The Surrogacy Process

We understand that becoming a surrogate is a life-changing commitment, filled with both excitement and responsibility. Our 7-step surrogacy process is designed to ensure that you, the surrogate, have the support, resources, and information needed at each stage. Let us guide you through this remarkable journey as you help create a new family.
Flat illustration of a couple and a surrogate in a doctor's office looking at an ultrasound.

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is a method in which an embryo, created through in vitro fertilization (IVF), is transferred to a surrogate mother who has no genetic connection to the child. The egg and sperm used to create the embryo may come from the intended parents or donors. Gestational surrogacy is the most common form of surrogacy today, as it avoids the legal and ethical complications associated with traditional methods, where the surrogate is the genetic mother.

People choose gestational surrogacy for various reasons, including infertility, health complications, or the need for same-sex couples to have biological children. The success rates for gestational surrogacy are also promising—pregnancy and live birth rates following embryo transfer are often on par with standard IVF, with controlled risks for preterm births and infant health. If you're wondering, "How long does the surrogacy process take?" it typically ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on several factors, including medical readiness and matching surrogates with intended parents.

Eligibility to Apply as a Surrogate Mother

To become a surrogate mother, there are specific medical, psychological, and lifestyle criteria that must be met. Surrogates are generally required to:

  • Be between the ages of 21 and 43
  • Have at least one uncomplicated, full-term pregnancy
  • Maintain a healthy BMI and meet other physical health standards
  • Pass psychological and background screening to ensure emotional readiness and support

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Additionally, we consider factors such as your local residency, prior childbirth experiences, and medical history. Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists believe it’s essential to ensure that our surrogates are fully prepared for the physical and emotional demands of this process. For a more detailed look at the requirements, feel free to review our surrogate requirements page.

Deep Look into the 7-Step Process

The surrogate process unfolds in seven clear, essential steps:

1

Fill out the Prescreen Quiz

Your surrogacy journey begins with a brief prescreen quiz, designed to ensure that you’re ready to take the next step. It’s simple, straightforward, and helps us guide you toward becoming a gestational surrogate.
Take The First Step

2

Share your Story

Once you pass the prescreen, you’ll complete a more detailed application where we learn more about you—your background, pregnancy history, gynecological details, and partner information. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know you better as we prepare for the exciting road ahead.

3

Prepare for a Life-Changing Journey

Once your surrogate application is submitted, you’ll provide essential documents such as photos of you and your home, insurance cards, and a valid driver’s license. This ensures we have everything in place to move forward smoothly.

4

Ensure Readiness for the Journey

We’ll guide you through the surrogacy screening process, including a personality assessment and background checks, to make sure you and anyone supporting you are mentally and emotionally prepared for the journey ahead. This step ensures a positive and safe experience for everyone involved.

5

Medical Review for a Safe Journey

A fertility physician, also known as a reproductive endocrinologist, will review your medical history and previous pregnancies to confirm that you’re physically ready for surrogacy. This essential step is part of the surrogacy medical process, ensuring a healthy and safe experience for both you and the baby.

6

Build Meaningful Connections

We’ll match you with Intended Parents whose values and preferences align with yours. You will be able to review intended parent profiles and once a match is found, you’ll have the chance to meet them and decide if both sides are ready to move forward together in this surrogate mother process. The surrogacy contract phase will follow, bringing you one step closer to helping create the world’s next miracle.

7

Begin the Journey of a Lifetime

This is where science meets hope! Once a match is confirmed, you and the Intended Parents will sign a surrogacy agreement, and the medical process toward surrogacy embryo transfer will begin. With treatments to prepare your body for pregnancy, you’ll be on your way to helping a family’s dream come true.
Help a Family Create Their Dream Life

Why Choose Worldwide Surrogacy as Your Agency?

Choosing Worldwide Surrogacy means choosing a supportive, compassionate team dedicated to helping create new families. Here’s what sets us apart:
  • A Dedicated Support Team: Our experienced professionals are here for you every step of the way, ensuring you never feel alone. Our case coordinators were surrogates themselves and they bring personal knowledge and dedication to supporting you.
  • Comprehensive Resources: We provide everything you need, from insurance assistance to emotional counseling, so you can feel secure and informed throughout the surrogate process.
  • Lasting Relationships: Many of our surrogates develop close, lasting bonds with their intended parents and our team, making the experience even more meaningful.

Surrogacy Process FAQ

The surrogate process typically takes between 12 and 18 months, depending on medical factors, the matching process, and embryo transfer timing.
Yes, surrogates are compensated. Payments are structured and managed through a secure escrow account to ensure transparency and predictability.
Yes, we provide you with the opportunity to meet your intended parents, ensuring that both parties are comfortable with the match.
Our agency provides legal protections through tailored contracts and ensures that all medical care is fully coordinated with top fertility specialists. Further, you have choices regarding your medical care during the pregnancy.
You can still apply to be a surrogate if you’ve been a surrogate before. However, each case is unique, and we’ll assess your eligibility based on your experience and health.
Yes, many surrogates and intended parents choose to stay in touch post-birth, depending on the nature of their relationship.
We offer counseling services and mental health support throughout the entire process, and a monthly support group, ensuring both surrogates and intended parents are emotionally supported.
After submission, we review applications carefully and aim to respond within a 48 hours.

Ready to Become a Surrogate?

If you’re ready to apply to be a surrogate, Take the Prescreen. We’re here to answer any questions you have and guide you every step of the way.For more information, feel free to reach out to Worldwide Surrogacy. We look forward to helping you become part of a life-changing experience.
Begin the Surrogacy Process Today!