Apply to Become a Surrogate in Maryland
If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate in Maryland, you’re in the right place! Surrogacy is an amazing, inspiring process that helps most loving individuals and couples become parents. Although there are no specific laws detailing surrogacy, due to precedent, Maryland is considered a surrogacy-friendly state. Reproductive Possibilities has worked with surrogates from Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, and all around the state.
Your Guide to Becoming a Maryland Surrogate
Below you’ll find all of the information you need to know in order to become a Maryland surrogate. Please review each part of the surrogacy process ahead of starting your application:
- Surrogacy in Maryland
- Surrogate Requirements in Maryland
- Surrogate Compensation in Maryland
- How Surrogates Match with Parents
- Benefits of Being a Maryland Surrogate
- How to Become a Surrogate in Maryland
Surrogacy in Maryland
As noted above, Maryland as a state does not have any laws that relate specifically to surrogacy. However, due to precedent, surrogacy arrangements are considered legal in Maryland.
What is Surrogacy?
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate (or gestational carrier) carries a baby to term for a couple or individual who is unable to carry or give birth on their own. The eggs and sperm are provided by either the intended parent(s) and/or a donor.
How does surrogacy work in Maryland?
While Maryland has no laws that specifically outline the legality of surrogacy, there is a legal precedent of favorable outcomes for surrogacy agreements, which helps to ensure that all parties’ rights are firmly established.
Surrogate Requirements in Maryland
Surrogacy programs, including the program provided by Reproductive Possibilities, will ask that those interested in becoming a surrogate first review the program’s list of requirements. These requirements are in place to ensure the health and safety of the gestational surrogate as well as the baby she will carry. We kindly ask that you review our list of core requirements below:
To become a surrogate you must…
- Have given birth previously with no medical complications, and no more than three c-sections
- Be a non-smoker
- Be between the ages of 21 - 44 years old, though exceptions may be made for experienced surrogates
- Have a BMI between 18 and 33
Once received, Reproductive Possibilities closely reviews each application on a case-by-case basis. If we are confident that you fulfill our criteria, then you will be accepted into our surrogacy program. At this point, you are now a surrogate-to-be and are ready to be matched with intended parents. Learn more about surrogate requirements.
Surrogate Pay in Maryland
In a gestational surrogacy arrangement, surrogates are compensated for their substantial efforts. Surrogates dedicate themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally to this journey which results in hopeful individuals and couples becoming parents. Typically, in Maryland, surrogate compensation is as follows:
- A surrogate can earn between $55,000 and $60,000
- This sum includes base pay, expenses, and benefits
- A single fetus typically earns about $35,000
- Multiple fetuses can earn an additional $5,000 per fetus
- If you’re an experienced gestational surrogate, then your overall compensation will likely be higher
Once you’ve been accepted into the Reproductive Possibilities surrogacy program, our staff can assist with any specific questions you may have regarding surrogate compensation.
How Maryland Surrogates and Parents Are Matched
After completing our surrogate application, finishing the screening process, and being accepted into our surrogacy program, the matching process between you and the intended parents can now begin. Reproductive Possibilities works with intended parents all around the country and even internationally, so our team will be able to provide the best possible matching experience.
To start the matching process, we will ask surrogates and intended parents how they feel about the following aspects of surrogacy:
- How do you prefer to communicate?
- In the event of multiples (twins, etc.) how do you wish to proceed?
- What is your familial and friend support system like?
These questions are designed to ensure that the wishes of all involved are closely respected. If all parties are in agreement, then we consider that to be a well-made match and are ready to continue with the process. The next step is for the Reproductive Possibilities team to organize a conference between surrogate and intended parents where further details are determined.
As a note, surrogates can specify the type of intended parents that they most look forward to working with, and our team will work hard to find a suitable match.
To learn more, visit our surrogacy process page for surrogate mothers.
Benefits of Becoming a Surrogate in Maryland
Surrogates are well-compensated for all of the time and energy they give to the surrogacy process. Outside of compensation, Maryland surrogates have access to the state’s top clinics and hospitals, including Johns Hopkins for those local to Baltimore as well as its surrounding areas like Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, and more.
Of course, the sense of genuine fulfillment that stems from knowing that you were the difference between someone wishing and hoping for a child vs. actually becoming parents is irreplaceable.
How to Become a Surrogate in Maryland
Are you ready to get started?
Your surrogacy journey can start today by completing an application with Reproductive Possibilities. Our team will carefully review each application we receive on a case-by-case basis, and if we determine that you meet our criteria, you’ll be accepted into the program!
Once accepted, we will reach out to you so we can have a more in-depth conversation about your background, specifically your medical, personal, and criminal histories. Should you have any questions along the way, we will be more than happy to assist with anything you need.