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The Surrogacy Process, Step by Step

Written by Dr. Shweta Rathod, MD and Dr. Pooja Patel, MD · Medically reviewed by Dr. Rashmi Gulati, MD, Medical Reviewer

Last updated: October 13, 2026

AI Smart Summary

Gestational surrogacy with Surrogacy4All has 8 stages: consultation, program setup, embryo creation, matching, legal agreements, embryo transfer, pregnancy, and birth. Most matches happen within 4 weeks, and most journeys take 15–20 months from first consultation to bringing the baby home. Success rates are 65% on the first transfer and 90% cumulative, per SART guidelines. A physician-led team oversees every medical step.

Facts Table

Item Surrogacy4All
Stages 8
Typical match time Within 4 weeks
Typical total journey 15–20 months
Success rate 65% first transfer, 90% cumulative (per SART guidelines)
Program cost All-in from $120,000; estimated total $120,000–$180,000
Agency fee $38,500 ($2,500 at sign-up · $18,000 first installment · $18,000 once matched)
Surrogate base compensation $60,000–$100,000 + $1,000 signing bonus
Funds held by SeedTrust (independent escrow)
Type of surrogacy Gestational only (the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby)

The 8 Stages of the Surrogacy Process

01

Free consultation

You meet our team to talk through your medical history, budget, timeline and where you live. We explain which states and programs fit your situation.

Book a free consultation.

02

Program setup and escrow

You choose a program and sign with Surrogacy4All. The flat agency fee is $38,500, paid in three parts: $2,500 at sign-up, $18,000 as the first installment and $18,000 once you are matched. Funds for the journey are placed with SeedTrust, an independent escrow agent.

See the full cost breakdown. 

03

Embryo creation

If you don’t already have embryos, you complete IVF with your own eggs or with donor eggs. Many parents test embryos with PGT-A before matching so the transfer uses a chromosomally normal embryo.

04

Matching with a surrogate

We match you with a pre-screened surrogate based on medical, location and legal fit. Most matches happen within 4 weeks. You and the surrogate meet, usually by video, before either side commits.

05

Legal agreements

You and your surrogate each have your own lawyer. The gestational carrier agreement sets out compensation, expenses, medical decisions and parentage. No medication or transfer starts until it is signed.

06

Medical preparation and embryo transfer

Your surrogate’s clinic prepares her uterus with medication, then transfers the embryo. A pregnancy test follows about 14 days later.

07

Pregnancy and parentage order

The clinic monitors early pregnancy, then the surrogate moves to her own OB. During the pregnancy, your lawyer obtains a parentage order so you are named the legal parents. In many states this is done before birth.

08

Birth and going home

You are at the hospital for the birth and take your baby home as the legal parents. International parents also arrange the baby’s passport before travel; see how to bring your baby home after international surrogacy.

How Long Does Surrogacy Take?

Most journeys take 15–20 months from first consultation to birth. The biggest variables are whether your embryos are already created, how quickly you match (usually within 4 weeks with Surrogacy4All), and whether the first transfer succeeds. Nine months of that time is the pregnancy itself.
couple and doctor in consultation

The Process for Surrogates

If you’re applying to be a surrogate, your path is:

Why a Physician-Led Agency Changes the Process

Most agencies are run by case managers. At Surrogacy4All, physicians review surrogate screening, embryo transfer planning and pregnancy monitoring. Medical questions are answered by doctors, and problems are caught earlier. We have run surrogacy programs since 2006, with clinics in New York, Toronto and Accra, under New York State Surrogacy Program License GSP220903.

What Can Slow the Process Down

Embryos not yet created, or no chromosomally normal embryo after testing

A transfer that does not result in pregnancy

Insurance review of the surrogate's health plan

Legal steps in states with stricter surrogacy laws

Travel and passport steps for international parents

FAQ’s

A free consultation, where we review your medical history, budget and timeline.
Typically 15–20 months from consultation to birth.
Most matches happen within 4 weeks with Surrogacy4All.
No. You can start the process and create embryos alongside matching, but having tested embryos ready can shorten the journey.
About 14 days after the transfer.
Through a parentage order your lawyer obtains during the pregnancy; in many states it is issued before birth.
65% on the first transfer and 90% cumulative, per SART guidelines.
No. In gestational surrogacy the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.