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Surrogacy agency in Illinois

An Overview of Surrogacy in Illinois

In Illinois, gestational surrogacy is expressly permitted by law, and professionals in the field have established safe and agreed-upon procedures for this process of building families.

Individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, ages, and sexual orientations utilize surrogacy to realize their dreams of parenthood, each embarking on a unique journey.

Intended parents in Illinois whom we assist may include:

  • Heterosexual couples facing infertility challenges
  • Intended mothers unable to carry a child
  • Parents concerned about passing on genetic defects or health conditions
  • LGBTQ+ individuals seeking a genetic connection to their baby

Explore more about surrogacy costs and other details by visiting this page, which serves as an excellent resource for anyone contemplating surrogacy in Illinois. It provides insights into the state’s surrogacy process, how to become a parent or a surrogate, and details on associated costs.

Surrogacy in Illinois for Intended Parents

Surrogacy and egg donation have long facilitated the growth of families for both straight and LGBTQ+ singles and couples in Illinois. Intended parents can confidently pursue parenthood in Illinois.

Here, you will discover comprehensive information about surrogacy in Illinois, covering the surrogacy process itself, the associated costs, how to locate a surrogate or egg donor, and more. While the journey may initially seem daunting, educating yourself through research will help you navigate it with confidence. Many professionals are integral to the surrogacy journey, making it a transformative and fulfilling experience.

We are prepared to assist intended parents from Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Peoria, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, Champaign and any other community across Illinois. Continue reading to delve deeper into the path to parenthood through surrogacy.

The Surrogacy Process in Illinois

Embarking on a surrogacy journey entails achieving several key milestones that culminate in delivery day. Each step in this process is crucial for intended parents to comprehend and prepare for.

While pursuing surrogacy independently is an option open to everyone, partnering with an agency like Surrogacy4All, with nearly 30 years of expertise, provides invaluable support in navigating these milestones and events. This partnership allows you to focus more fully on preparing for the arrival of your baby.

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If you opt to work with an agency, thorough research into your options is crucial. Finding an agency that aligns well with your individual needs and perspectives is paramount. Look for a connection and shared understanding of the surrogacy process. In states like Illinois, where specific surrogacy laws are absent, it’s especially important to select an agency with lawyers well-versed in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy law.

Finding the perfect surrogate match with the assistance of our Matching Team marks an exciting phase in your journey. We take the time to understand your preferences and criteria for a match, diligently seeking a woman who aligns with your personality, as well as your legal and geographical needs. The relationship between intended parents and their surrogates is incredibly special, making this initial match an essential milestone.

An egg donor is a young, fertile woman who generously donates her eggs, allowing another individual or couple to create embryos and fulfill their dream of starting a family. Once embryos are formed, they are transferred into either the intended parent’s or gestational surrogate’s uterus to facilitate pregnancy. Egg donation represents a beautiful path to parenthood.

For those embarking on a surrogacy journey requiring an egg donor, Surrogacy4All recommends initiating your search with our partner, the Everie Egg Donation Program. Everie offers both fresh and frozen egg donor programs and supports informed decision-making throughout the egg donation process. This includes options for disclosed (known) donations and mutual matching between parents and donors. Their extensive database allows you to explore potential donors and learn about their programs.

Many intended parents choose to select an egg donor and create embryos either before entering into surrogacy or while awaiting a surrogate match. If you choose an egg donor through Everie and partner with Surrogacy4All as your agency, our dedicated coordination team will provide comprehensive support throughout both your egg donation and surrogacy journeys, ensuring you receive guidance and assistance from one experienced team.

Building a strong bond with your surrogate throughout her pregnancy is a significant aspect of the journey. Depending on proximity, you may attend her appointments, fostering a closer connection. Our agency stands by you at every milestone, facilitating your preparations for travel to be present at the birth and ensuring a safe return home with all necessary arrangements in place.

The Surrogacy Process in Alabama

You’ve decided to grow your family through surrogacy—how exciting! Now that you’ve chosen an agency you’d like to meet, the next step is to schedule a consultation. This initial meeting is crucial as it allows you to share your story, ask questions, and see if the agency is the right fit for your journey.

Surrogacy4All offers complimentary consultations for intended parents who are emotionally and financially prepared to start their surrogacy journey within the next 12 months. These private sessions provide valuable information on the surrogacy process, associated costs, and finding and matching with a surrogate.

We offer both in-person meetings and free consultations via Skype or Zoom. If you’re not ready for a full consultation but want more information, you can book a short pre-consultation. Lasting about 30 minutes, this session is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about surrogacy.

Starting the Surrogacy Process

So, you’ve decided to embark on the exciting journey of growing your family through surrogacy—congratulations! The next step is scheduling a consultation with the agency you’ve chosen to meet. This initial meeting is crucial as it allows you to share your story, ask pertinent questions, and assess if the agency team is the right fit for your journey.

At Surrogacy4All, we offer complimentary consultations for intended parents who are emotionally and financially prepared to start their surrogacy journey within the next 12 months. During these consultations, whether in-person or via Skype or Zoom, we provide valuable insights into the surrogacy process, costs involved, and how to find and match with a surrogate.

If you’re not quite ready for a full consultation but want more information, you can opt for a shorter pre-consultation session lasting about 30 minutes. It’s an excellent opportunity to ask specific questions and gather further details.

Becoming a Parent in Illinois

Welcoming a baby into your family is one of the most joyful moments you’ll experience. In Illinois, achieving parenthood through surrogacy is a secure and efficient process, especially when partnering with an agency like Surrogacy4All.

Understanding the financial aspect is often a primary concern for intended parents. Our detailed cost sheets provide clear information on the expenses involved throughout a typical surrogacy journey.

Finding a Surrogate in Illinois

Matching with a surrogate is an exciting milestone on your path to parenthood. AtSurrogacy4All, we collaborate with gestational surrogates from Illinois and neighboring states, facilitating the search for your ideal match.

To initiate the process, intended parents working with Surrogacy4All are asked to complete a detailed profile. This profile helps us gain insight into your:

  • Relationship status (if applicable)
  • Family dynamics
  • Hobbies and interests
  • Plans and aspirations for parenthood
  • Reasons for pursuing surrogacy

Additionally, sharing photos of yourselves and your loved ones provides a deeper understanding of who you are as individuals and families, aiding us in finding the most compatible surrogate matches.

Our Surrogacy4All Matching Team utilizes this information, along with considerations such as your geographic location and preferences regarding termination, to identify the best possible surrogate match for you. Honesty in answering these questions is crucial as it ensures we can find a surrogate who aligns with your needs and expectations.

When matching intended parents with a gestational carrier, other preferences taken into account include:

  • Desired level of communication during the surrogacy journey
  • Surrogate’s location
  • Number of embryos to transfer
  • Views on selective reduction and termination

These criteria serve as guidelines for those considering surrogacy independently, offering insights into what to prioritize when searching for a suitable match.

3 Criteria for Finding Surrogate

Health and Medical History

Ensure the surrogate has a clean bill of health, no history of significant medical conditions, and has had at least one successful pregnancy without complications.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Make sure the surrogate is fully aware of the legalities involved and is prepared

Emotional and Psychological Readiness

The surrogate should be emotionally stable, fully understand the implications of surrogacy, and be willing to undergo psychological evaluations to ensure readiness.

    Surrogacy Laws in Illinois

    As mentioned earlier, Illinois is an ideal state for pursuing surrogacy, benefiting both surrogates and intended parents alike. While you can safely engage in the surrogacy process in the state, it’s crucial to have an agency like Surrogacy4All guide you through the journey. This ensures that everyone involved is protected and supported throughout.

    Illinois law explicitly permits gestational surrogacy and Surrogacy4All has successfully facilitated matches between surrogates and intended parents for many years. Intended parents can obtain prebirth and post-birth orders in the Juvenile court, utilizing an “anti-maternity” approach to establish their parental rights through a prebirth medical affidavit. With the assistance of a qualified legal professional in Illinois, intended parents can easily obtain birth certificates in their names, regardless of their sexual orientation.

    Surrogacy in Illinois for Surrogates

    Becoming a surrogate involves a wealth of information to explore! We’re here to guide you through the surrogacy journey in Illinois, covering everything from understanding the role of a surrogate and what to anticipate, to the personal impact and steps to apply.

    Our support extends to women across Illinois, including Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, and neighboring communities. Being a surrogate is a transformative experience, offering the chance to connect with other women in your area.

    Continue reading to discover the fulfilling rewards of helping individuals who cannot conceive on their own experience the joys of parenthood.

    The Process for Surrogates in Illinois

    Your surrogacy journey comprises several significant milestones that culminate in the day you joyfully deliver the baby to your intended parents. Understanding and preparing for each of these steps is crucial, and our experienced team will provide steadfast support throughout.

    Choosing to partner with an agency like Surrogacy4All, with nearly 30 years of expertise, ensures you have a dedicated team to guide you through every milestone and event along the way. This support allows you to focus on preparing for the arrival of the baby with confidence and peace of mind.

    The surrogacy process can be looked at in seven steps:

    Getting Started as a Surrogate

    Start the surrogacy conversation by completing our quick online application. It only takes about 10 minutes, and there’s no pressure to proceed if you’re not yet ready.

    Becoming a Surrogate Mother in Illinois

    Who becomes a surrogate?

    They are women who embody generosity, adventure, and kindness. They may be teachers, nurses, or stay-at-home moms, deeply devoted to their families. They shine with spirit, compassion, and a selfless nature. In essence, they’re women just like you.

    What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Surrogate?


    If you’re a resident of Illinois and interested in becoming a surrogate, you’ll need to meet these criteria:

    • You have given birth to at least one child and are currently raising a child.
    • Your previous pregnancies and deliveries were uncomplicated, as confirmed by medical records.
    • You are aged between 21 and 44 years old.
    • Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is typically no higher than 33. You can calculate your BMI to check.
    • You are a citizen, legal resident, or legal immigrant of the United States. Surrogates who are legal residents or immigrants must have valid documentation for at least 2 years.
    • You do not receive cash assistance, welfare, public housing, or Section 8 benefits from government aid programs. Other forms of government assistance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
    • Specific additional requirements may apply depending on the state you reside in.

    Benefits of Being a Surrogate in Illinois

    Many women find becoming a surrogate in Illinois incredibly appealing for several compelling reasons. They are drawn to the generous compensation and a profound sense of pride that comes with this unique journey. Women who choose to become surrogates experience:
    • A deep sense of fulfillment knowing they are giving the ultimate gift to another family.
    • The opportunity to build lasting relationships with grateful intended parents.
    • Support from a dedicated Program Coordination Team and licensed social worker.
    • The chance to collaborate with both local and international intended parents.
    • Plus, Illinois surrogates receive generous compensation along with a personalized benefits package tailored to their needs.

    The Surrogacy4all Surrogate Promise

    At surrogacy4all, we developed the Surrogate Promise out of genuine concern for our carriers. Each one deserves a fulfilling and successful journey, and this program is a direct result of their valuable feedback during discussions with social workers or exit interviews. These insights have driven us to enhance our support and services for our gestational carriers.

    Our Commitment: Guaranteed Pay, Security, and Support
    The surrogacy4all Promise stands as a unique program, unmatched by any other agency. It ensures the highest level of security and unwavering support throughout.

    Guaranteed Pay, Security, and Support

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    Surrogacy4all Surrogacy financially backs their intended parents, so a surrogate’s escrow account is always funded to ensure she is always paid in full and on time.

    At Surrogacy4all, we take care of all medical bills so you don’t have to worry. We understand the frustrations our past surrogates faced with medical expenses, and we’ve made significant improvements. While we can’t eliminate medical bills entirely (since you are the patient), our new Fixed Cost programs for intended parents ensure timely payment of all medical expenses. This way, we protect both our surrogates and intended parents, providing peace of mind throughout the process.

    If you’re approved for our surrogate program and pass the medical clearance, and if you’re matched with intended parents but do not achieve pregnancy, we’ll compensate you for your time, effort, and commitment in your journey so far (up to a total of $5,000).

    At Surrogacy4all, we understand that every gestational carrier has unique preferences for the birth of their surrogate baby. That’s why we offer our surrogates a range of options to tailor their birthing experience. They can choose from doula care, a hospital birth, or the use of a birth center with a midwife.

    When you first connect with Surrogacy4all, you’ll likely meet an experienced carrier who will guide you through the entire process until you find your match with intended parents. They’ll personally introduce you to your dedicated social worker and our journey support team, all of whom are part of our in-house team at Surrogacy4all. Throughout your journey, you’ll have continuous support from a knowledgeable Surrogacy4all employee who understands your unique needs and journey details. You’ll never have to worry about dealing with a third party who doesn’t even know your name! Additionally, with our expanded team, we provide support groups, virtual events, one-on-one surrogate mentorship, and more to ensure you have the support you need every step of the way.

    How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in Illinois?

    Helping someone have a baby means receiving financial compensation, often referred to as “surrogate base compensation” or “surrogate payment.” Previous surrogates assisted Surrogacy4all Surrogacy in developing a comprehensive compensation and benefits program for surrogates and their families. This program offers unmatched security, benefits, and protection.

    Our new Surrogate Pay & Family Protection Program provides the following benefits:

    • Earning up to $45,000-$85,000+ (your base fee plus additional benefits)
    • Protection for the surrogate and her family throughout the journey
    • All expenses paid, from travel to meals to gas and more
    • Benefits and support through postpartum (the 4th trimester)
    • Full transparency on what’s included
    • Benefits you won’t find at any other agency

    How Does Surrogate Pay Work?

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    All surrogates will start with a base compensation. This may be based on where you live, whether or not you have insurance, or whether this is your first time as a surrogate. This is only the beginning of your compensation as there are many additional payments that make up your total compensation.
    Signing payments and payments for your medical screening are examples of compensation provided by us early in the surrogacy process. These payments are in addition to your base compensation.
    We compensates surrogates for their necessities during and after pregnancy, including maternity clothing, housekeeping, pumping and shipping breast milk, and more. These payments are in addition to your base compensation.
    Surrogates receive other non-monetary benefits—in addition to financial compensation—that are priceless in ensuring they’re protected and have a smooth journey. These benefits include legal counsel, life insurance, and more.

    How Surrogacy4all Supports Surrogates

    Our team supports you every step of the way—from the day you begin exploring surrogacy to your meeting with the prospective parents and throughout your entire pregnancy to birth.

    We help surrogates navigate the screening process, ensuring they match with the perfect intended parent or parents, and guide them through the legal and social work aspects of surrogate parenting. Because many of us are experienced surrogates, we bring authentic passion to our work. Some members of our team have completed 3 surrogate journeys. Besides having world-class expertise in the myriad legal, social, and medical aspects of your surrogacy process, we deliver hands-on guidance that’s informed by our experience. If you have questions, we’ll have the answers.

    When you need a lawyer to review legal contracts, we’ll recommend an attorney in your area with whom we’ve worked previously and who is thoroughly knowledgeable about Assisted Reproduction Technology law. We can connect you with trustworthy experts whenever needed.

     

    Finding a Perfect Intended Parent Match

    The prospective parents you help will be part of an incredible, intimate journey with you. And it’s why Surrogacy4all has developed a thorough matching process. 

    Your Surrogate Support Team uses personality profiles to find the perfect intended parent(s) for you. You’ll get to review each other’s profiles, ask questions, and generally feel each other out. We also help schedule an initial video call. The goal is to ensure both you and the intended parent(s) feel completely comfortable with the match. And of course, the surrogacy agreement only moves forward if you do. 

    We works with single parents, LGBTQ+ and heterosexual couples, domestic and international couples, and others. We’re confident you’ll be able to find a great match.

    Surrogacy in New Orleans: A Complete Guide

    Surrogacy in
    New Orleans
    offers a structured and legal pathway for individuals and couples who cannot conceive naturally to have a child.
    New Orleans has comprehensive surrogacy laws to protect the rights of intended parents, surrogates, and the child. These laws ensure that all parties are well-informed and legally covered throughout the process.
     

    FAQs Surrogacy in Illinois

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    A: An Illinois surrogacy agency is an organization that helps intended parents and surrogates navigate the surrogacy process. They provide services such as matching, legal support, medical coordination, and counseling throughout the surrogacy journey.

    A: Illinois surrogacy clinics offer medical services necessary for surrogacy, including fertility treatments, IVF procedures, surrogate health monitoring, and prenatal care.

    A: Illinois has favorable surrogacy laws, including the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act, which provides clear guidelines and legal protections for both surrogates and intended parents. This makes Illinois one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S.

    A: To become a surrogate in Illinois, you must meet specific criteria, such as being in good health, having a history of uncomplicated pregnancies, and passing medical and psychological evaluations. You then work with a surrogacy agency or clinic to be matched with intended parents.

    A: Some of the best surrogacy agencies in Illinois include Surrogacy4All, ConceiveAbilities, Family Source Consultants, and Circle Surrogacy. These agencies are known for their comprehensive support and high success rates.

    A: Leading surrogacy clinics in Illinois include Surrogacy4All, Fertility Centers of Illinois, Chicago IVF, and the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago. These clinics are renowned for their advanced reproductive technologies and high success rates.

    A: The cost of surrogacy in Illinois typically ranges from $90,000 to $150,000. This includes agency fees, medical expenses, legal fees, and surrogate compensation.

    A: You can find a surrogate in Illinois through surrogacy agencies, online matching platforms, or personal networks. Agencies offer comprehensive support in the matching process, including screening and coordination services.

    A: To find a surrogate mother near you in Illinois, contact local surrogacy agencies, attend informational events, or join online surrogacy forums and communities that connect intended parents with surrogates.

    A: Yes, gay surrogacy is allowed and supported in Illinois. The state’s favorable surrogacy laws ensure that same-sex couples can pursue surrogacy and receive the same legal protections as heterosexual couples.

    A: A gestational carrier in Illinois is a woman who carries and delivers a baby conceived through IVF, using the egg and sperm from the intended parents or donors. The gestational carrier has no genetic link to the child.

    A: In gestational surrogacy, an embryo created via IVF is implanted into the gestational carrier’s uterus. The carrier then carries the pregnancy to term, and the intended parents have full legal rights to the child.

    A: To hire a surrogate in Illinois, you typically go through a surrogacy agency that handles the screening, matching, and legal processes. You may also use private matching services or personal referrals to find a suitable surrogate.

    A: Surrogates in Illinois typically receive compensation ranging from $35,000 to $50,000, depending on their experience, specific arrangements, and any additional expenses covered by the intended parents.

    A: Surrogates in Illinois generally make between $35,000 and $50,000, which includes the base fee and additional payments for specific milestones and expenses throughout the pregnancy.

    A: The total cost to hire a surrogate in Illinois includes agency fees, medical costs, legal fees, and surrogate compensation, usually totaling between $90,000 and $150,000.

    A: To become a surrogate mother in Illinois, you must meet eligibility requirements, undergo medical and psychological evaluations, complete an application, and match with intended parents through an agency or independently.

    A: Finding a surrogate in Illinois involves contacting surrogacy agencies, using online surrogacy matching platforms, or leveraging personal networks to connect with potential surrogates.

    A: Yes, legal services for surrogacy in Illinois include drafting and reviewing surrogacy contracts, ensuring compliance with state laws, and handling parental rights and birth certificate issues.

    A: Yes, surrogacy is available for LGBT individuals and couples in Illinois. Many agencies and clinics offer tailored services to support LGBT intended parents through the surrogacy process.

    A: Yes, finding a private surrogate in Illinois involves networking, using online platforms, and sometimes working with a lawyer to facilitate the agreement outside of a traditional agency setting.

    A: Yes, single parents can pursue surrogacy in Illinois. Agencies and clinics support single intended parents through the same processes as couples, ensuring they have access to necessary resources.

    A: Surrogacy agencies in Illinois offer comprehensive services, including surrogate and intended parent matching, legal support, counseling, and coordination of medical procedures.

    A: To apply for surrogacy in Illinois, you typically submit an application through a surrogacy agency, providing detailed personal, medical, and psychological information for review.

    A: During a surrogacy consultation in Illinois, you will discuss your goals, medical history, legal implications, and financial considerations with experts to determine the best path forward.

    A: Surrogacy contracts in Illinois should include details about the rights and responsibilities of both parties, compensation, medical and legal arrangements, and provisions for any potential complications.

    A: Factors influencing the cost of surrogacy in Illinois include agency fees, medical expenses, legal fees, surrogate compensation, and additional costs for travel, insurance, and contingencies.

    A: Yes, surrogacy counseling is available in Illinois to support surrogates and intended parents emotionally and psychologically throughout the surrogacy journey.

    A: Yes, various financing options are available for surrogacy in Illinois, including loans, payment plans, and grants through specialized financial institutions and fertility organizations.

    A: Insurance coverage for surrogacy in Illinois varies. Some plans may cover certain medical expenses, but it is crucial to review policies and consider additional surrogacy-specific insurance options.

    A: A surrogacy journey in Illinois involves finding a surrogate, completing medical and psychological evaluations, legal contract drafting, embryo transfer, pregnancy, and eventually, the birth of the child.

    A: Yes, surrogacy is legal in Illinois, and the state has favorable laws, including the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act, which provides clear guidelines and protections for all parties involved.

    A: Surrogacy matching in Illinois involves an agency or clinic pairing intended parents with a suitable surrogate based on preferences, compatibility, and mutual agreement.

    A: Surrogacy options in Illinois include traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate is genetically related to the child) and gestational surrogacy (where the surrogate has no genetic link to the child).

    A: The surrogacy process in Illinois includes initial consultations, finding a match, legal contract agreements, medical procedures for embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and the birth of the child.

    A: The surrogacy process in Illinois involves detailed steps from matching to birth, with costs typically ranging from $90,000 to $150,000, including agency fees, medical expenses, and legal costs. Each case is unique, requiring personalized planning and support.

    A: Surrogacy agencies in Illinois offer matching services, legal and medical coordination, psychological counseling, and overall support throughout the surrogacy journey.

    A: Support for surrogates and intended parents in Illinois includes counseling, legal assistance, medical care coordination, and 24/7 agency support to address any issues that arise.

    A: Yes, there are specific agencies in Illinois that cater to surrogates, offering support, matching services, and ensuring the surrogates’ rights and well-being throughout the process.

    A: Surrogate clinics in Illinois provide the necessary medical treatments and monitoring for surrogates, including IVF procedures, prenatal care, and delivery services.

    A: Surrogate compensation in Illinois typically includes a base fee, plus additional payments for milestones such as embryo transfer, monthly allowances, and potential extra expenses related to the pregnancy.

    A: Qualifications to be a surrogate mother in Illinois include being in good health, having a history of uncomplicated pregnancies, being between the ages of 21 and 40, and passing medical and psychological screenings.

    A: A surrogate pregnancy in Illinois involves medical preparation, embryo transfer, regular prenatal care, and close monitoring by healthcare providers to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

    A: Requirements include being physically and mentally healthy, having a supportive home environment, passing medical and psychological evaluations, and committing to the surrogacy process.

    A: Top surrogacy agencies in Illinois include Surrogacy4All, ConceiveAbilities, Family Source Consultants, and Circle Surrogacy, known for their extensive support, high success rates, and positive client testimonials.

    A: Top-rated surrogacy clinics in Illinois include Surrogacy4All, Fertility Centers of Illinois, Chicago IVF, and the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, praised for their advanced technology and high standards of care.

    Getting Started

    Whether you are intended parents or interested in becoming a surrogate, the surrogacy process can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.  Learning more about surrogacy is the first step of your journey.