For our Future Surrogates

As a mother, you have nurtured your own children and it is difficult to imagine your life without them.  Consider what it would mean to give this same gift to another couple!

Not everyone is able to be a surrogate, so it is important to know the general requirements, risks involved, and for you to understand all the contractual ins-and-outs. We will walk you through the entire process so that you can make the best decisions for you and your family.

WHAT IS SURROGACY?

Surrogacy is a process in which a woman, often called a "gestational carrier" or "gestational surrogate" carries the embryo (created through in vitro fertilization) of another couple for the purpose of creating a family for them.   Some arrangements are compensated, and others are altruistic (usually for a friend or family member).   But all of these journeys are amazing.

Our goals are two-fold - (1) a healthy baby to go home with the new parents and (2) a healthy YOU to go back home to your family.   Because of this, we have certain requirements that must be met for a candidate to become a surrogate.  You can find out how to become a surrogate, including our list of requirements, in the files below.

The matching process is also very important - we want you to feel comfortable with the family you are working with.  You'll be asked a series of questions so that we can present the couples that would be the best match for you.  Some things to consider are location (in-state, US, international), LGBT+, heterosexual, or single parents, your feelings about medically necessary termination, as well as number of embryos you are comfortable carrying.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A SURROGATE?

As a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy (SEEDS), we follow the guidelines that infertility clinics and other industry professionals use to determine if a candidate is eligible to be a surrogate with our company.  

Company requirements include (but are not limited to):

• Age 21-38 (up to 45 if you've had a recent birth)
• Must have had at least one term, uncomplicated pregnancy.
• Ideally will not have had more than a total of 5 pregnancies or 3 c-section deliveries
• Non-smoking
• No illegal drug use
• Alcohol consumption less than 1 drink per day

Individual infertility clinics will also have their own requirements; some medical requirements include:

• BMI 32 or less (some clinics will allow to 35)
• No history of pre-eclampsia
• No history of gestational hypertension
• No history of pre-term labor/delivery unless followed by full-term births (twins may be an exception)
• Any medical history that could affect the ability to have a healthy pregnancy/delivery will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Part of the surrogate application process includes a psychosocial evaluation.   Some of the psychological requirements include:

• Not currently using medications for psychological conditions 
• No history of post-partum depression
• No history of significant mood disorders
• No history of addiction
• No current marital or relationship instability. 
• No current major life stressors

Each gestational surrogate will have independent legal representation throughout the contract phase of the journey.    Some legal requirements include:

• Disclosure of any misdemeanor or felony 
• Consent to a background check
• Adherence to the contract (Gestational Agreement) between the surrogate and intended parents
• Must be married or single.   Cannot be separated (in most states)
• Cannot be on government assistance (in most states; child Medicare may be allowed)
• Live in a state that allows surrogacy
• US citizen or legal resident

HOW MUCH DO SURROGATES MAKE?

Compensation for surrogacy depends on a number of variables, including the experience of a surrogate, where in the US she lives, among others.  Although we do have a suggested range for base compensation of first-time surrogates, we do not set a surrogate's compensation, as we feel this is a personal decision for each candidate.  

As a surrogate working with The Surrogacy Consultant, you will have easy access to us through phone, email, texting, video conferencing, and even in person.  We want you to be educated about the process and feel confident and secure as go through this journey.