Becoming a parent through surrogacy is a deeply personal decision, and choosing the right team can make the journey feel clearer, safer, and more supported from the very beginning. At Surrogacy4All, we make surrogacy for intended parents feel less overwhelming by guiding you through the medical, emotional, legal, financial, and practical steps with care.
We work with couples, single parents, LGBTQ+ parents, and international families who are ready to build or grow their family through gestational surrogacy. Whether you are just starting to explore options or already have embryos created, our team is here to help you understand what comes next and move forward with confidence.
This intended parents surrogacy page is designed to answer the questions most families ask before starting: Is this right for us? How do we match with a surrogate? What happens during IVF? How are parental rights protected? What will it cost? If you searched for the surrogacy process intended parents because you want a clear roadmap, this guide will walk you through the journey step by step.
Surrogacy may be the right path when carrying a pregnancy is medically difficult, risky, impossible or not part of your family-building situation. Some intended parents come to us after years of infertility treatment. Others have medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe. Some are same-sex male couples, single fathers, single mothers, or individuals who need the support of an egg donor, sperm donor, or gestational carrier.
Before starting, we help you look at the decision from three important angles.
Our team helps you review your fertility background, embryo status, donor needs, IVF history, and overall family-building goals. Some intended parents already have frozen embryos. Others need egg donation, sperm donation, embryo creation, or fertility clinic coordination. We help you understand the right order of steps, so you do not waste time or money.
Surrogacy is hopeful, but it can also bring anxiety. You are trusting another person to carry your baby. That requires communication, transparency and emotional support. We help you understand what the relationship with your surrogate may look like, how updates are shared, and how everyone’s expectations are aligned before medical steps begin.
A successful journey also requires planning around budget, timelines, legal documents, travel, insurance and post-birth arrangements. Our role is to bring these moving parts together so you are not trying to manage every detail alone.
Every journey is unique, but most intended parents move through a structured process. We keep the path organized so you always know what is happening now, what comes next and what decisions need your attention.
We start with a confidential consultation to determine your needs, your family's structure, your medical background and donor requirements, your preferred timeframe and budget, and legal issues. We will answer your initial questions and provide the steps you can take to achieve your goals.
When you are willing to proceed, we will assist you in choosing the appropriate program path. It could be the gestational surrogacy option only, or surrogacy with eggs donated, or surrogacy that includes the donation of sperm, or even support for international parental documentation.
If embryos have not been formed, we collaborate with fertility specialists for egg retrieval, preparation of sperm, fertilization, development of embryos, and even testing embryos when needed. If embryos have already been created, we assist in transfer plans with the clinic.
We will introduce you to competent surrogate candidates on the basis of medical qualifications, legal status, as well as values, communication expectations and preferences. It is important to be compatible because this relationship is the most important aspect of the experience.
The surrogate and you have the opportunity to meet to ask questions and decide if the match is right. We encourage this dialogue so that both parties feel at ease and respected.
Independent attorneys draft and read the surrogacy agreement prior to any embryo transfer occurring. This will help define expectations for compensation, medical decision-making, privacy and insurance, contact and parental steps.
Following legal approval, the fertility clinic will prepare the surrogate to transfer embryos. If the pregnancy is confirmed, monitors continue throughout the clinic before moving to obstetrics. We keep track of information, appointments, updates and help.
Prior to the birth, we assist in coordinating with the medical plan of delivery, as well as legal documents and birth certificate procedures, and post-birth procedures. For families with international connections, the plans may also include passports, travel and immigration coordination with the appropriate experts.
For many intended parents, finding a surrogate is the step that feels most emotional. You are not simply choosing a profile. You are meeting someone who may become part of one of the most meaningful chapters of your life.
At Surrogacy4All, we focus on medical qualification, emotional readiness, legal suitability, and personal compatibility. A strong match is not based only on availability. It should feel safe and respectful for both the intended parents and the surrogate.
Our screening process looks at important factors such as pregnancy history, overall health, lifestyle, emotional stability, support system, background checks, psychological readiness, and willingness to follow medical guidance. We also consider communication preferences, values, location, insurance, and expectations during pregnancy.
The match process usually includes:
Gestational surrogacy usually involves IVF, where an embryo is created using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus of the gestational surrogate. In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate does not provide the egg. It does not have a genetic connection to the baby.
If you need embryo creation, the process may include ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection or preparation, fertilization, embryo culture and possible genetic testing. Intended parents using donor eggs or donor sperm may have additional matching and screening steps.
After the surrogate has been legally cleared and all legal agreements are signed, the clinic can prepare her cycle to allow embryo transfer. Transfer is typically just a short procedure that is performed in the clinic for fertility. The pregnancy test will then be determined based on the clinic’s protocol.
If the transfer goes well, if it is successful, the clinic monitors the pregnancy’s early stages with blood tests and ultrasound. Once it is confirmed that the pregnancy has stabilized, treatment generally shifts to an OBGYN. Through the entire pregnancy, we can assist with coordination and communication between the parents, the surrogate, the legal team, the clinic and the hospital.
Before delivery, we help prepare a hospital plan so everyone understands who will be present, how communication will work, how the baby will be discharged, and what documents are needed. This planning is especially important for parents traveling from another state or country.
Laws governing the surrogacy process within the United States are state-based; this means that the legal process will differ based on the state in which the surrogate is residing and where the baby is born, as well as the family structure of the intended parents. Certain states have specific laws that support gestational surrogacy agreements and pre-birth parentage agreements. Other states require further steps or legal planning.
At Surrogacy4All, we work in conjunction with skilled reproductive law lawyers to ensure that parents are aware of the legal procedure prior to moving forward. We don’t view lawful planning as a last step. We incorporate it into the process right from the beginning.
States like California, New York, Illinois, Nevada, Connecticut, New Hampshire and others are generally considered to be favorable to gestational surrogacy as they provide clearer parental processes as well as more secure legal paths. These states could be suitable for a variety of family structures, such as married couples, couples who are not married, LGBTQ+ parents and single parents, based on the specific situation.
Some states permit surrogacy; however, they might have requirements specific to marriage status, genetic connection or court procedures, as well as parentage or compensation orders. States that allow surrogacy can be viable with the right lawyer and agency coordination.
A few states might restrict compensation arrangements, have no specific statutes, or demand post-birth legal actions. In these situations, the parents of the intended child may try to find the possibility of a match in a state that has a more robust legal structure. This does not constitute legal guidance. Laws are subject to change, and every family's situation is unique. Our goal is to connect you with competent legal professionals and assist in coordinating the timeframe to ensure that you are protected in the beginning, during and after the birth of your child.
A complete surrogacy journey often takes 18 to 24 months from the first consultation to bringing your baby home. Some timelines are shorter when embryos are ready and a strong surrogate match is available. Some take longer if embryo creation, donor selection, repeat transfers, legal complexity or international documentation is involved.
We will talk to you about our team members, go through the options available to you, learn about the cost, talk about your medical history and determine whether you'd like to get started.
If necessary, you start the selection of egg donors or sperm donors, IVF coordination or embryo testing. We also create your profile with matching preferences.
You look over potential candidates, have the right match and have a complete mutual agreement. The timing of the match is contingent on your preferences as well as legality, physical place of residence, medical clearance and availability of surrogates.
Attorneys draft agreements, and the surrogate receives medical clearance while the clinic is prepared for the transfer.
The transfer of the embryo is completed, after which pregnancy testing and monitoring for early signs are performed. If a second transfer is required, then the plan is redesigned.
Once pregnancy is established, care continues through OB appointments, ultrasound updates, communication support, insurance coordination, and birth planning.
As the due date gets closer, we assist with the hospital plan as well as legal documents and baby discharge procedures, and even travel plans. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition from being pregnant to becoming a parent.
Cost is among the biggest concerns parents who are planning to have children ask, and we think parents should have a clear understanding of costs prior to beginning. Costs for surrogacy can vary based on the location, surrogate’s payment, IVF needs, insurance and legal requirements, needs of the donor, the number of transfers and the amount of travel.
Typical cost categories include:
| Cost Category | What It Usually Covers |
|---|---|
| Agency Coordination | Matching, case management, journey support, communication, and planning |
| Surrogate Compensation & Reimbursements | Base compensation, pregnancy-related expenses, and approved reimbursements |
| Medical and IVF Care | Embryo creation, transfer, medication, monitoring, and pregnancy-related care |
| Legal Services | Surrogacy agreement, independent counsel, parentage order, and documentation |
| Insurance | Maternity coverage review, policy coordination, and possible supplemental coverage |
| Travel and Logistics | Appointments, birth travel, lodging, and international parent planning |
| Escrow and Administration | Secure payment handling and scheduled disbursements |
At Surrogacy4All, we focus on transparent program planning so intended parents understand what is included, what may vary, and what should be budgeted separately. We recommend reviewing our detailed guide here: surrogacy cost in the USA.
The lowest price is not always the safest choice, and the highest price is not always the best service. What matters most is clarity, medical oversight, legal protection, surrogate screening, communication and accountability.
We proudly support LGBTQ+ intended parents and single intended parents. Your path may include gestational surrogacy with an egg donor, sperm donor, embryo donation or your own embryos, depending on your situation.
In the case of same-sex males, this process usually involves the selection of eggs for the donor, the creation of embryos, surrogate match-ups, legal agreements, transfer of embryos and planning for parentage. Couples can choose to create embryos with sperm from only one of their partners. However, other couples create embryos that are shared between partners if medically feasible.
For fathers with no children, this could mean egg donation, IVF, surrogate match, as well as legal parentage steps. For single mothers, it could be the creation of embryos using eggs from their own or eggs from donors, depending on medical conditions.
For LGBTQ+ transgender parents, women and families with nontraditional family structures, their journeys may differ according to the history of fertility and gamete requirements, legal structure, as well as the goals of each individual. Our approach is inclusive, respectful and focused on helping you create your family with safety.
It is important to have a partner who believes in your family’s worthiness right from the very first moment you speak to us. We assist in coordinating legal, medical and emotional components so that the journey to parenthood is positive and organized.
The surrogacy process in the United States is often attractive for international parents due to the availability of a strong medical infrastructure, highly skilled fertility clinics, screening surrogates and legal routes in countries that support it. However, international trips require more preparation.
We assist parents of international origin with travel planning, remote communication, scheduling of clinics, coordination of donors and surrogate match-ups, legal documents, birth planning, passport steps and return-home regulations. Each country has different nationality and immigration laws; therefore, it is crucial to work with legal professionals both in the country of birth and your home country.
Our team recognizes that parents from abroad might not be able to attend every meeting in person. We can help coordinate updates, electronic communication schedules and scheduling to ensure that you are connected throughout your journey.
Choosing an agency is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need more than a matching service. You need a team that can guide you through a complex process with medical understanding, legal coordination, emotional awareness, and practical support.
Families choose us because we focus on:
We help coordinate the major steps from consultation to matching, IVF coordination, legal preparation, pregnancy updates, birth planning, and post-birth guidance.
Surrogacy is a medical decision and coordination with clinics, embryo planning and care for the pregnancy. Our doctor-led approach can help parents who are considering the procedure be more confident throughout the entire process.
We prefer applicants who meet medical, emotional, lifestyle and legal standards for suitability. A safe match safeguards the potential parents, surrogates and children.
It is important never to be confused during your journey. We will explain the process as well as the next steps and coordinate communication among all those involved.
We support married couples, unmarried couples, single parents, LGBTQ+ parents, and international families with respect and professionalism.
We help you understand estimated costs, major categories, and planning considerations before you commit.
Every family is blessed with a unique story. Some have struggled with infertility for many years. Many have experienced loss of pregnancy or medical issues that rendered carrying unsafe. Certain people have always believed that they will require a surrogate in order to become parents. Their parents are LGBTQ+ or have single parents, looking for an unwavering and secure way to become a parent.
What a lot of families share is that the process finally begins to feel like it is possible. First consultations bring clarity. A first match with a surrogate provides the prospect of a new beginning. The first positive pregnancy test can bring a feeling that is hard to define. First ultrasounds make the dream seem real. The day of birth is the day when everything changes.
We are honored to support intended parents through these milestones. Our job is not only to coordinate a process. It is to stand beside you during one of the most meaningful decisions of your life.
Your parenthood journey deserves a team that understands the medical details, legal steps, emotional weight and practical planning involved in surrogacy. If you are ready to explore your options, we are here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Call us, email us, or schedule a private consultation with our team.
Let us help you move from uncertainty to a clear plan for parenthood.
Ans. Intended parents are individuals or couples who plan to become the legal parents of a child born through surrogacy. They may use their own eggs or sperm, donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos depending on their medical and personal situation.
Ans. Gestational surrogacy is a process where a surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF. The surrogate does not provide the egg, which means she has no genetic connection to the baby.
Ans. Our intended parents surrogacy program supports married couples, unmarried couples, LGBTQ+ parents, single parents and international families. Eligibility depends on medical, legal, and program-specific factors.
Ans. Matching time can vary based on your preferences, surrogate availability, legal location, insurance factors and medical requirements. Some intended parents match quickly, while others need more time to find the right fit.
Ans. It refers to the step-by-step journey intended parents follow, including consultation, embryo planning, surrogate matching, legal agreements, embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, birth planning and parentage documentation.
Ans. Yes. Intended parents review potential surrogate candidates and participate in the match process. A match moves forward only when both sides feel comfortable and agree to proceed.
Ans. A surrogate may complete medical review, pregnancy history review, psychological evaluation, lifestyle screening, background checks and fertility clinic clearance before embryo transfer.
Ans. In gestational surrogacy, no. The embryo is created using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors, and the surrogate carries the pregnancy without providing the egg.
Ans. No. Surrogacy laws vary by state. Some states are highly supportive, some require additional legal planning, and some are restrictive or unclear. We help coordinate legal guidance before you move forward.
Ans. Yes. Many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples build families through gestational surrogacy. The exact legal pathway depends on the state, family structure and use of donor eggs, donor sperm or embryos.
Ans. Yes. Single parents are able to pursue surrogacy in a variety of supportive legal areas. Surrogacy can involve donor eggs, embryos, donor sperm or donor sperm, depending on the requirements of the intended parent.
Ans. Costs differ based on surrogate compensations, IVF needs, insurance and legal processes, as well as donor requirements, the quantity of transfers, and travel. We give a complete breakdown of the costs so that you can understand the entire financial picture prior to commencing.
Ans. If a transfer does not result in pregnancy, the medical team reviews the outcome and recommends next steps. This may include another transfer, additional testing, protocol adjustments or embryo planning.
Ans. Yes. We support international families with coordination around U.S. surrogacy, clinic communication, travel planning, legal documentation, birth planning and return-home preparation.
Ans. Legal agreements are signed prior to embryo transfer. Each party must have an independent legal counsel who reviews rights, obligations, responsibilities, compensation, parental rights and medical decisions.
Ans. Yes. Many intended parents receive periodic updates, and they may also attend crucial appointments either in person or online in accordance with the relationship between the surrogate’s family, clinic policies and location, as well as the agreed communication plan.
Ans. Hospital plans are typically made prior to delivery. It can outline who will be present, when the baby will be discharged, the documents required and how the parents and surrogate will be supported.
Ans. In many surrogacy-friendly states, legal steps can allow intended parents to be recognized on the birth certificate. The exact process depends on state law and court requirements.
Ans. It can be emotional because the journey involves hope, trust, waiting and major decisions. With the right support team, clear communication and careful planning, intended parents can feel more secure throughout the process.
Ans. The first step is to contact Surrogacy4All for a private consultation. We will review your goals, answer your questions, explain program options, and help you understand the best next step for your family.
Our job is to listen, to connect the dots between your needs, and to determine how we can best help you have your baby. If you’re asking how much does it cost for a surrogate, we’ll walk you through every step of the process to ensure there are no surprises.
To make an appointment with one of our counselors or physicians, please call (212) 661-7673 or email info@surrogacy4all.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Secret Guide to Minimizing Surrogacy Costs
All Rights Reserved to Surrogacy4all
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, established in 1974, is dedicated to ensuring that all people challenged in their family building journey reach resolution through being empowered by knowledge, supported by community, united by advocacy, and inspired to act.
ASRM is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine. The Society accomplishes its mission through the pursuit of excellence in education and research and through advocacy on behalf of patients, physicians, and affiliated health care providers.
Welcome to the Parent Guide: Starting Life Together, for children and their caregivers. Whether you are a mother or father (through birth, adoption, or foster care), a grandparent, partner, family friend, aunt or uncle with parenting responsibilities, the Parent Guide has information to help you through the FIRST FIVE YEARS of your parenting journey.
Path2Parenthood (P2P) is an inclusive organization committed to helping people create their families of choice by providing leading-edge outreach programs.
The FDA is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Each day in America, you can trust the foods you eat and the medicines you take, thanks to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.