Become a Surrogate

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What is a Gestational Carrier or Surrogate?

What is the difference between a gestational carrier and a surrogate? Both of these terms describe a woman who carries a child to term for a couple or individual. The primary difference lies simply in semantics based on the difference between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is biologically related to the child. Traditional surrogacy is mostly banned across the U.S. 

In gestational surrogacy, the carrier is in no way genetically linked to the child she is carrying. Surrogate mothers are impregnated through the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF). We often use the term “surrogate” or “surrogate mother” because these are the most widely used terms for carriers to find information and resources to get started. 

A gestational carrier or surrogate is so much more than terminology. She is someone with a giving heart who feels called to help someone grow their family. She has found pregnancy enjoyable in the past and feels genuine fulfillment in bringing a human life into the world. A gestational carrier is looking for a connective experience as she and her intended parents work together towards a common goal. 

How to Become a Surrogate

Becoming a gestational carrier can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. For the safety of you, the child you’ll be carrying, and the intended parents, there will be some requirements you will need to fill.

Surrogate Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen living in the United States
  • Be between the ages of 21 and 39
  • Have had at least one healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy
  • Must be actively parenting at least one child
  • Can not be parenting any children on Medicaid, food stamps, or other assistance
  • Can not have had postpartum depression after previous pregnancies
  • Can not have any mental health issues
  • Can not have been on any medication for depression, bi-polar, or other mental health issues
  • Are healthy and free of sexually-transmitted diseases
  • Do not smoke or take illegal drugs
  • Are not alcohol dependent
  • Are not currently on public assistance
  • Can pass a background check
  • Be able to travel as needed for appointments
  • Have a stable lifestyle and support system
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We know the requirements are strict and seem like a lot. It is in the best interest for all parties that we follow the guidelines set by fertility clinics and The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Our requirements help ensure the best possible outcome for success and good health.

If you meet our requirements for surrogate mothers, you can proceed with the screening process.

surrogate screening process

The screening process is important for everyone involved. You can take comfort in knowing that intended parents will also be screened to ensure they too are ready for surrogacy with Surrogacy Choices.

Surrogate Screening Process

  • An application: the initial application will ask you some general questions about you and your reasons for pursuing surrogacy. After submitting the initial application, you will be contacted by one of our surrogacy specialist, who will gather more detailed information from you.
  • Social and medical history information: this will be included with your initial application. In most cases, we will ask you to submit detailed information about you, your family, your health history, and even your personality.
  • A physical examination: you will be required to meet with a fertility specialist for a physical exam and other lab work to ensure you are healthy enough for surrogacy.
  • An in-home assessment: we may meet with you in your home to talk more about your goals and motivations for pursuing surrogacy. This meeting helps our social worker get to know you better and provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the process.
  • Background checks: you will need to consent to standard criminal records and background checks.
  • A mental health evaluation: you will meet with a mental health care professional to ensure that you fully understand the emotional impact of surrogacy and to determine that you are psychologically ready for the challenges of surrogate motherhood.

Medical Requirements for Surrogates

Because your health is so important to a successful surrogacy, it will be closely monitored throughout the entire surrogacy process – from screening through pregnancy and delivery. As a gestational carrier, you will be required to undergo medical tests and take fertility medications throughout the surrogacy process.

  • Medical screening: this is part of the screening process. It will involve a physical as well as a variety of laboratory testing. You will be screened for sexually transmitted diseases and other communicable diseases, as well as certain viruses and infections that can affect your fertility. You may need to undergo an ultrasound to determine the health of your uterus, and there is a possibility that you will be screened for drug use. Your spouse or partner will likely also need to be screened for STDs and drug use.
  • Fertility treatments: after signing legal contracts with the intended parents, you will need to prepare for surrogate pregnancy with multiple fertility treatments, blood tests, injections and ultrasounds throughout the embryo transfer process (as well as through the beginning of your pregnancy). You will be prescribed several medications, such as birth control pills and other hormones, which will help regulate your cycle and prepare you for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
  • Embryo transfer: the intended mother’s (or donor’s) egg will be fertilized in the laboratory using the intended father’s (or donor’s) sperm. After a brief incubation period, it will be time to transfer the fertilized embryo into your uterus for implantation. This procedure is relatively quick and painless and usually does not require medication or anesthesia. You may be required to stay at the fertility clinic for a few hours and rest for a few days after the transfer.
  • Prenatal care: you will be required to make routine visits to the fertility clinic to receive regular blood tests and ultrasounds. Once a heartbeat is heard and a healthy pregnancy is confirmed, you may be transferred to your own OB. You will continue to receive prenatal care as you would with any pregnancy, though checkups may be more frequent to ensure the health of the baby.
medical requirements for surrogacy

Throughout these medical processes and your entire pregnancy, you will maintain regular communication with the intended parents. If you are both comfortable, they may want to be present for doctor appointments so they can experience all of the excitement of the pregnancy with you.

legal requirements for surrogacy

Legal Requirements for Surrogates

One of the most important requirements in any surrogacy arrangement is the legal contract. Every surrogacy agreement is different depending on your circumstances and your relationship with the intended parents. Your specific legal rights and obligations will be outlined in your contract.

Prior to beginning any medical procedures, you and the intended parents must agree to and sign the contract, which will clearly outline all of the legal aspects of the surrogacy, including:

  • Compensation
  • Possible risks
  • Your responsibilities as the surrogate
  • Relinquishment of the child
  • And more

In most cases, the intended parents’ attorney will draft the contract. You will then review the contract with you own attorney to ensure that all of your requests have been included. Once all necessary revisions have been made and both parties agree to the terms of the contract, you and the intended parents will sign the paperwork and the contract becomes legally binding. At that point, you can begin receiving payments and prepare for the embryo transfer.

What is the Process to Become a Surrogate?

Pre Screening

Not all women are eligible to become gestational surrogates. Apart from a desire to help a family and a generous, compassionate spirit, some important criteria need to be met before consideration.

Screening

Once pre-approved, a potential surrogate must go through a screening process which includes full mental and physical requirements, background checks, in-home assessments, and more.

Medical Screening

Medical screening ensures you are physically and mentally ready to become a gestational carrier. Screening includes communicable diseases, drug use, infections, and more to ensure safe health.

Matching

You will have a chance to meet with potential intended parents to find your match. Through in person interviews and video calls, we can help match you to the couple or individual you connect with the most.

Monitoring Appointments

Instead of keeping track of separate appointments on your own, we help you schedule and maintain all the appointments you need throughout IVF preparation and pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Through your pregnancy, you will receive thoughtful and professional care. We are ready to help you emotionally and physically through the surrogacy process, pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

If you are interested in learning more about surrogacy or would like to see if you qualify, please click the button.

Do I Qualify?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be a surrogate if I'm single?

Yes. Single mothers can become gestational carriers.

Why does anyone want to be a surrogate mother?

The most common reason women choose to become a surrogate is because infertility has touched their life in a deep way. Surrogates genuinely enjoy being pregnant and want to help make your dream of parenthood come true.

What are the benefits of being a surrogate?

What each woman benefits from surrogacy is unique and personal. Some rewarding positives include: building families, creating relationships, experiencing pregnancy, sense of community and gratitude, and compensation.

How much do surrogates get paid?

The average amount of compensation, including expenses, can range from $50,000 to $80,000 depending on experience and the individual arrangements.

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