Become a Surrogate in the U.S.

Surrogacy has been successfully practiced in the U.S. for well over 30 years. Today, surrogacy is not only a medical miracle, it is actually a relatively common method of assisted reproduction. It is an incredible experience for both surrogates and intended parents. The kindness and generosity that is displayed by surrogates helping deserving parents start families of their own. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate in the United States, here’s everything that you need to know about the process.

The Benefits of Becoming a Surrogate

There are several benefits of becoming a surrogate. While your reason behind becoming a surrogate may not be the same as someone else’s, surrogates still share the same wish to help others start or grow their families. This kindness is one of the greatest aspects of surrogacy.

• The ability to help start families. The most obvious benefit of surrogacy is that it is a way to help deserving parents start or grow their families. Members of the LGBTQ community, single parents, and those suffering from infertility are given the gift of life by a generous human being who acts as their surrogate.
• Surrogates are well-compensated for their services. Intended parents and agencies recognize the time and effort that goes into surrogacy and they work together to make sure that their surrogate is well-taken care of. Everything from childcare costs to medical bills is covered in a typical surrogacy arrangement. Additionally, surrogates are compensated a significant base pay which can start at $35,000 and up.
• Surrogacy allows mothers who enjoy the sensation and experience of being pregnant to do it all over again. This time sharing the journey with their own family as well as that of intended parents.
• Surrogates and intended parents often share a close bond, as they are going through pregnancy together. A bond created by surrogacy can last a lifetime with both intended parents and surrogates feeling as if they will always share a bond.

Learn About Your State’s Laws Regarding Surrogacy

Unfortunately, the laws surrounding surrogacy in the United States are not universally surrogacy-friendly. It’s important to make an informed decision regarding what state you would like to pursue becoming a surrogate mother in. Check out our detailed list of surrogacy laws by state to get an idea of how your state practices surrogacy.

Research

The relationship between a surrogate and her agency is very much like a business partnership. Surrogate mothers rely on their agency to negotiate on their behalf and ensure that the surrogacy process goes as smoothly as possible. As a surrogate, it is imperative to do research on potential surrogacy agencies before making a final decision regarding which one you will work with. Here are a few important factors that may influence your decision to work with an agency:

• Compensation – As a surrogate, you are providing intended parents with the chance to start a family of their own, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your generosity. Each agency offers different payment structures for its surrogates, making sure you know what to expect before coming in will help you make an informed decision. Coverage for your expenses, the time that you miss at work, and travel expenses are covered by some agencies.
• Agency Requirements – There are special requirements that surrogates must meet in order to become a surrogate for an agency. These requirements are in place to ensure that the surrogacy process is safe and successful. Some things to look out for include age restrictions, citizenship status, tattoo and piercing restrictions, a healthy BMI, etc
• References – A successful agency should have a noted history of completed surrogacies with happy clients. If possible, get in contact with people who have worked with the agency to get an idea of what to expect as a surrogate for the agency. Simple Surrogacy’s Facebook page shows reviews from satisfied surrogates and intended parents, we would be happy to work with you as well!

Apply to Become a Surrogate

Not everyone is suited to become a surrogate. The purpose of the application process to become a surrogate is to screen potential surrogates and find out which ones have the best chance at completing a successful surrogacy. For this reason, the application process takes some time. The application with Simple Surrogacy is well…simple. Steps include:

• Contacting our agency via phone or email. Let us know that you are interested in becoming a surrogate with us. We’re excited to have you!
• Fill out our application and profile which can be sent to you via mail or digitally. Your application should also contain the following items: photographs of yourself, insurance information, a copy of your social security number, a copy of your driver’s license, and a signed Surrogate Agreement. We will also have you sign forms giving us access to your medical records.
• After we run a background check, we’ll bring you in. We can’t wait to meet you! We may have some follow-up questions for you. At this stage, you will undergo a psychological consultation to ensure that you are mentally and emotionally prepared to become a surrogate.
• Once you have passed all of the screening criteria, you’re ready to be matched with intended parents!

Your journey as a surrogate truly begins the moment after you are matched with intended parents. You will have a chance to meet with and talk to the intended parents that you have been matched with prior to making any legal commitment to working with them. Once this has been done, you will receive a medical assessment. This assessment is fully covered, and you will not need to pay any out-of-pocket expenses.
Signing a legal contract between yourself and the intended parents is the last step before you begin your surrogate pregnancy. You will be working with our agency’s talented and experienced surrogacy attorneys to ensure that every legal aspect of the surrogacy arrangement is discussed and satisfies all parties involved. Once this step has been completed, you will begin medical procedures to prepare you for your pregnancy as a surrogate.

Conclusion

Simple Surrogacy is an established agency that would be more than happy to help you on your surrogacy journey. We would love to work with you and help you get matched. Our services include egg donation, traditional surrogacy, and gestational surrogacy. Please visit our website for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!