The surrogacy journey usually follows a structured process that includes:
Most surrogacy journeys take 12–18 months from application to delivery.
Understanding the steps involved can make the journey feel much more comfortable and predictable.
Surrogacy programs follow a structured process designed to protect the health of the surrogate, ensure clear communication between all parties, and support a safe pregnancy.
While every journey is unique, most surrogacy experiences follow a similar timeline from application to delivery.
The first step in the surrogacy process is completing an initial application.
The application typically collects information about:
This step helps determine whether a candidate may qualify for surrogacy.
Many agencies also provide educational information at this stage so women fully understand the commitment involved.
The first step in the surrogacy process is completing an initial application.
The application typically collects information about:
This step helps determine whether a candidate may qualify for surrogacy.
Many agencies also provide educational information at this stage so women fully understand the commitment involved.
If the application meets basic requirements, the next step is a screening review.
This stage may include:
This conversation gives potential surrogates an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the process.
Once a candidate moves forward, a fertility clinic performs a detailed medical evaluation.
This evaluation may include:
These tests help confirm that the surrogate’s body is ready for pregnancy.
Surrogates also participate in a psychological screening.
This evaluation ensures that the surrogate:
Psychological readiness helps ensure a positive experience for both the surrogate and the intended parents.
Once screening is completed, the next step is matching with intended parents.
The matching process considers:
Many surrogates enjoy meeting the intended parents and developing a supportive relationship during the journey.
Before any medical procedures occur, legal contracts are established.
Each party typically has independent legal representation to ensure everyone fully understands the agreement.
Legal contracts clarify:
This step ensures the process is transparent and legally structured.
After legal agreements are finalized, the fertility clinic prepares the surrogate for embryo transfer.
This process usually involves hormone medications that help prepare the uterus for implantation.
Common medications include:
These medications support the uterine lining so the embryo can implant successfully.
After legal agreements are finalized, the fertility clinic prepares the surrogate for embryo transfer.
This process usually involves hormone medications that help prepare the uterus for implantation.
Common medications include:
These medications support the uterine lining so the embryo can implant successfully.
The embryo transfer procedure is performed at a fertility clinic.
This procedure is typically quick and painless.
Doctors place the embryo inside the uterus using a small catheter.
After the transfer, the surrogate usually rests for a short period before returning home.
About 10–12 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test confirms whether pregnancy has occurred.
Once pregnancy is confirmed:
Throughout the pregnancy, surrogates receive regular prenatal care from their obstetrician.
Medical visits typically include:
Surrogates remain supported throughout the pregnancy by both medical professionals and the surrogacy program.
At the end of the pregnancy, the surrogate delivers the baby at a hospital.
The intended parents are usually present for the birth whenever possible.
For many surrogates, this moment is the most rewarding part of the journey—seeing the intended parents finally hold their child.
While every journey is unique, a typical surrogacy timeline may look like this:
1–3 months
1–4 months
1–2 months
9 months
Total timeline: Approximately 12–18 months
Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman – the surrogate or gestational carrier – agrees to carry a baby for an intended parent or couple. In the United States, surrogacy laws are determined at the state level, and there are two primary types of surrogacy:
The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. An embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes and transferred to the surrogate’s uterus via in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is the most common form of surrogacy today.
The surrogate contributes her own egg, which is fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor through intrauterine insemination (IUI). Because the surrogate is the biological mother, traditional surrogacy raises complex legal issues and is permitted in fewer states.
Because surrogacy is regulated at the state level, some jurisdictions – such as California, Illinois and New Jersey – provide clear legal pathways for gestational surrogacy, including pre‑birth orders, while others impose restrictions or prohibit compensated surrogacy. A few states, notably Louisiana and Nebraska, make surrogacy contracts unenforceable. If you are considering surrogacy, work with an experienced attorney licensed in the surrogate’s state to understand your rights and obligations.
Most surrogacy programs require surrogates to meet several criteria.
Typical requirements include:
These guidelines help ensure the safest possible pregnancy.
Families choose Surrogacy4All because it has:
If you are interested in learning whether you may qualify as a surrogate, the next step is simple.
Visit the Surrogacy4All Become A Surrogate In US
You may qualify to earn $60,000–$70,000+ helping a family welcome their baby.
Case Study: Maria and David’s U.S. Surrogacy Journey
Maria and David, a couple from New York, struggled with recurrent miscarriages due to Maria’s medical condition. After consultations, they decided to pursue surrogacy in California because the state’s surrogacy laws are highly supportive. Working with Surrogacy4All, they were matched with Anna, a gestational carrier who lived in San Diego. Separate attorneys drafted a contract outlining compensation, medical decisions and post‑birth expectations. The contract also included a pre‑birth order, ensuring Maria and David’s names would appear on the birth certificate. After a successful embryo transfer, Anna became pregnant. Throughout the pregnancy, Maria and David attended prenatal appointments via video calls and visited San Diego for key milestones. The relationship blossomed into a friendship, and they were by Anna’s side when their son Lucas was born. Because the legal groundwork had been completed, they immediately assumed parental rights. Maria and David remain in contact with Anna, grateful for her selfless role in their family’s story.
From Intended Parents: “Our experience with Surrogacy4All was seamless. They matched us with a surrogate who shared our values and guided us through the legal and medical process. We felt supported every step of the way and are now proud parents of a beautiful daughter.”
Jessica and Mark.
From a Surrogate: “Carrying a baby for another family was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Surrogacy4All ensured that my health and needs were always prioritized. Seeing the intended parents hold their baby made every challenge worthwhile.”
Anna S.
From Intended Grandparents: “We were skeptical about surrogacy at first, but watching our son and daughter‑in‑law navigate the process with guidance from Surrogacy4All gave us confidence. Their surrogate became a cherished member of our extended family.”
Lydia K.
No. Surrogacy law is determined by each state. Some states, like California and Illinois, explicitly permit gestational surrogacy and allow pre‑birth orders. Other states, such as Arizona and Indiana, present legal hurdles, and Louisiana and Nebraska prohibit or void surrogacy contracts. It’s critical to work with a lawyer who understands the laws in the surrogate’s state.
From the initial consultation to bringing your baby home, surrogacy can take 12–24 months. Timelines depend on how quickly you find a surrogate, how many IVF cycles are needed and how complicated the legal process is.
Yes. Many surrogacy agencies work with single intended parents. However, some states may require additional legal steps, such as a second‑parent adoption or court hearing to establish parental rights. Consult an attorney to understand the requirements.
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.
Surrogacy4All is a unique international surrogacy service targeted at providing state of the art IVF and surrogacy services to Intended Parents irrespective of age, sex or color, at the lowest possible cost in the world.
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