Becoming an
INTENDED PARENT
Step 1: Matching
During the matching phase, you will provide us with what you are looking for in a surrogate, and what type of relationship you would like to maintain throughout and after the surrogacy process. You will do this by filling out our Intended Parent application. Once we know your needs and desires, we will present you with the profiles of available surrogates, and then the surrogates you are interested in working with will be presented with information about you as well. If each of you feels you may be interested in working with one another, a matching meeting is set up. The match meetings can take place in person, over the phone, or through video chat. After the meeting has taken place, each party is given time to consider the match, and if both sides agree to work together, the screening phase can begin.
Step 4: Cycling
The cycling phase is the actual IVF cycle itself. The IVF center will have full management of this phase. They will provide the instructions and information to the intended parents, surrogate, and the agency. As the agency, we will help ensure the surrogate has complete understanding of what she is required to do. The usual IVF cycle is completed in 3-6 weeks time.
Step 5: Pregnancy
The pregnancy phase is one of the most special times. The agency will be in monthly contact with each party, but we are always available if we are ever needed to help with issues that may arise.
Typical time completion: 40 weeks
Step 2: Screening
The screening phase is essential to a successful surrogacy journey. The intended parents undergo background checks, begin contact with the law office, as well as trust account personnel. The surrogate and her partner will undergo background checks, psychological screening, and medical screening. The contract phase cannot begin until the surrogate has completed and passed all the necessary screenings.
Step 3: Contracts
The contract phase is where all the important topics and issues will be formally placed into a contract between the intended parents, and surrogate, as well as her partner, if applicable. When working with an agency, the most important issues, such as reduction, compensation, and reimbursements, are usually worked in order to help the contract phase move smoothly and quickly. Every journey is different, and at times there are special circumstances. Contracts can usually be completed in 2-6 weeks.
Step 6: Delivery
Delivery time is the most exciting part of the entire journey. This is what everyone is hoping and dreaming for, and as an agency we do strive to help make this time special. Having a baby can take anywhere from just a few hours to a couple of days. We will make sure all legal documentation and admittance paperwork is submitted ahead of time to ensure the delivery process is as smooth as possible.
Step 7: Bringing Home Baby
Now that the baby(ies) have arrived, it is time to bring your bundle(s) of joy home. When the baby(ies) is ready to leave the hospital, the new, proud parents will be taking them home just like every new parent. For international clients, there will be a few weeks (2-3) you will need to stay in the United States so birth certificate, passport paperwork, and documents can be processed.
Costs
The cost of surrogacy is something that can vary drastically due to several circumstances, however, the average cost of a surrogacy journey is usually $150,000+ for all parties involved. Some of the things that have great impact on the cost are medical insurance, newborn costs, and complications.