Q. Who needs surrogacy?
A. Unfortunately, many couples are unable to give birth to their own children. Up until the last couple of decades, those couples only had two alternatives: adoption or remain childless. Today, due to advances in reproductive technology, couples now have medical means to have children. Reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization/prembryo transfer (IVF/ET), and other Advanced Reproductive Technologies (ART) allow otherwise infertile couples a chance to have children.
However, there are still some couples for whom these techniques are not successful and for whom adoption is not an attractive or viable option. These couples may still wish to have children who are their genetic offspring or are created using donor egg/sperm. Often the mother cannot give birth for reasons that may include lack of a uterus or where pregnancy would be medically risky. For these reasons, the only way to have genetic offspring is to have another woman carry and give birth to their child: a Gestational Carrier or Surrogate. The couple wishing to have a child through a surrogacy arrangement are referred to in the law as the "Intended Parents".
Q. How does surrogacy work?
A. A Surrogate is a woman who agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or couple called the Intended Parent(s). There are two types of surrogacy: Traditional and Gestational. The medical technique for gestational surrogacy used most commonly is IVF/ET and/or its variations. Details of this procedure, along with its risks, should be discussed with a qualified Reproductive Endocrinologist who performs such procedures.Q. What is the difference between a Genetic/Traditional and Gestational Surrogate?
A. A Genetic/Traditional Surrogate is a Surrogate who also donated her egg and thus has a biological link to the child she is carrying for the Intended Parents. This is where the Surrogate is inseminated (usually artificially) with the intended father's sperm.
A Gestational Surrogate, which is the most common, is a Surrogate who is not genetically connected to the child she is carrying for the Intended Parents. The eggs are harvested from the Intended Mother or an egg donor, are fertilized with the prospective father's sperm or sperm donor, and then transferred to the Surrogate's womb.
Q. How do I become matched with Intended Parents?
A. As soon as the screening process is complete, you will be presented with a profile of potential Intended Parents for you to review that is based on the preferences you have shared with us. At the same time, the Intended Parents are able to review your profile , as well as other Surrogates online. Once you have selected the Intended Parents, a match meeting will be set up to finalize the process. The choice to work together is mutual so that you are both comfortable moving forward together.Q. What qualifications do I need in order to be a Surrogate?
A. You must be between the ages of 21-40
Have at least one child of your own
Have had positive pregnancies and birth experiences
Must be physically and emotionally healthy
Must not use recreational drugs, smoke or abuse alcohol
Have reliable transportation
Be financially stable and not receiving government assistance
Have an appropriate Body mass Index. Height and weight must pass medical screening guidelines
Q. What is the medical process involved with being a Surrogate?
A. The first step in the medical process is your screening with the physician. On this day, the physician will perform blood tests on you and your partner, if you are in a relationship. You'll then undergo an ultrasound and consultation with the doctor who will explain the process.
Once you have been cleared medically and matched with an Intended Parent or Parents, you'll then move forward with the medical process. You will receive specific instructions about your medications from an expert fertility specialist. As a gestational Surrogate you'll be the recipient of embryos created by the Intended Parents with the method of in vitro fertilization and fertility treatments. The medications will cause your cycle to be synchronized with the ovum donor's or Intended Mother's menstrual cycle and to help your uterine lining thicken in order to accept the transferred embryos. After the embryos have been transferred, you'll be on bed rest for 24-36 hours.
Determination of pregnancy typically occurs 10 days after the transfer through a blood test. Once you are pregnant you will continue with injectable medications to ensure that the pregnancy will grow healthy and strong into the early weeks of conception. Once the pregnancy is stable, which is near the end of the first trimester, the medications can cease and typical pregnancy care is then administered by your OB.
Q. Will I have to travel?
A. If you are matched with Intended Parents whose IVF Physician is not local, yes. Travel can be one of the most exciting adventures during the surrogacy process and all of your expenses are covered. We make all of your travel arrangements for you to make it easy and enjoyable. This includes air fare, car service, and reservations at wonderful hotels. Please note that you will be compensated for lost wages and childcare.Q. Can I bring my husband/partner/companion and/or children if I have to travel?
A. The Intended Parents pay for travel and accommodations for the Surrogate and a companion only. Remember, children are not allowed in the clinics. Your children may however, travel with you at your own expense.Q. Once I am pregnant, where will I receive medical care and deliver the baby?
A. You will deliver the baby in your home state at the hospital of your choice (with reasonable input from the Intended Parents), which is covered by your medical insurance.Q. How much contact will I have with the Intended Parents?
A. As much as you both want. We will try to match you with Intended Parents that come close to your needs. Throughout the program, Intended Parents and Surrogates can arrange to meet at their own discretion.Q. Do I have to take medications?
A. When the medical testing requirements are completed and reviewed by the physician, you will be ready to start your fertility treatment. You will receive specific instructions about your medications. You will take medications to help synchronize your cycle with the ovum donor's or intended mother's menstrual cycle and to help your uterine lining thicken in order to accept the transferred embryos. You will take medications both orally and through small injections under the skin that most women give themselves. Depending on the protocol given by the IVF Physician, you may also have to administer intramuscular injections, which need to go through the muscle. You will be given instructions on all the medications you are required to take.Q. What will I have to pay for?
A. The Intended Parents will pay any and all reasonable and necessary expenses that you incur in connection with the surrogacy, including, but not limited to, all uninsured medical expenses, your legal fees for evaluating and negotiating the surrogacy agreement, any and all necessary counseling expenses, child care reimbursements and lost wages.Q. How will I be compensated?
A. The Intended Parents will fund an Escrow account before starting your medical protocol. Your pregnancy compensation will begin on the first day of each month following confirmation of the 14 day blood test. Prior to pregnancy confirmation, you will receive a monthly expense account, as well as compensation for the embryo transfer and an injectable medication fee. Payment will be handled by Extraordinary Conceptions according to your Surrogate Contract.Q. How much contact will I have with Extraordinary Conceptions?
A. More than you can imagine. You will deal directly with our immediate staff, who will help you throughout the surrogacy arrangement. From the time you are accepted into the program until the birth of the baby, we are here for you. We will answer any questions that you may have and address any concerns that can arise during your pregnancy.Q. What are my responsibilities as a Surrogate?
A. Your responsibilities as a Surrogate will be to complete your application, and all other necessary paperwork in full. Arrive at all your appointments as scheduled. Take all medications and injections according to the calendar and follow your physician's orders. Keep Extraordinary Conceptions informed of all appointments and issues that may arise. You will need to keep a monthly expense report so you may be reimbursed. Every match is different and there are many more issues that will need to be communicated with the Intended Parents and Extraordinary Conceptions. We will go over these issues on an ongoing basis. We want this to be a rewarding experience for you and will do everything possible to make sure you are happy with your Intended Parents and our staff.Q. What is the typical compensation package for a Surrogate?
A. Surrogates can receive up to $35,000.00, with first-time Surrogates in our program receiving a base compensation fee of $23,000.00. Repeat Surrogates receive a higher compensation, depending on their experience.Q. How is the pregnancy managed and who makes the decisions?
A. After pregnancy is achieved, and you no longer need to be monitored by the IVF Physician, your care is managed by an obstetrician of your choice, as long as he or she is covered under your medical care. While the Intended Parents pay for your medical care and do not get to approve your OB and may be involved in your care, ultimately you are the patient and you have control over the care you receive.Q. Do I get to choose the Intended Parents that I work with?
A. Yes. You will receive brief biographies of Intended Parents for your review. Once you choose the Intended Parents you will then have a meeting, if all parties are willing. You then decide if you are willing to work with the prospective Intended Parents. If not, the agency will continue to work at matching you with other parents. Extraordinary Conceptions actively tries to match parents and Surrogates who share the same general values and interests.Q. What happens once I am matched with a couple?
A. Once you are matched with a couple, you see their IVF Physician for a medical screening and a psychologist specializing in third-party reproduction for a consult. Next, a Surrogacy Agreement will be drafted and reviewed by all parties. The Intended Parents will pay for an attorney to review the agreement with you. Once everyone has agreed to the terms of the agreement, it will be signed, and you and the Intended Mother or the Egg Donor will be able to begin the medical procedures.Q. Once my profile is posted, how long before the first implantation?
A. A number of factors are taken into consideration when making a match, most important being what you and the Intended Parents are looking for. Where you are located and if you have health insurance that covers surrogacy helps in making a match, as well as your background, marital status, how many children you have given birth to, and your age. But, there are a number of factors that go into making a match, both for you and the Intended Parents. We have matched surrogates very quickly and some surrogates take longer.Q. Can I stay in contact with the baby and the parents if I want to?
A. It depends on what you and the Intended Parents agree to. This can be discussed with the Intended Parents before you ever agree to work together, and we always try to match you with Intended Parents with similar expectations about post-birth contact.Q. Why work with an agency instead of going independent?
A. Unforeseen costs can backlog and delay the process. Dispute over cost, escrow accounts, doctors, lawyers and scheduling appointments can overwhelm and cripple the relationship between the Intended Parents and the Surrogate. Extraordinary Conceptions will mediate educate and handle the details, so you can realize the full joy that you are bringing into the lives of others.Q. Does the agency work with all types of couples?
A. Yes. Extraordinary Conceptions works with all types of couples and individuals. We do not discriminate against age, ethnic background, marital status or sexual orientation.Q. Will I be compensated more for carrying twins or triplets?
A. Yes.Q. Do you have a list of Surrogates and/or Intended Parents that I can speak to?
A. Yes. We will provide references upon request.Q. How long does it take to become a Surrogate?
A. To be matched with a couple usually takes 1-3 months. Medical screening, psychological consult and legal process usually takes 1-3 months. The embryo transfer cycle is usually 3-4 weeks. And of course the 9 months that you are pregnant.: Surrogate Center Overview
: Surrogate Fee Schedule
: Online Surrogate Application Form