for our
surrogate mothers
what is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where a woman carries and births a baby for another person or couple, referred to as the intended parents. There are two types of surrogacy:
Traditional Surrogacy: In this type, the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the intended father’s sperm. The surrogate’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother of the child. Traditional surrogacy is illegal in many states in America. The Surrogacy Co. does not participate in traditional surrogacy arrangements.
Gestational Surrogacy: This involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), where an embryo is created from the intended parent’s (or donor) egg and sperm. The embryo is implanted into the surrogate mother’s uterus. The surrogate mother has no genetic connection to the baby. The Surrogacy Co. facilitates gestational surrogacy arrangements.
Surrogacy is chosen by individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term due to medical reasons, or by same-sex couples wishing to have a biological child.
surrogate mother requirements
At The Surrogacy Co., we set minimum requirements that potential surrogates must meet in order to be considered for a surrogacy experience. For many reasons, these eligibility requirements are strict. These requirements are based on best practice guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and are designed to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all parties involved in the surrogacy journey:
Age:
First time surrogates should be between 21 and 45 years old.
Experienced surrogates may be older, pending physician approval.
Health:
Must be in excellent health, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19 - 31.
Non-smoker and no illicit substance abuse (for all adults in the household).
Must not have been diagnosed with a mental health condition or have been prescribed medications for mental health conditions in the previous 12 months.
Must be free from infectious diseases or treatable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the previous 12 months.
Reproductive History:
Surrogates should have delivered at least one child without complications to full term.
Surrogates should have had no more than five vaginal births.
Surrogates should have had no more than three prior c-section births.
Legal and Background Checks:
Surrogate mother and any adults living in the same dwelling must be willing to undertake, and able to pass, a criminal background check.
Psychological Evaluation:
Surrogates must be free of medications for mental health conditions for at least 12 months.
Surrogates and their spouse/ partner must be willing to undergo psychological evaluations to ensure you are emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey.
Lifestyle:
Should be leading a stable, low stress lifestyle and maintain a supportive home environment.
Should be in a stable marriage / relationship, or single.
Financial:
Surrogates must be in a financially stable position. Some types of financial aid or government assistance may render you ineligible for a surrogacy journey.
These requirements help ensure that you are physically, emotionally, and legally prepared for the surrogacy process, providing a safe and supportive environment for both yourself and the intended parents.
If you meet these basic requirements, we would love to discuss surrogacy in more detail with you! Please fill out the application form linked below:
Surrogacy process
The Surrogacy Co. is here to advocate for you! Jenna Clarke, our Founder, has been in this situation as a surrogate mother (twice). We want to protect you and your family on this journey.
The surrogacy process involves several key steps, each with its own emotional and logistical considerations. Throughout this journey, The Surrogacy Co. supports you at every step to make sure you are protected and treated with the utmost respect and care.
Initial Decision:
Research: Learning about the surrogacy process, medical requirements, and expectations.
Self-Reflection: The journey begins with a personal decision (in discussion with your partner, if applicable) to become a surrogate mother, considering the emotional, financial, and physical implications.
Application: Submitting an application with detailed personal, medical, and behavioral health information. Our team will review your information to determine if you meet the minimum requirements.
Consultation: If you are eligible, you will be invited to book a call with our team to further discuss the process in detail.
Agency Onboarding and Medical Record Retrieval:
Profile: Share your story so we can get to know you and your reasons for wanting to be a surrogate.
Screening: Criminal background check (for all adults living in your household), medical evaluation sign-off from your OB/GYN, medical record submission, etc.
Onboarding Interview: Personalized discussion (with your spouse/ partner) to identify your priorities and preferences as we prepare to search for your intended parent match. Gain clarity on next steps and documentation required.
Matching with Your Intended Parents:
Profile Matching: Reviewing profiles of potential intended parents and vice versa.
Interviews and Meetings: Meeting potential intended parents to ensure a good match.
Agreement: Both parties agree to move forward together and sign Tentative Match Agreement.
Benefits Package: Your unique compensation and benefits package will be discussed and finalized.
Medical Clearance:
Surrogate Medical Screening: Comprehensive health evaluations, including blood tests (for both you and your spouse/ partner) and physical examinations.
Surrogate Psychological Evaluation: Both you and your spouse/ partner will be assessed for mental and emotional readiness for the surrogacy journey.
Legal Clearance:
Contract Drafting: Intended parents attorney will draft a detailed gestational surrogacy agreement covering all aspects of the surrogacy arrangement, taking into consideration any previously agreed-to preferences specific to the circumstances of the journey.
Review and Signing: You and your spouse/ partner and intended parents review the contracts with your respective attorney to ensure mutual understanding and agreement.
Embryo Transfer:
Medical Preparations: You will undergo a regimen of medications including self-administered syringe injections to prepare your body for the embryo transfer and pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer: Your intended parents’ chosen fertility doctor performs the embryo transfer procedure.
Pregnancy Confirmation: Waiting for confirmation of pregnancy through blood tests and ultrasounds.
Pregnancy:
Prenatal Care: You will have external monitoring appointments with a fertility clinic until 12 weeks, and then continued care with your selected maternity care provider to monitor your health & baby’s health.
Support Systems: Communication between you and your intended parents based on your agreed preferences, and receiving emotional and practical support.
Birth and Post-Birth:
Birth: You give birth, and the baby is placed in the loving arms of their parents at the hospital.
Post-Birth Legal Steps: Legal process finalized by your intended parents’ attorney to ensure their parental rights are established.
You get to celebrate this incredible experience and the gift you gave to your intended parents’ family!
You will receive fourth trimester and postpartum resources from an experienced doula team, along with referrals to community resources to ensure a smooth recovery.
You will continue to receive psychological support, in the event that emotional challenges arise during your postpartum months.
Surrogate Mother Compensation.
Surrogate Mother Compensation.
surrogate mother compensation
Surrogacy compensation can vary widely based on the surrogate’s location, prior surrogacy experience, and the specific arrangements made with the intended parents. To give you a frame of reference:
Base Compensation: This is the primary payment a surrogate mother receives in exchange for the time, emotional and physical effort, and commitment to safely carrying the baby on behalf of the intended parents.
Surrogate mother base compensation starts between $50,000 and $60,000+.
Life Insurance: The intended parents will purchase a $750k life insurance policy for their surrogate mother for a term of one year.
Monthly Expense Allowance:
Upon signing a Tentative Match Agreement, surrogate mothers will receive a $250 monthly pre-pregnancy allowance for undergoing medical and legal clearance.
Upon confirmation of pregnancy, surrogate mothers will receive a $500 monthly expense allowance for maternity clothing, massages, manicures/ pedicures, acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, housecleaning services, etc.
Additional Expenses: Surrogates are also compensated or reimbursed for various additional expenses, including:
Therapy / counseling: You will have regular access to mental health professionals, paid for by the intended parents.
Medical Expenses: All medical costs related to the surrogacy process are covered by the intended parents.
Lost Wages: If the surrogate needs to take time off work for medical appointments or recovery, lost wages are compensated.
Childcare: Costs for childcare during medical appointments or recovery periods are covered.
Miscellaneous Fees: There may be other additional compensation fees paid to surrogate mothers for specific circumstances, such as multiple embryo transfers, invasive procedures, c-section delivery, etc.
Legal and Insurance Costs: All legal fees and insurance & medical costs related to the surrogacy are covered by the intended parents.
Overall, surrogacy compensation is designed to ensure that surrogates are fairly compensated for their time, effort, and the physical and emotional demands of the entire process. We have been surrogates, so we advocate for above average compensation for surrogate mothers. The Surrogacy Co. keeps their agency fees lower than average so that more funds can be allocated to you, the woman giving the gift of life. Once you are matched with your intended parents, your detailed benefits package will be established.
FAQs for
surrogate mothers
It is perfectly normal to have questions about the surrogacy process, and we are here to help! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from potential surrogate mothers:
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Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (known as a gestational carrier or surrogate mother) carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple, known as the intended parents. Gestational surrogacy involves using an embryo created via IVF from the intended parents’ (or donor) egg and sperm. The surrogate is not genetically related to the baby.
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Generally, surrogates are women who have had at least one successful pregnancy without complications to full term, and are raising their own child(ren). They must pass medical, psychological, and background screenings to ensure they are suitable candidates.
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Surrogates often cite the joy of helping others build their families as a primary benefit. Additionally, they receive financial compensation, which can help support their own families.
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The screening process is robust and includes a comprehensive medical examination, psychological evaluation, and background checks for the surrogate mother and her spouse/ partner. This ensures the surrogate is physically and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey.
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Surrogates are matched with intended parents based on compatibility and mutual preferences. This involves reviewing profiles, meeting potential intended parents, and agreeing to move forward together.
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Gestational carrier agreements are legally binding contracts that outline the rights and responsibilities of both the surrogate (and her spouse/ partner) and the intended parents. Legal professionals ensure that all parties understand and agree to the terms before proceeding.
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Surrogates receive comprehensive support from their surrogacy agency and qualified professionals, which includes counseling, medical care, legal assistance, doula advice for pregnancy, birth and postpartum, financial support, and more. This support helps manage the emotional, physical, and logistical aspects of the surrogacy process.
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The Surrogacy Co. follows best practice guidelines for birth and post-birth transitions from birth mother to intended parents. After delivery, we will ensure a smooth transition from surrogate mother to baby’s loving intended parents. The surrogate mother’s family will get a chance to meet the baby. The surrogate mother will be supported in her postpartum recovery. Legal steps are taken to finalize the intended parents’ parental rights. Everyone celebrates the arrival of this much anticipated gift. You will continue to have postpartum support.
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Like any pregnancy, surrogacy carries medical risks. However, thorough medical screening and regular prenatal care help minimize these risks. Emotional challenges can also arise, which is why psychological support is available to your throughout the journey.
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Once you are matched, your benefit package will be confirmed. Surrogates receive base compensation along with additional allowances for self care, lost wages, and other related costs. The funds are kept in an independent escrow account, and overseen by The Surrogacy Co. so you never miss a payment.
If you have specific questions or need further details, we would love to talk to you!