Becoming a Surrogate Mother
You represent hope!
Surrogacy is a beautiful choice, a gateway to parenthood for people who have often given up hope of conceiving. As a surrogate, you are choosing to give an incredible gift to someone who might otherwise never know the joy of being a parent.
You will be matched with a couple or individual who has been physically unable to have children. Some have spent years facing infertility, while others are same-sex couples wanting to welcome a child into their family.
You represent hope!
Are you a mom between the ages of 21-43 who is healthy, enjoys being pregnant and loves giving back to others? Then surrogacy may be a great fit for you.
Gestational surrogacy provides a wonderful opportunity for many intended parents to have a biological child of their own. Gestational surrogate mothers are not related to the child they are carrying.
While we do not recommend becoming a surrogate mother primarily for financial reasons, you will be receiving up to $60,000 in compensation and benefits.
This provides the opportunity for a woman to stay at home with her children while contributing to her family’s finances, or make progress in fulfilling some of her own dreams.
What are the requirements to be a Surrogate?
– Be between the ages of 21 and 44
– Have delivered at least one child
– All healthy and complication free pregnancies and deliveries
– BMI below 33
Will I be genetically related to the child?
No, the embryo will be created from either the Intended Mother or with the help of an Egg Donor.
How many embryos will be transferred?
Only 1 or 2 embryos will be transferred.
Will I have expenses that I need to cover?
No, the Intended Parents are responsible for covering everything related to the surrogacy and you being pregnant.
How long before I am matched?
Once you complete our application and screening process we can usually find you a match within 1 month.
Do I have to take medications?
Yes. You will take injections to prep your body for the embryo transfer as well as to maintain the pregnancy until about 10 weeks of pregnancy.
How much contact will I have with the Intended Parents?
Whatever you and the Intended Parents feel comfortable with! We will try to match you with parents that desire the same kind of communication you do.
Does the embryo transfer hurt?
No, it feels like getting a pap smear. You are awake the entire time. The transfer of the embryos will take place through a catheter into your uterus.
Do I have to have health insurance?
No, we will purchase you a health insurance plan that covers surrogacy. The Intended Parents will be responsible for paying for the insurance premiums and all copays/deductible and maximum out of pocket.
What doctor will I see while I’m pregnant?
You will come to Western Fertility until you are 10-12 weeks pregnant. Then you will go to an OBGYN near your home. We will help you find an OBGYN if you do not have a preferred one.
Will I enter a legal agreement with the Intended Parent?
Yes. Once you get matched and pass the medical and psychological screening you will enter a legal agreement with the Intended Parents. We will refer you to an attorney that specialized in fertility law. You will have your own attorney and the parents will have their own attorney. The attorney will help you go through contracts and make sure you understand and agree on all terms of the contract.
What if I have my tubes tied? Can I still be a surrogate?
Yes! The fallopian tubes are not used when doing IVF. The embryo(s) are placed directly in the uterus of the surrogate at the time of the embryo transfer.
What are the risks of surrogacy?
The risks are similar to those of any other pregnancy.
The Process
Surrogate Profile
Create your profile, sign agency paperwork, and interview with one of our program coordinators.
Medical Consult
A preliminary screening and review of your medical history will be performed in order to ensure your viability as a surrogate candidate.
Match & Legal Contract
Once there is interest in your profile, we will setup a match meeting. Upon mutual confirmation a surrogacy legal contract will be signed.
Embryo Transfer
A quick and painless process, which includes taking medication to prepare your body in advance. About 10 days later, a pregnancy test will be performed.
Birth
Finally, the big day has arrived! What an incredible journey and, most importantly, what an amazing gift to give to any intended parent.