For women considering gestational surrogacy
Understand the journey
before you apply
Clear information on eligibility, compensation, screening, IVF, legal agreements, matching, and what the process can involve.
Eligibility, compensation, medical protocols, legal requirements, and matching practices vary by clinic, agency, state, and individual circumstances. Important decisions should be confirmed with the professionals handling your case.
Start here
The questions most applicants need answered first
Use these guides to understand the process before deciding whether a particular program is right for you.
Surrogate requirementsCommon eligibility factors and why program criteria differ.
BMI requirementsWhy clinics and programs may use different BMI thresholds.
Possible disqualificationsMedical and pregnancy-history factors that may require case-by-case review.
CompensationHow base compensation, allowances, and reimbursements differ.
Matching timeWhat can make a match faster or slower.
Medical screening & IVFWhat screening and embryo-transfer preparation can involve.
The basics
What is gestational surrogacy?
A gestational surrogate carries a pregnancy created through IVF using an embryo that is not created from her egg. As a result, the gestational surrogate is not genetically related to the child.
Read the full guide1
Application & preliminary reviewPrograms review eligibility and pregnancy history.
2
MatchingSurrogate and intended parents decide whether they are a mutual fit.
3
Medical and psychological screeningRequirements depend on the clinic and program.
4
Legal agreementsIndependent attorneys typically negotiate the gestational carrier agreement.
5
Embryo transfer & pregnancyThe fertility clinic manages the medical protocol and transfer.