for their current stage-by-stage expectations rather than relying on a guaranteed application-to-delivery timeline.
Surrogate Compensation & Benefits
Surrogates in the U.S. receive compensation for their time, commitment, and responsibility.
Compensation often includes:
- Base compensation
- Monthly allowances
- Medical expense coverage
- Travel expenses
- Maternity-related reimbursements
Exact compensation depends on experience, location, and journey specifics and is outlined clearly before pregnancy begins.
Legal Rights & Protections for Surrogates
Surrogacy in the U.S. is governed by state laws, which is why legal guidance is essential.
Legal protections include:
- Independent legal representation
- A binding surrogacy agreement
- Clearly defined parental rights
- Protection of medical decision-making within agreed boundaries
Surrogacy law is state-specific and can depend on the facts of the arrangement. Independent reproductive-law counsel should confirm the current parentage procedure, contract requirements and any restrictions that apply before treatment proceeds.
Support Throughout the Surrogacy Journey
A well-structured surrogacy journey includes continuous support, such as:
- Dedicated coordinators
- Medical guidance
- Emotional and logistical support
- Clear communication with all parties
Support is designed to help you feel informed, respected, and cared for from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Surrogate
Do surrogates use their own eggs?
No. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate does not have a genetic connection to the baby.
What disqualifies someone from being a surrogate?
Common disqualifiers include certain medical conditions, pregnancy complications, smoking, or lack of prior pregnancy.
Can I work while being a surrogate?
In most cases, yes. Many surrogates continue working, depending on job type and medical guidance.
Who pays medical bills during surrogacy?
The agreement should explain responsibility for pregnancy-related medical expenses, insurance premiums, deductibles and uncovered costs. Coverage depends on the actual insurance policy and contractual arrangements, so it should be reviewed before treatment.
Is surrogacy safe?
Pregnancy and embryo-transfer treatment carry real medical risks even after appropriate screening. Screening and medical supervision are intended to reduce and manage risk, not to guarantee an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Is Becoming a Surrogate Right for You?
Becoming a surrogate is a personal decision that combines generosity, responsibility, and commitment.
Many surrogates describe the experience as one of the most meaningful journeys of their lives.
If you’re considering surrogacy, the next step is learning more about eligibility and speaking with a professional who can guide you through the process.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You can start by checking your eligibility or speaking with a surrogacy coordinator who can answer your questions and guide you through the process at your own pace.
