What are the steps of the surrogacy process?

The surrogacy process involves six basic steps from the start of your journey to bringing your baby home:

1. Research Surrogacy

This initial step involves learning about the different types of surrogacy, legal considerations, and potential costs.

There are two main types of surrogacy:

• Traditional surrogacy: The surrogate’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother.
• Gestational surrogacy: An embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material is implanted in the surrogate.

Gestational surrogacy is now more common, accounting for about 95% of all surrogacy arrangements in the US.

Legal considerations vary widely by country and even by state in the US. For example, as of 2024, commercial surrogacy is legal in most US states but prohibited in some European countries.

Costs can range from $90,000 to $130,000 or more in the US, depending on various factors.

2. Plan for the Surrogacy Process

This step involves choosing between an agency or independent surrogacy, selecting fertility clinics, and arranging finances.

Agency vs. Independent:

• Agencies handle about 80% of surrogacy arrangements in the US.
• Agencies typically charge $15,000-$30,000 for their services.

Fertility clinic selection is crucial. Success rates vary, with top clinics reporting live birth rates of 50-60% per embryo transfer for surrogacy cases.

Financing options may include savings, loans, or grants. Some employers are beginning to offer surrogacy benefits, with companies like Facebook reportedly offering up to $20,000 in surrogacy coverage.

3. Match With a Surrogate

This step involves finding and selecting a suitable surrogate, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Key statistics:

• The average age of surrogates in the US is 28-33.
• Most surrogates (about 60%) have completed at least some college education.
• Approximately 20% of surrogates are first-time carriers.

Screening processes typically include:

• Medical examinations
• Psychological evaluations
• Background checks

Once a match is made, legal contracts are drawn up. These typically take 3-4 weeks to finalize and cost $2,000-$4,000 for attorney fees.

4. Begin Surrogate Pregnancy

This phase includes the medical procedures for embryo creation and transfer, and the early stages of pregnancy.

IVF process:

• Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval (if using intended mother’s eggs)
• Sperm collection
• Embryo creation
• Embryo transfer to the surrogate

Success rates:

• The chance of a successful embryo transfer resulting in a live birth is about 50-60% for surrogacy cases.
• Multiple embryo transfers may be needed; on average, 1.5-2 transfers are required for a successful pregnancy.

Early pregnancy care includes:

• Regular prenatal check-ups
• Medications (e.g., progesterone) to support the pregnancy

5. Prepare for Your Baby’s Arrival

This stage covers the pregnancy period and preparations for birth.

Key points:

• Surrogates typically receive $25,000-$35,000 in base compensation, plus additional allowances for expenses.
• Intended parents are usually involved in key prenatal appointments and decisions.
• Birth plans are created, detailing preferences for the delivery and immediate postpartum period.

Legal preparations:

• Pre-birth orders are filed in many states, establishing the intended parents’ legal rights before birth.
• In some jurisdictions, this process may need to wait until after birth.

6. Conclude Your Surrogacy Journey

This final stage includes the birth, immediate postpartum period, and legal finalization of parentage.

Birth statistics:

• About 30-35% of surrogate pregnancies result in cesarean sections, slightly lower than the national average.
• Multiple births occur in about 5-10% of surrogate pregnancies.

Postpartum care:

• Surrogates typically receive medical care for 4-6 weeks post-delivery.
• Many surrogacy agreements include provisions for breast milk pumping for a set period.

Legal finalization:

• In states with pre-birth orders, the intended parents’ names go directly on the birth certificate.
• In other cases, a post-birth legal process is required, which can take a few weeks to several months.

Throughout this process, it’s important to note that practices and regulations can vary significantly depending on location and individual circumstances. For example, some countries, like India, which was once a popular destination for international surrogacy, have now banned commercial surrogacy for foreigners.

The emotional aspects of surrogacy are also crucial to consider. Many agencies and fertility clinics offer counseling services to help all parties navigate the complex feelings that can arise during this journey.

Surrogacy is becoming more common, with the number of babies born via surrogacy in the US estimated to have increased by over 300% from 2004 to 2024. However, it still represents a small fraction of overall births, with estimates suggesting that surrogacy accounts for less than 0.1% of all births in the US.

As technology and societal attitudes continue to evolve, the surrogacy process may see further changes in the coming years. Prospective parents considering surrogacy should stay informed about the latest developments in reproductive technology, legal frameworks, and best practices in surrogacy arrangements.