Surrogate FAQ

A traditional surrogate is where the surrogate uses her own biological eggs. As there are numerous emotional and legal aspects of traditional surrogacy, Shared Conception does not handle traditional surrogacy agreements and exclusively offers gestational surrogacy where the eggs of the surrogate mother are never used.

Finding the right agency takes time and research. Like a healthy marriage, you have to know you’ve made a good decision. Shared Conception’s custom-matching process, stellar customer service, sincere compassion, and unbiased professionalism certainly allow us to stand out from the rest.

Our agency also respects you, your family, and the choices you have made. We are not here to judge anyone -only to help add to and enhance happy families.

As you work with Shared Conception, you will journey through a life-changing experience -an experience you will never forget!

For infertility, adoption or childlessness used to be the only alternatives. Over time, there are now a myriad of options for an infertile couple. One of these options is surrogacy. Surrogacy is popular as the baby is genetically related to one or both of the intended parents.

No, at Shared Conception, the surrogates’ eggs are never used in gestational surrogacy.

There are many reasons a woman chooses to become a surrogate, and they are all valid and very personal ones. Having listened to so many surrogates, Shared Conception has determined the most popular reason is that these unique women are sympathetic towards those couples unable to conceive or carry their own children. Often, they have seen the devastation infertility causes with a family member or close friend firsthand, and feel compelled to do something to help. These women also honestly enjoy the experience of being pregnant and particularly enjoy low-risk pregnancies.

How to become a surrogate mother is not as complicated as it may seem. Being a surrogate is a very generous and selfless act on your part. First, visit our surrogate pages to fully understand the surrogacy process. When you are ready to proceed, simply fill out the brief Preliminary Surrogate Application. We promise to contact you within 24 hours!

Initial screening and matching – from weeks to months (difficult to predict)
Medical and psychological testing – 2 to 3 months
Embryo transfer cycle – 1 to 2 months
Pregnancy – 9 months

• Overall good health without any major health concerns or any psychiatric illness.
• Financially secure.
• Birthed at least one child that she is currently raising and experienced uncomplicated pregnancies.
• Be between the ages of 21-42.
• Be in a happy, stable living environment and have the full support of her spouse or partner (if applicable).
• Non-smoker and not be exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Must not use illegal drugs.
• Have a height-to-weight ratio (BMI) under 32
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.A.
• Responsibly take all medications (oral, patches, injections, etc.) as instructed.
• Have a reliable mode of transportation.
• Enjoy being pregnant and have a sincere desire to help others create or add to their family.

After meeting these initial requirements, Shared Conception proceeds with the screening phase.

• Multiple detailed interviews.
• Completion of a comprehensive application that includes medical and psychological questions.
• Full and thorough review of all available medical records by a medical professional.
• Successful completion of Criminal and Department of Motor vehicle background check.
• Virtual or in-person home visit.

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. BMI guidelines are set by the IVF clinics that we work with, so they could vary. The right height/weight ratio is important so you’ll positively respond to the IVF medications. However, a few extra pounds are not necessarily an issue. If you have any concerns, please call us and we’ll be happy to discuss it further.

The IVF clinic sets the age limit and some go to 40 and some go to 42 or 45.

The fact that you are even researching surrogacy says a lot about your eligibility. Most surrogates have already given birth to their own child or multiple kids. They are usually fun-loving, with a heart that is more precious than gold! Surrogates are either involved in long-term, stable relationships or single, unattached women who feel just as passionate about birthing a baby for a deserving couple. These ladies have enjoyed low-risk, healthy pregnancies. Altruistic motives are a huge component of a woman’s surrogate decisions. Although they typically receive some form of compensation, for many, that is not the driving force for choosing this path.

Of course, a potential surrogate is fully aware of any mental and physical repercussions that may occur. They DO NOT form a maternal attachment to the baby/babies they carry and are able and willing to follow an intense medical protocol while in a stable and supportive environment.

You should not be a surrogate if you took anti-depressants within the last 6-12 months. Your medical records will be reviewed and perhaps a letter will be necessary from your physician stating that it is okay for you to become pregnant again.

All surrogates in Shared Conception’s program have the full support of their husband or partner. If they are single, they must have a stable support person in place that can assist them in a time of an emergency. That support infrastructure is needed and necessary for all surrogates who participate in our program.

ABSOLUTELY. Shared Conception has intended parents who similarly disagree with selective reduction or abortion, so we can certainly custom-match you. Also, please note that abortion is illegal in some states.

We will guide you in reviewing your health insurance policy for surrogacy exclusions. If there are no such exclusions and you agree, then your policy will be used to pay for pregnancy and delivery-related expenses. The intended parents pay for all expenses related to medical procedures, co-pays, deductibles, and any other expenses related to your pregnancy.

Shared Conception can assist with locating an insurance policy that the intended parents may purchase for the duration of the pregnancy.

Shared Conception can suggest fee amounts, but ultimately, it is your decision. Typically, our first-time surrogates receive approximately $50,000 as their base fee and experienced surrogates make more depending on how many journeys they have completed. Of course, this number could change based on whether you have health insurance or if that needs to be purchased by the intended parents. Additional fees may include birthing multiples, having a c-section, maternity clothing, travel, etc.

A member of the Shared Conception staff will call you within 1-2 business days. You can also review the Surrogate Mother Process page to peruse the next steps.

Shared Conception works with a diverse group of individuals including, married couples, same-sex couples, single parents, international couples, international singles, and people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Dynamics also vary as some Intended Parents want to add to their families, and others are having their first child.

Yes. We work with couples throughout the United States and globally.

As Shared Conception custom-matches you with the intended parents, the length of time can greatly vary. Some Surrogates are matched within in a few days or weeks, and others in a few months. Honestly, sometimes, it can take longer. A custom and thoughtful match depends on many factors, including personalities, location, fees, insurance coverage, willingness to terminate if there are chromosomal defects (certain states only), and the list goes on and on. Although we realize you are eager to get started on your surrogacy journey, we strive to ensure the best possible match based on both parties’ desires and needs.

Absolutely! Shared Conception strongly encourages the surrogate and intended parents to meet and make sure that a healthy rapport exists. It is also nice to, perhaps, introduce your intended parents to your family and to ensure that everyone is comfortable moving forward.

What kind of contact with the intended parents should I expect during my surrogacy?
Shared Conception will ensure that the level of interaction between you and the intended parents is acceptable and comfortable for everyone BEFORE entering into a contract together. That way, all expectations are managed.

Absolutely!

Your health insurance policy (if you have one) should pay most of the bills related to your pregnancy and delivery. The intended parents will pay for all expenses related to medical procedures, co-pays, deductibles, and any unexpected costs related to your pregnancy.

Surrogacy payments are disbursed according to your contract with the intended parents. Usually, it is divided up into equal amounts in monthly payments once the confirmation of a heartbeat is heard (around 6-7 weeks into the pregnancy) and then paid monthly after that. If you are carrying multiples, your multiples fee is divided up and paid to you over the last six months. It is also important to note that between 30-32 weeks (as determined in your contract), the pregnancy is considered a viable pregnancy, and if you deliver before 40 weeks, then you are given a lump sum of the remaining balance. The remainder of the miscellaneous fees are distributed at various times throughout the pregnancy and will be discussed in your screening.

Payments of monies are a sensitive topic that obviously must be addressed. Thus, Shared Conception can help coordinate all financial matters, removing this component from your relationship with the intended parents. An independent escrow company holds all funds related to your surrogacy in a managed trust account, ensuring all monies are paid in a timely manner.

If you live in a different city from the intended parents, you will need to make two trips to their city of residence. The first trip, more than likely, will be for the initial medical screening and typically lasts 1-2 days. The second trip is for the transfer and lasts approximately 1-4 days. The intended parents pay for all travel fees as stated in your surrogacy agreement.

Yes. Shared Conception will discuss your comfort level in carrying multiples during your application and screening process.

Medications could include prenatal vitamins, birth control pills, Lupron, Estrogen, and Progesterone. These medications may come in a variety of forms, such as pills, patches, and injections.

Some clinics require no bed rest after a transfer and some require anywhere from one to three days.

The IVF clinic will give you specific details, but usually they ask you to abstain for a couple of weeks before a transfer and a couple of weeks after a transfer.

An In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) pregnancy requires earlier attention than your past pregnancies.

You choose your attorney. If you don’t already have an attorney, we will give you a list of qualified attorneys experienced in Reproductive Law to review your contract.

Yes, validated wills be set in place before the embryo transfer.

If a divorce should occur, custody would be worked out exclusively between the intended parents. The child will never be your responsibility.