Intended Parent Surrogacy

Giving Hope Surrogacy program is here to help you find your surrogate and guide you through every step of the surrogacy process.

“We are so grateful for this beautiful gift you are giving us. You truly are a blessing.”

How Long is the Surrogacy Process?

The time frame for surrogacy can vary and is influenced by several factors, including the specific circumstances of the intended parents and the surrogate, the location, and the legal and medical processes involved. 

Here is a general overview of the time frame for surrogacy: 

The time it takes to find a suitable surrogate can vary widely. It may take a few months to over a year to find a compatible surrogate who meets the necessary criteria and is available to embark on the surrogacy journey.
Once a surrogate is found, the matching process begins. This involves getting to know each other, discussing expectations and preferences, and ensuring a good fit between the intended parents and surrogate. The matching process can take a few weeks to a few months.
Once the match is confirmed, medical procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or embryo transfer, can take place. This typically involves synchronizing the menstrual cycles of the surrogate and the egg donor (if used) and preparing the surrogate’s uterus for embryo implantation. Legal contracts and agreements between the parties are also drafted and finalized during this time. The medical and legal preparation can take a few months.

After successful embryo implantation, the surrogate undergoes regular prenatal care and monitoring. This includes medical appointments, check-ups, and screenings throughout the pregnancy. The duration of the pregnancy can vary, typically lasting around 9 months.

Once the baby is born, legal processes will be required to establish parental rights for the intended parents. This can involve obtaining court orders or completing necessary paperwork. The post-birth process includes the recovery of the surrogate and the transition of the baby to the care of the Intended Parents.

Overall, the entire surrogacy process, from finding a surrogate to completing the legal procedures, can range from around 12 to 24 months or longer, depending on individual circumstances and any unforeseen delays that may arise. It’s important to note that each surrogacy journey is unique, and the time frame can vary significantly based on various factors.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost ?

Surrogacy involves various professionals and services that contribute to the overall cost. These include fertility specialists, lawyers, psychologists, medical expenses, insurance, and the surrogate herself. Additionally, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and potential egg donation can add to the expenses. Surrogacy costs can range from $120,000 to upwards of $200,000. Our experienced surrogate care team will guide you through the process and the anticipated costs of surrogacy.

The cost of surrogacy is influenced by various factors. Here are some common components that contribute to the overall expenses:

Surrogacy agency fee includes screening potential surrogates, matching Intended Parents with surrogates, coordinating the process, travel arrangements for the gestational surrogate, providing support and guidance, handling legal, insurance and administrative aspects, and overall support and care throughout the surrogacy journey.

Here are some key services offered by Giving Hope Surrogacy:

1. Application process: We conduct a thorough application process to assess the commitment, suitability, and readiness of Intended Parents and surrogates. This helps ensure that all parties involved are serious and able to participate in the surrogacy process.

2. Screening: We conduct comprehensive screenings to assess the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of Intended Parents and surrogates. This ensures that they meet the necessary criteria and are in a healthy state to pursue surrogacy.

3. Personal matching: We match Intended Parents and surrogates based on their preferences, values, and compatibility. This helps create an ideal surrogacy experience for all parties involved.

4. Coordination and communication: We serve as a central point of contact, facilitating communication and coordinating information between various professionals involved in the surrogacy process.

5. Support and counseling: We provide emotional support and offer counseling with a professional to Intended Parents and surrogates throughout the journey. This helps them navigate the emotional challenges and complexities associated with surrogacy.

Surrogates are compensated for their time, effort, and physical and emotional demands of being pregnant. Compensation varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and any additional circumstances.
These include medical screenings, prenatal care, delivery expenses and postnatal care. The medical expenses can vary based on surrogates’ location, and specific medical requirements.
Legal assistance is essential to establish the legal framework and protect the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. This includes drafting and reviewing contracts, obtaining necessary parental rights, and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
Surrogates require comprehensive health insurance coverage to protect against potential medical complications during the pregnancy. These insurance costs can vary depending on the surrogates’ existing coverage and whether additional policies are needed.
Other miscellaneous costs may include travel and accommodation expenses, escrow account fees, background checks, and any necessary fertility treatments such as IVF, and egg or sperm donation. All IVF costs will be paid directly to the Intended Parents’ clinic.

What is the Surrogate Screening Process? 

The screening process in surrogacy typically involves several important steps to ensure the suitability of, and wellbeing, of the surrogate. 

Here are some common components of the screening process:

Pre-screening

This step involves reviewing the surrogate applicant's pregnancy history and medical records to assess her overall health and reproductive capability. Additionally, criminal and financial background checks may be conducted to ensure the applicant's suitability for the surrogacy journey. Information about health insurance coverage is also collected to understand the financial aspects of the process.

Psychological Evaluation/Testing

We work with licensed therapists who specialize in surrogacy. The therapist will cover a wide range of topics, including the surrogates’ motivations for becoming a surrogate, her family and interpersonal relationships, expectations for the surrogacy journey and the support network available to her. These discussions help evaluate the surrogate’s emotional readiness and support systems. She will undergo psychological testing. This test helps assess the surrogate’s psychological wellbeing, mental health and any potential concerns that may impact her ability to participate in the surrogacy process.

These screening processes aim to ensure that the surrogate is physically and mentally prepared for the surrogacy journey. They help identify any potential risks or challenges that may arise and ensure the overall suitability and well-being of the surrogate. The information gathered during the screening process also helps in the matching process, ensuring that the surrogate is compatible with the Intended Parents in terms of their expectations, values, and preferences.

How Much Does a Surrogate Get Paid ?

The cost breakdown for surrogacy can vary depending on various factors, but here is a general outline of some common expenses:

Base Compensation

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Surrogates typically receive a base compensation fee, which can vary, but is often around $50,000. This fee covers the surrogate's time, effort, and the physical demands of being pregnant.

Childcare, Travel, & Lost Wages

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These expenses are related to the surrogacy journey, including travel costs for the surrogate and her companion for medical screening and embryo transfer, monthly allowance to cover mileage, childcare expenses, and compensation for lost wages due to medical appointments or other obligations related to surrogacy.

Personal & Home Care Payments

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Surrogates will receive additional payment to cover maternity clothes, and if on bed rest, she will receive housekeeping and lost wages.

Legal Fees

The legal aspect of surrogacy is crucial and involves navigating complex laws that can vary from state to state or even within different jurisdictions. Hiring a lawyer with expertise in surrogacy law is essential to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect the rights and interests of all parties involved.

Surrogacy Insurance Costs 

Intended Parents are required to cover the cost of health insurance of the surrogate throughout the pregnancy. This includes providing maternity insurance that covers all pregnancy-related appointments and medical care for the surrogate. The specific cost of health insurance for the surrogate can vary depending on the policy and coverage selected. In addition to medical insurance, Intended Parents are required to pay for life insurance for the surrogate to provide financial protection in the event of unforeseen complications associated with the surrogacy journey.

After the birth, the baby is immediately covered by the Intended Parents’ insurance.    

The specific details and costs associated with health and life insurance for the surrogate can vary depending on the insurance policies chosen by the Intended Parents’.