How Long Does Surrogacy Take in Illinois?

Surrogacy is an exciting journey, but it also requires patience, planning, and coordination among multiple professionals. Many intended parents want to know how long the process will actually take before they can hold their baby in their arms. Thanks to strong legal protections and advanced fertility centers, surrogacy in Illinois can run more smoothly than in many other states — but understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations.

Below is a complete breakdown of every surrogacy milestone and the typical duration of each step.

Average Surrogacy Timeline in Illinois

From initial consultation to childbirth, the entire surrogacy journey usually takes 15–24 months. Timeframes vary depending on medical results, surrogate availability, and legal/insurance processes. A general timeline looks like this:

Stage	Estimated Duration
Consultations & Agency Enrollment	2–6 weeks
Surrogate Matching	1–4 months
Medical & Psychological Screening	1–2 months
Legal Contracts (Pre-Birth Agreement)	1–2 months
IVF Process & Embryo Transfer	1–3 months
Pregnancy (if successful on first transfer)	9 months
Hospital delivery & parentage confirmation	Immediate under Illinois law

Some steps may overlap, especially with an experienced support team guiding you.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Consultation & Enrollment

Your first step is to connect with a trusted Illinois Surrogacy agency like Surrogacy4All. This part includes:

• Assessing your goals and timeline
• Reviewing medical and legal needs
• Understanding budget guidance

Most families complete this step within a few weeks.

2. Matching With the Right Surrogate

Finding the perfect surrogate match can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, depending on your requirements. Surrogacy4All screens candidates thoroughly to ensure:

• Health and emotional readiness
• Experience with pregnancy
• Shared values and communication expectations

Once both parties agree, you move forward quickly.

3. Medical Screening & Approvals

Both the surrogate and intended parents participate in medical testing. This ensures the pregnancy will have optimal conditions.

Screening includes:

• Physical exams
• Lab work & infectious disease testing
• Psychological evaluations

When a surrogate passes all checks, doctors grant medical clearance to proceed to the IVF stage.

4. Legal Contracts & Parentage Rights

Illinois has some of the best surrogacy protections in the country. The Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act clearly defines the roles, rights, and expectations of everyone involved.

During this phase:

• Attorneys finalize the gestational carrier agreement.
• A pre-birth parentage order is arranged.
• Insurance coverage is reviewed.

Lawyers ensure every party is protected before moving forward.

5. IVF, Embryo Transfer & Confirmation of Pregnancy

The IVF Process can involve:

• Egg retrieval (unless using frozen embryos)
• Fertilization in an embryology lab
• Monitoring for an ideal embryo transfer cycle

Pregnancy is confirmed with blood tests and ultrasounds, and from there, the 9-month countdown begins!

Doctors will track:

• pregnancy viability by week
• fetal development and health
• safety for the surrogate and the baby

Not every transfer is successful on the first try so that additional time may be needed in some cases.

What Can Speed Up or Slow Down the Timeline?

• Availability of properly screened surrogates
• Legal or insurance complications
• IVF results or medical adjustments
• Whether donor eggs or sperm are needed

Working with a professional Surrogacy agency in Illinois helps reduce delays and keep every step moving forward.

Why the Journey Is Worth It

While Illinois Surrogacy can take over a year, most intended parents say the joy of welcoming their child makes every moment worthwhile. With the right guidance and communication, you’ll always feel supported along the way.

How Surrogacy4All Helps the Process Run Smoothly

Surrogacy4All, one of the best surrogacy agency options nationwide, works closely with:

• Top medical clinics
• Trusted surrogacy attorneys
• Experienced screening partners

Their team manages all coordination so families can focus on preparing for parenthood — not paperwork.

Ready to begin your surrogacy journey? Contact Surrogacy4All at (212) 661-7673 for a clear timeline, caring support, and a stress-free start.

FAQs:-

Q. How long does it take to match with a surrogate?

Ans: On average, 1–4 months, depending on preferences, availability, and which surrogacy agency supports your journey.

Q. Can the journey be faster?

Ans: Yes. If embryos are ready and screening is done, the timeline may be shortened through well-coordinated surrogacy services.

Q. Do legal steps take long in Illinois?

Ans: No — Illinois has one of the fastest processes thanks to supportive state laws.

Q. What if IVF doesn’t work the first time?

Ans: A clinic and Illinois Surrogacy agency will help coordinate a second transfer if needed.

Q. How soon are intended parents legally recognized?

Ans: With a pre-birth order, intended parents are the legal parents from birth.