Surrogacy FAQs
When I first inform people that I am a gestational surrogate, there are usually a million questions that follow. However, generally, the first thing that people say is “that’s amazing”. I think that people have a vague understanding of what it is but know that in some way I am helping someone. People also don’t seem to want to ask too many questions in fear of being rude or nosey. So, I decided to write a blog to answer some of your burning questions.
Q. What is a gestational surrogate?
A. Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries and delivers a child for another couple or person. There is a legal contract that is drafted by both parties’ lawyers with specifications around the journey.
Q. Is the baby related to you genetically?
A. No. The baby is not related to me genetically in anyway. The intended parents use their sperm and their egg (or a donor egg in the case of same sex couples) to create an embryo. That embryo is then transferred into the surrogate which implants and turns into a pregnancy!
Q. How do you find a couple to carry for?
A. There are two paths. The first is a “Independent” journey where you have a couple that you know (your sister, or best friend, etc.) who cannot carry a child and personally asks you. The next is to go through an agency. They work as the middleman between you and the intended parents and help you find a perfect match. You get to decide what kind of couple you want to match with that match your personality, morals and values.
Q. How long does the process take?
A. It can take up to two years! You have to go through a medical records review, psychological evaluation, medical clearance, legal, all before you start the IVF process.
Q. What are the requirements to become a surrogate?
A. There are different requirements for different IVF clinics but generally, the requirements are:
· Between the ages of 21-43
· Have had at least one, full-term healthy pregnancy and delivery (no more than 5)
· Have had no more than 2 c-sections
· Have a BMI of 32 or below (33 or below case-by-case)
· Financially stable
· Reside in a surrogacy friendly state
Q. Do you get paid?
A. There is a compensation that you get for being a surrogate, or if you do an independent journey, you can do an altruistic journey with no compensation. Compesation differs from agency to agency, but generally, surrogates are compensated anywhere from $20,000-$60,000.
There is always a need for surrogates and if you think that this may be right for you, do your research! Then reach out to an agency that best fits you! The agency doesn’t have to be in your state and can be anywhere. My agency is Creative Family Connections and I know they would love to hear from you!