Requirements in becoming a gestational Carrier
The gestational surrogate screening process generally includes:
- Background check for you and any adult in your household
- Drug screening
- Resident verification to ensure that the home is an appropriate place for a healthy pregnancy by Abundant Life Caseworker
- Medical record and pregnancy history review by a medical professional
- Initial psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist
- Full medical screening, including blood work and a uterine evaluation make sure there are no abnormalities.
Gestational Carrier FAQs
Our Director of Gestational Surrogacy responds to some of your most frequently asked questions. Because each surrogacy arrangement is unique, there may be some variances and this will be discussed in much greater detail as the process moves forward. If you have any further questions or would like more information about becoming a surrogate, please contact us.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: While it can vary depending on many circumstances, anticipate between 12-18 months. Because there are many variables in a gestational surrogacy arrangement, it is difficult to specify!
Q: Can I be a surrogate with your program if I haven't had a child?
A: No. It is difficult to consent to something for someone else they haven’t done for themselves. You must have given birth to and be raising at least one child. We need to see proven fertility through OB/GYN records.
Q: Will I need to travel long distance?
A: Long distance travel is not required, but it can expedite the process if you are willing to travel for a medical work up, initial doctor consult, and embryo transfer. Additionally, it’s important to understand local travel to various appointments is a requirement.
Q: What will I be compensated?
First time surrogates using their own insurance earn $23,000 with an additional $5,000 for each subsequent surrogate pregnancy. On average, the compensation amounts to $30,000. For more information, see the compensation page.
Q: Who will cover the costs associated with the pregnancy?
A: All expenses are paid via insurance or the intended parents. While there may be a few out of pocket expenses throughout the process, you will be reimbursed in a timely manner.
Q: Will it be my egg?
A: No. You will not be genetically related to the child in any way.
Q: How many embryos will be transferred?
A: While most of the physicians we work with are conservative, this decision is made mutually between you and the intended parents. On average, 1-2 embryos are transferred.
Q: What if I don't become pregnant?
A: Typically, intended parents commit to up to 3 attempts. Because we work with great physicians, most surrogates do eventually become pregnant.
Q: Can I use my own OB/GYN?
A: Under most circumstances, yes. It will be mutually decided upon with the intended parents, and it will also depend on the insurance being utilized.
Q: What kind of relationship can I expect with the intended parents?
A: It varies from one match to the next. Some matches are with international intended parents where communication is somewhat limited, while other matches are more proximate. Some relationships can be business-like compared to matches where the participants speak and/or meet on a more regular basis. The kind of relationship you are interested in can be explored before and during a potential match with intended parents.
Q: How am I not responsible for the baby when it's born?
A: In most situations, we work with states where a Birth Order is issued within the court system of the county of birth. This relinquishes all rights and responsibilities to the intended parents prior to, or shortly after the birth.
Q: Why would I not be accepted into the program?
A: It is most often related to the state you reside in and the legalities regarding surrogacy there. Aside from that, the OB/delivery records from a surrogate’s previous pregnancy must be free of any serious medical and psychological complications. A history of healthy, full-term deliveries is an absolute requirement for acceptance into the program.
