When you’re new to the world of gestational surrogacy, it’s completely understandable to have a lot of questions. Both prospective surrogate carriers and aspiring parents alike will want to know everything they can about the surrogacy process from both sides. This is why it is so important for surrogacy agencies to be transparent about the experience. The goal is to make sure all prospective surrogates and intended parents know what to expect during every step in the surrogacy journey, from the matching process through delivery. 

As part of our effort to educate and empower those who are interested in surrogacy, we’ve compiled a list of the top questions we have received over the years. 

The Top 5 Questions About Gestational Surrogacy, Answered

1) Is there any reason I couldn’t become a gestational surrogate?

Acceptance into a surrogacy program only comes once the applicant has met a list of strict requirements, and completed a series of interviews with our staff. This careful and detailed process is put in place to ensure that the best possible candidates are those who join our surrogacy program. Medical requirements are very important, as are those that work to ensure that every surrogate carrier is entirely comfortable with her role in the process. A detailed screening process that includes medical and psychological assessments will be completed after matching to ensure you can move forward with this journey.

2) How does the surrogate matching process work?

Once accepted into a surrogacy program, surrogates join the program’s roster which is used to share your information with select intended parents whose criteria you match. Your profile includes all information shared in your GC Application, as well as any notes we made during the interview process. Your identifying information is removed from this profile. If the intended parent(s) feel your profile is a good match, they inform their Case Manager who can then set up a joint interview with all parties to discuss the details of a surrogacy arrangement. Topics like communication preferences and plans in the event of pregnancy are discussed. If all parties feel that they would like to work together, then a match will be made. 

3) Will my wishes be respected as a surrogate or intended parent?

In short, yes. Surrogacy matches are only ever made if all parties are in full agreement about how the process will proceed. This means that if you all agree to a specific set of standards for communication, then this should be upheld throughout the arrangement. Case Managers remain a part of the process right up through labor and delivery as guides that assist in the unlikely event that minor conflicts arise. This is also why each party is required to have their own legal assistance, so everyone’s rights and wishes are respected.

4) How do fertility laws factor into my surrogacy arrangement?

Laws about fertility services, including gestational surrogacy, vary from one state to another. You may live in a state that is considered to be friendly to surrogacy in that there are pro-surrogacy laws in place that support the surrogate and intended parents. Many states are somewhat neutral in that they do not have any laws in place regarding surrogacy, so there are not typically issues with these arrangements proceeding. However, to ensure your understanding and comfort with the gestational carrier contract, you will be advised to seek legal counsel (we can recommend someone to you). Your attorney will ensure your understanding of the contract and help you to make the document meet your needs as well. Some states are not at all friendly to surrogacy as well, meaning they actively have laws in place that prohibit gestational surrogacy contracts. We do not accept surrogates from those states.

5) What will my relationship with my surrogate carrier / intended parents look like? 

As noted above per the matching process explanation, the type of relationship you’ll have with one another is established at this stage. This is when you’ll discuss how often you connect with one another. Keep in mind that the distance between intended parents and surrogates can sometimes outline how the relationship proceeds if the surrogate and intended parents do not reside in the same state or across a state. It is important that everyone is very honest about their expectations so a favorable match can be made. Your Case Manager will help to guide you throughout the journey to make sure that everything stays on track and that communication is flowing at a comfortable level for all.

If you are considering becoming a surrogate or a parent through surrogacy, we invite you to connect with Reproductive Possibilities to learn more about the process. We are happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. With regard to surrogates, we operate on a national level, with access to surrogates across the entire country. Our Intended Parents can be from the U.S. or any international country. Contact us today.