Surrogacy is a complicated and emotional process, so it’s natural for prospective parents to have a lot of questions about how that process actually works.

1. FAQ from Prospective Parents
about Gestational Surrogacy

2. Surrogacy is a complicated and emotional process, so it’s
natural for prospective parents to have a lot of questions
about how that process actually works. The following
information was compiled to address those questions and
to ease some of your worries.
What is gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement in which a
surrogate mother carries a fertilized egg to term. The
surrogate is not biologically related to the embryo. Instead,
the egg has been harvested from its intended mother, and
has been fertilized in vitro by its intended father.

3. What is the difference between a gestational surrogate
and a traditional surrogate?
While a gestational surrogate is not biologically related to
the child or its intended parents, a traditional (or genetic)
surrogate has donated her egg to be used. This means that
a traditional surrogate is biologically related to the child.
How much does it cost to hire a surrogate mother?
These costs can run high, especially since most health
insurance plans do not cover the surrogacy process.
Prospective parents can expect to pay anywhere from
$30,000 to $50,000 to hire a surrogate mother.

4. Who pays for the surrogate mother’s medical
expenses?
The intended parents are responsible for any and all costs
associated with the surrogate mother’s pregnancy.
Who chooses to become a surrogate mother?
Reasons for becoming a surrogate tend to vary between
individuals. Most surrogates want to help other couples to
become parents. Many surrogates also simply love to be
pregnant.

5. Is surrogacy legal in all states?
Surrogacy is legal in some states but not in all, so
prospective parents should work with a professional in
order to come to an understanding about the laws where
they live. However, if the intended parents do happen to
live in a state where surrogacy is illegal, they may still
choose a gestational surrogate who lives in a surrogacy-
friendly state.

6. How long does the surrogacy process take, from start to
finish?
These lengths can vary, but most families should expect the
process to last for twelve to fifteen months. To begin with,
surrogates and prospective parents must both undergo an
application and screening process. They then go through a
matching process that can vary in length, depending on the
characteristics of both parties. A surrogate mother must also
complete psychological evaluation and medical screening,
and both parties together must finalize a contract. All of these
steps must be completed before the pregnancy is begun.
Visit this website for more information from a surrogacy
agency in El Cajon.