Surrogates
Surrogacy Process for Surrogates: Step-by-Step Journey
A step-by-step overview of the gestational-surrogacy process from a surrogate’s perspective, including screening, matching, independent legal counsel, embryo transfer, pregnancy, compensation and parentage.
If you are considering becoming a surrogate, many questions may arise. The surrogacy journey is long and complex, and it’s important to understand its structure. While every surrogacy process is different, some milestones stay the same. Let’s go over them, one by one.
The Process to Become a Surrogate Mother Involves Seven Main Steps:
1. Research Surrogacy, Agencies and Compensation
Normally, before you match with intended parents, the intended mother or egg donor will undergo an egg retrieval procedure, and the eggs will be fertilized in a lab to create embryos. Some agencies wait for the intended parents to have embryos ready to ensure there will be no delays or complications once you are matched. As part of your research and reading, here are some articles that might help you in the beginning of your journey:
Remember, there is no silly question. The research stage might be long—take your time and make sure you understand everything, from the team that will guide you through the journey to your ability to choose the intended parents, and make sure you have a full understanding of the compensation package.
2. Find Out If You Qualify
Learn all about the screening process of a surrogate in the U.S.. This commonly includes an agency interview and application, review of prior pregnancy records, psychological evaluation or psychoeducation, background screening when required by the program, and later fertility-clinic medical clearance. Home visits are not a universal requirement, and agency prescreening does not replace the treating clinic's final medical decision.
3. Match with Intended Parents
During the matching phase, you will have the opportunity to review the profiles of intended parents and be matched with them for your surrogacy journey. At this stage, most agencies will move forward with the legal process (if it wasn't done before), and you can officially begin your surrogacy journey.
4. Legal Agreement
Once you match with intended parents, you will reach the legal step where usually the surrogate and the intended parents are represented by separate lawyers. This agreement will state the final compensation and your rights and will protect you in case of conflicts during the journey. You will sign a surrogacy contract with the help of a surrogacy lawyer—one that protects both you and the intended parents.
5. Begin Pregnancy
Once the legal agreements are signed and you are medically cleared, the clinic will share a protocol to prepare you for the transfer day. When the time is right, you will undergo an embryo transfer via IVF and then return home and continue to be tested until a healthy pregnancy is confirmed. If a transfer is unsuccessful, the fertility clinic will review the cycle and advise whether and when another attempt is medically appropriate. There is no universal two-month waiting period.
6. Carry and Deliver the Baby
The timing of compensation is governed by the signed gestational-carrier agreement and varies by arrangement; it should not be assumed to begin at one universal medical milestone. Early pregnancy may initially be monitored by the fertility clinic before care transitions to an obstetric provider according to the clinic's protocol and the carrier's medical needs. Intended parents may attend agreed appointments when appropriate, while the carrier remains the patient and retains authority over her medical care.
7. Conclude Your Surrogacy Journey
Legal parentage procedures vary substantially by state and by the facts of the journey. Some jurisdictions use pre-birth or post-birth parentage orders or other procedures. A gestational carrier should receive advice from her own reproductive-law attorney about the documents and court process that apply to her case; do not assume every carrier must “relinquish” parental rights after birth. After the birth, many parents and surrogates stay in touch for years to come.
Conclusion
The surrogacy journey is a comprehensive process that requires dedication, care, and support at each step. From initial research and qualification to matching with intended parents and carrying the baby to term, every phase is designed to ensure the well-being of both the surrogate and the intended parents. By understanding and navigating these steps, surrogates can make a significant impact on the lives of those who struggle with infertility and help them achieve their dream of building a family. At Expecting.ai, our team is here to support you throughout this rewarding journey, ensuring a successful and fulfilling experience for all involved.
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