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Your Surrogacy Journey
From first call to first cry
Surrogacy can feel overwhelming. Here's exactly what happens, when it happens, and how we support you through every milestone.
At a Glance
Your journey in 9 steps
Click any step to learn more about what happens at each phase.
Step by Step
Every phase, explained
No surprises, no guesswork. Here's exactly what happens at each stage of your surrogacy journey — and how we support you through it.
Your journey begins with a free, no-obligation consultation with our team. We take the time to understand your family-building goals, walk you through the entire surrogacy process, and answer every question you have — from timelines to costs to what daily communication looks like.
What We Do
- Assigns a dedicated case manager who stays with you throughout your entire journey
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the surrogacy process, timeline, and costs
- Answers all questions in a warm, no-pressure environment
What You Do
- Share your family-building goals and any preferences for your journey
- Provide relevant medical history and background information
- Ask any and all questions — there are no wrong ones
What to Expect
This is a relaxed conversation, not an interview. Most consultations last 45-60 minutes. Many parents feel a sense of relief after this call — the process is clearer than they imagined.
Once you decide to move forward, you'll complete your application, sign the agency agreement, and open escrow with initial funds. You'll also write a Dear Surrogate Letter — a personal note that helps us match you with the right surrogate. We begin working toward finding a surrogate who can be medically cleared right away.
What We Do
- Reviews your medical and personal history with care and confidentiality
- Begins working to identify surrogates who match your preferences and family-building goals
What You Do
- Complete your application
- Sign the agency agreement and open escrow with initial funds
- Write a Dear Surrogate Letter
What to Expect
Once you complete our onboarding process, we begin working toward finding a surrogate who can be medically cleared. The onboarding process is straightforward.
This is one of the most exciting phases. We hand-select candidates based on your preferences and present surrogates we believe are the best fit for your family — only 1 in 60 applicants are accepted. Once we identify a strong candidate, you'll be presented with a detailed surrogate profile and a detailed surrogacy budget. When there's mutual interest, we arrange a video call so both parties can connect and ensure the match feels right.
What We Do
- Reviews your preferences and availability to find the most suitable surrogate candidate
- Presents you with a detailed surrogate profile and a detailed surrogacy budget
- Facilitates video introductions and ensures both parties feel confident before moving forward
What You Do
- Review the detailed surrogate profile including background, values, and pregnancy history
- Review the detailed surrogacy budget
- Participate in video calls and make the final decision together — both parties must enthusiastically agree
What to Expect
Matching typically takes 3-6 months, depending on your preferences. Most parents describe meeting their surrogate as the moment the journey becomes real. We won't rush this — the right match matters.
Your surrogate travels to your IVF clinic for comprehensive medical clearance. This includes labs, physical examinations, and a psych evaluation to ensure she is fully prepared — physically and mentally — for the journey ahead.
What We Do
- Coordinates all scheduling between you, your surrogate, and the fertility clinic
- Manages logistics including travel, accommodations, and appointment reminders
- Provides ongoing support and communication throughout the screening process
What You Do
- Make sure the IVF clinic is paid to prevent scheduling delays
- Discuss any outstanding needs with the fertility clinic
- Stay informed through regular updates from your case manager
What to Expect
The medical screening involves multiple appointments over several weeks, including labs, examinations, and a psych evaluation. Your case manager keeps you updated at every stage. Completing medical screening before legal contracts ensures your surrogate is fully cleared before you invest in legal costs.
After your surrogate passes medical screening, a Gestational Surrogate Agreement (GSA) is drafted between you and your surrogate. All compensation and birth details — including medical facilities — are discussed and agreed upon. This comprehensive contract protects everyone involved.
What We Do
- Connects you with experienced surrogacy attorneys who specialize in reproductive law
- Coordinates the legal review process between all parties
- Ensures all legal protections are in place before the transfer process begins
What You Do
- Work with your attorney to review and understand all GSA contract terms
- Discuss and finalize compensation, birth details, and medical facility preferences
- Sign the Gestational Surrogate Agreement once all parties are satisfied
- Follow your escrow deposit schedule — escrow must be fully funded before the surrogate proceeds to embryo transfer
What to Expect
The legal process is thorough but straightforward. Your attorney will explain every clause in plain language. The GSA covers compensation, expectations, communication preferences, medical decisions, and parental rights — it's one of the most important protections for your family.
After signing legal contracts, your surrogate begins fertility medication and is given a calendar with a specific transfer date. She travels to your IVF clinic for the embryo transfer. During the first week post-transfer, the surrogate takes it easy, and pregnancy is monitored for vital signs for up to two weeks after transfer.
What We Do
- Coordinates the fertility medication schedule and transfer calendar with the clinic
- Manages all travel logistics for your surrogate to the IVF clinic
- Provides support and monitors the surrogate during the post-transfer recovery period
What You Do
- Coordinate with your fertility clinic on the transfer date and embryo selection
- Stay informed through regular updates from your case manager
- Attend the transfer day if desired (in-person or virtually)
What to Expect
This phase takes about 1 month from starting fertility medication through the post-transfer monitoring period. The transfer itself is a brief procedure, but the preparation and recovery period around it are important for the best chance of success.
After the embryo transfer, the waiting begins. A blood test approximately 10-12 days after transfer provides the first indication of pregnancy. Early ultrasounds in the following weeks confirm a healthy pregnancy and heartbeat.
What We Do
- Provides regular updates and coordinates all follow-up appointments
- Manages communication between you and your surrogate during this sensitive time
- Stays closely informed on all prenatal milestones, attends appointments alongside your surrogate, and keeps your journey on track
What You Do
- Receive updates from your case manager and surrogate
- Begin planning and preparing for the months ahead
- Celebrate this milestone — you’re on your way to parenthood
What to Expect
The time between transfer and confirmation can feel like the longest days of your life. That's completely normal. We're here for the emotions — the worry, the hope, and when that positive result comes, the joy.
Throughout the pregnancy, your surrogate receives excellent prenatal care while you stay connected through regular updates, photos, and appointments. After confirmation of pregnancy post-transfer, everyone prepares for the transition from IVF care to OB care after 12 weeks. This is a time of building your relationship with your surrogate and preparing for your baby's arrival.
What We Do
- Provides 24/7 support for both you and your surrogate throughout the pregnancy
- Coordinates the transition from IVF clinic care to OB care after 12 weeks
- Manages all logistics — appointments, travel, insurance, and milestone coordination
What You Do
- Stay involved through regular communication with your surrogate — parents are encouraged to attend appointments and be involved throughout the pregnancy
- Attend appointments virtually or in-person when possible
- Prepare your home and life for your baby’s arrival
What to Expect
Many intended parents and surrogates develop meaningful friendships during this time. You'll receive ultrasound photos, milestone updates, and have as much involvement as you and your surrogate are comfortable with. The transition from IVF to OB care around 12 weeks is a key milestone.
The moment you've been waiting for. Depending on location, you travel to the birth place and are given a room to care for your baby at the hospital of choice. Your baby arrives, and thanks to the legal groundwork already in place, you're listed on the birth certificate from day one. Your case manager coordinates everything so you can focus on meeting your child and preparing for life with a newborn.
What We Do
- Coordinates the hospital birth plan and travel logistics so everyone knows the process
- Ensures parentage orders are filed and you’re on the birth certificate from day one
- Provides post-birth support and guidance as you transition into parenthood
What You Do
- Travel to the birth location and settle in at the hospital of choice
- Welcome your baby into the world and bond from the very first moment
- Prepare for life with a newborn — your family is complete
What to Expect
Most parents describe this as the most profound moment of their lives. Everything you've been through — every form, every appointment, every moment of waiting — leads to this. You're a parent.
Have questions about a specific step?
Talk to Our TeamWhy Choose Us
What sets our process apart
Surrogacy agencies aren't all the same. Here's what makes our approach different — and why our families trust us with their most important journey.
1 in 60 Acceptance
Only the most qualified, committed surrogates make it through our rigorous screening process.
Dedicated Case Manager
One point of contact from day one to homecoming — someone who knows your story and your needs.
24/7 Support
Questions don't wait for business hours. Our team is available around the clock, every day.
ASRM Member Agency
We adhere to the highest medical and ethical standards set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Personalized Matching
We don't just match profiles — we match people, values, and visions for the journey ahead.
100% Legal Coverage
Every surrogacy arrangement includes comprehensive legal contracts protecting your parental rights.
Investment
Understanding surrogacy costs
Total surrogacy costs typically range from $160,000 – $175,000, depending on individual circumstances. This includes agency fees, surrogate compensation, legal costs, and insurance. Does not include IVF clinic or pharmacy expenses — these costs vary by clinic and are separate from the agency budget.
We believe in full transparency — no hidden fees, no surprises. Our team walks you through every cost during your initial consultation so you can plan with confidence.
See Full Cost BreakdownCost Includes
- Agency fees & case management
- Surrogate compensation & benefits
- Legal contracts & parentage orders
- Medical screening & IVF coordination
- Insurance & contingency planning
Typical Total Range
Including all fees and compensation
$160K – $175K
Samantha was great to work with. We were in a hurry to match like most IPs are. Our previous agency had an 18 month wait time. We reached out to multiple agencies and were immediately presented with the most perfect surrogate for our family by Samantha and Made in the USA Surrogacy. In just over a year we had our baby girl. The whole process was seamless and Samantha was always very responsive and helpful.
Kristin H.
Intended Parent · Google Review
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
The typical surrogacy journey takes 18-24 months from your initial consultation to bringing your baby home. This includes 3-6 months for surrogate matching, 1-3 months for medical screening, approximately 1 month for legal contracts (GSA), 1 month for the transfer process, and approximately 9 months of pregnancy. Every journey is unique, and your case manager will keep you informed of your specific timeline at every stage.
Absolutely. We encourage intended parents to be as involved as they're comfortable with. Many parents attend ultrasound appointments (in-person or virtually), receive regular photo updates, and communicate frequently with their surrogate. The level of involvement is discussed and agreed upon during the matching process, so both you and your surrogate feel comfortable with the arrangement.
While we always hope for success on the first transfer, it's important to be prepared that not every transfer results in pregnancy. If the first transfer is unsuccessful, your medical team will evaluate what happened and discuss next steps. Many surrogacy contracts include provisions for multiple transfer attempts. Your case manager will guide you through the process with compassion and help coordinate the next steps with your fertility clinic.
Our screening process is one of the most rigorous in the industry — only 1 in 60 applicants are accepted into our program. Surrogates must have had at least one successful pregnancy, pass comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations, undergo background checks, and meet strict health and lifestyle criteria. We also evaluate their support system, motivation for surrogacy, and ability to commit to the journey.
No. Many intended parents live in different states — or even different countries — from their surrogate. We coordinate all logistics across distances, including travel for key appointments, virtual attendance options for ultrasounds, and seamless communication throughout the pregnancy. Our agency works with families from across the United States and internationally.
Intended parents are protected through comprehensive legal contracts drafted by experienced surrogacy attorneys. These contracts establish parental rights, outline expectations for both parties, and address contingencies. In most states, pre-birth parentage orders ensure you're listed on the birth certificate from day one. Your attorney will guide you through all legal protections specific to your state.
Yes, we work with intended parents from around the world. International surrogacy adds some additional considerations — including legal requirements in your home country, travel logistics, and coordination across time zones — but our experienced team handles these complexities regularly. We'll guide you through every step and connect you with international surrogacy legal specialists.
While surrogacy pregnancies are carefully monitored and our surrogates are in excellent health, complications can occur as with any pregnancy. Your surrogacy contract addresses medical decision-making protocols, and our team provides 24/7 support. Your surrogate receives top-tier prenatal care, and our case managers coordinate closely with the medical team to keep you informed every step of the way.
Ready to start your family?
Most parents say the hardest part was deciding to start. We'll handle the rest.
Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation and let us walk you through your personalized surrogacy plan.
