How Does Surrogacy Work?

Surrogacy is a life-changing experience that allows you to give the gift of family to those who need help building theirs. At The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation, our team is comprised of dedicated professionals with expertise across every facet of the surrogacy process, including experienced Surrogates and those who have personally used surrogacy to welcome children of their own, all ready to deliver the compassionate support you deserve.

What Does It Mean to Be a Surrogate?

A Surrogate or Gestational Carrier is an individual who agrees to carry a pregnancy for another couple of any background or a single parent by choice. We specialize in Gestational Surrogacy, in which the Surrogate conceives a child through in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the sperm and eggs from the Intended Parents or a donor. Before you begin the surrogacy journey with us, you and the Intended Parents will sign a contract. You will be compensated for your time, commitment, and the physical and emotional demands of the journey.

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

A Gestational Surrogate Mother has no genetic relation to the baby they are carrying. An embryo is created using IVF with the Intended Father’s or donor’s sperm and the Intended Mother’s or donor’s egg. At The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we only provide Gestational Surrogacy services.

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

The entire surrogacy process lasts about 18 months, but different factors can make the timeline longer or shorter.

After you complete the initial application, our team will reply in about 48 hours. The initial screening process can take around 4-6 weeks as we gather medical records and perform background checks. After you complete the screening process, we will match you with a family, which generally takes a month. 

Once both parties sign the contract, the IVF cycle can begin, which takes another two months. Most of our Surrogates become pregnant after one transfer attempt, but if needed, the cycle can be repeated.

Why Choose to Be a Surrogate?

Becoming a Gestational Carrier is a deeply personal decision. Many Surrogates find the experience meaningful and impactful for themselves and the families they help. While everyone has their reasons for becoming a Surrogate, they can all agree that this experience offers a wide range of benefits for themselves and the families they help.

Sense of Community

By becoming a Surrogate, you join a unique and supportive community. Our family of Surrogates provides a space for sharing experiences, advice and emotional support, as well as the chance to form lifelong friendships. Many Surrogates also form strong bonds with their Intended Parents.

Joys of Pregnancy

Some women truly enjoy being pregnant but feel their own families are complete. Surrogacy offers the opportunity to embrace the pregnancy journey without the commitment of raising a child.

Personal Fulfillment and Growth

The surrogacy journey can be transformative and allow you to grow personally and feel a sense of fulfillment and self-confidence. While the process does have its challenges, navigating through these difficult periods can provide a sense of empowerment. Many Surrogates report feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The Gift of Family

One of the biggest motivators for individuals to become Surrogates is their desire to help others grow their families. Surrogates have their own child or children and understand the joy that comes from being a parent, and they wish to give this same experience to couples of all backgrounds or single parents by choice.

Financial Compensation

While financial compensation is rarely the sole factor, it can be a significant benefit. You can use your compensation as you see fit, including paying off loans, saving for a home or investing in your family’s future.

What to Consider Before Becoming a Surrogate

Surrogacy is a unique experience that requires careful consideration, including:

Medical and Physical Readiness

To be a Surrogate, you must be in excellent physical health to ensure your well-being and that of the baby. You will undergo a thorough screening process to ensure you can carry a baby to term successfully. There may also be a variety of hormonal treatments to help prepare you for the embryo transfer, and some of these treatments may cause fluctuating hormones and symptoms like mood swings.

Emotional and Psychological Preparedness

Surrogacy is an emotional journey that requires a strong support system. Feelings of attachment may arise toward the baby you carry, and it’s important to be emotionally prepared to transition care of the baby to the Intended Parents after birth. At The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we can connect you to counseling and support groups to navigate complex feelings like this.

You will also determine what kind of relationship you want to have with the Intended Parents. Some Surrogates form close bonds, while others prefer to keep things more formal. Setting clear boundaries and communicating openly can ensure that you and the Intended Parents understand how you wish the process to unfold.

Legal and Financial Considerations

The legal aspects of surrogacy can vary based on your location. Understanding your legal rights and restrictions before starting can ensure both you and the Intended Parents understand all requirements. At The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we provide Surrogates with recommendations for independent attorneys who have experience in assisted reproductive technologies and will provide legal advice at no extra cost.

Why Trust The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation for Your Surrogacy Journey?

With over 20 years of experience and more than 3,000 Intended Parents helped, The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation has become a top choice for Intended Parents and Surrogates. We are a full-service agency and can assist with the entire surrogacy process, from matching you with Intended Parents to handling any and all legal concerns through our partnership with The Fertility Law Center.

View our testimonials for firsthand accounts of how choosing us for your surrogacy journey can make a difference in your life and the lives of Intended Parents.

Become Part of the Family at The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation

The path to surrogacy is straightforward with The Center for Surrogacy & Egg Donation. We prioritize you and your needs throughout the surrogacy journey to ensure the experience is enjoyable and rewarding. Our team of experienced Surrogates is also available to answer any questions and provide support at every step.

Contact us to learn more or apply today to help make someone’s dream of starting a family come true.