Frequently Asked Surrogacy Questions
We know that you have questions about becoming a surrogate and surrogacy requirements. Let us guide you and answer your most frequently asked questions with our Surrogacy FAQ:
- > Why should I choose to work with IARC through my surrogacy journey?
- > What are the requirements for becoming a surrogate?
- > What is the average compensation amount?
- > What is the process for becoming a surrogate?
- > What expenses will be covered by the intended parents?
- > How long does it take to match with intended parents?
- > Is travel required during my surrogacy program?
If you’ve ever considered becoming a surrogate, you probably have a lot of questions. How do you become a surrogate? What are the surrogacy requirements? What are the benefits of surrogacy? At our agency, we get a lot of questions about surrogacy, and we’re here to answer them.
Becoming a surrogate is a major decision, and we want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way. That’s why we’ve put together a list of FAQs that cover everything from how to become a surrogate to common questions about the surrogacy process. We hope this resource will give you a better understanding of what surrogacy is and how it works. If you have any other questions or would like to learn more about becoming a surrogate, please contact us. We’re here to help!
How do I become a surrogate?
If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate, contact us or begin by filling out a short questionnaire. At IARC, we will work with you to educate you on the surrogacy process and walk you through the entire screening. We will answer all of your questions and guide you step by step from the initial informational call to screening to matching and then all the way through the pregnancy.
Why should I choose to work with IARC through my surrogacy journey?
At IARC, our focus is to take care of every single aspect of your surrogacy journey so you may focus on enjoying your journey and relationship with your intended parents. We take care of all of the little details and keep you constantly updated, so you never feel alone and know you are always supported. Choosing to work with IARC means that you will have a team of surrogacy professionals by your side every step of the way, ensuring that your surrogacy journey is just as you hope it will be. You can be confident that you are working with the best. When you join IARC, you are not just a name or number to us. You are a part of our IARC family. We have an online support group, and we plan surrogate appreciation events twice a year to keep in touch with everyone both while they are on a journey and beyond. We pride ourselves on being experts in surrogacy, with attorneys and other professionals on staff who oversee each individual program to minimize risks for you and the intended parents. Each and every member of our staff is here because they are committed to our passion to “improve the world by creating loving families.” Our work truly comes from the heart! We believe in what we do, and we care about making everyone’s journey one to remember. We are not only helping create families, but we are also building relationships that hopefully last a lifetime. We hope you will consider IARC as part of your extended family as well!
What are the requirements for becoming a surrogate?
To see general requirements for becoming a surrogate, including surrogate health requirements, please see our requirements page. If you are unsure if you could qualify or if any of your past pregnancies or history would disqualify you, please contact us, and we can go over this with you as we know each situation is unique and requires individual consideration.
What is the average compensation amount?
Surrogacy compensation packages include both a surrogate fee/base compensation and other compensation components (monthly allowance, transfer fee, clothing fee, etc). The average base compensation is typically between $30,000-$50,000. At IARC, our surrogates are able to select their own base compensation amount. To learn more about our compensation package, click here.
What is the process for becoming a surrogate?
The screening process typically takes 4-6 weeks on average but depends on how quickly or slowly you prefer to go. To see more information on the general steps of surrogacy with IARC, please see our surrogacy process page.
What expenses will be covered by the intended parents?
The intended parents are responsible for ALL expenses related to the surrogate program. This will be clearly outlined in your contract with the intended parents and includes:
- Lost wages
- Travel expenses
- Maternity clothing
- Prenatal vitamins
- Legal fees and expenses
- All uninsured medical expenses
- And more
How long does it take to match with intended parents?
We have a list of intended parents eagerly awaiting a match at all times, so matching happens very quickly in the vast majority of cases. The matching process is tailored to the surrogate’s timeline preferences (for example, if you are currently breastfeeding or planning a vacation that needs to be worked around) and other needs. How long it takes you to find a match will depend on your specific match preferences, and your IARC surrogate coordinator can give you more detailed information on this potential timeline after you submit your initial application.
Is travel required during my surrogacy program?
Travel is required for most programs. IARC intended parents look nationwide for a fertility clinic in order to get the success rates and quality of care they prefer. Travel would include one trip to the fertility clinic for the medical screening and a second trip with a companion for the embryo transfer. Our agency is very familiar with each clinic to which you may travel, so you will have detailed instructions regarding hotel, transportation, and other travel logistics prior to traveling, along with funds for daily expenses. Medical screening is typically 1-2 days and the average length of stay for the embryo transfer is usually about 3-7 days, depending on whether it is a fresh or frozen embryo transfer and the clinic’s requirements for post-transfer bed rest. We take care of all of your travel arrangements, and you will be reimbursed for lost wages, childcare, and all other related expenses.
Will I be required to take any medications as a surrogate?
Surrogates should expect to take fertility medications in preparation for embryo transfer. You will receive thorough and specific instructions about your medications. These medications will regulate your cycles, prepare your uterine lining for transfer, and prepare your body for pregnancy. You will begin these medications a few weeks prior to the embryo transfer until several weeks after the transfer, assuming pregnancy is achieved. Some medications may require administration via intramuscular injection that most women give themselves. Another option is to have a family member or friend help you with the injections. The staff at your fertility clinic will ensure that you have a clear understanding of when and how to administer the medications. We also have previous and current surrogates on staff to help, as well as a Facebook support group with lots of tips and advice!
Where would I go for prenatal care and delivery?
All prenatal appointments and delivery typically take place at the clinic and hospital of your choosing. You will discuss your choices with the intended parents during the matching call. One thing to keep in mind is if your desired hospital has a NICU since parents will typically want to have a level III or higher at the chosen hospital just in case the baby requires special care. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your coordinator during the screening process.
Do I get to choose the intended parents I work with?
Yes! The IARC surrogacy matching process is 100% a two-way street. Both you and the intended parents must mutually select each other. If a potential intended parent match is interested in you as their surrogate after reviewing your information, we will send you the intended parent’s Dear Surrogate letter along with photos for you to review. If you feel it is a good potential match, we will set up and facilitate a Zoom call so you can each determine if it is the right match. Oftentimes it is a match if you reach the point of having a match call, but if it is not, we will move on to considering other intended parents to find you a better fit. Our goal is to match you with intended parents who share the same general values and interests and with whom you feel a positive connection. We believe this is the most important part of your journey as a surrogate and that our matching process truly results in amazing matches!
Do I need to have my own insurance?
If you have an insurance policy already in place, our attorneys will do an insurance review to see if the policy is suitable to use to cover your surrogate maternity expenses. If there is an exclusion or you do not have a policy, we will obtain a policy for you. The intended parents would pay for this policy and all of your medical expenses. Whether you use your own plan or one that is purchased for you, intended parents are responsible for all deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses related to the surrogacy program that insurance does not cover. Any questions about insurance, please contact your coordinator during the screening process.
How do I apply with IARC to become a surrogate?
Click here to apply online and begin your journey today! Unsure if you will qualify? You can also take a short questionnaire here to see if surrogacy may be an option for you before you commit to the application process.
What if I have more questions that weren’t covered here?
We know it’s a big decision to become a surrogate. If the live chat option is available, you can just hop on there right now to ask any question you have! You can also contact us on our contact page. You can either ask your questions on the form or set up a call to go over the process and ask your questions all at once. These calls usually take about 30 minutes. Just let us know how we can help! We hope to talk with you soon.
For additional information, you can email our team at [email protected]. We would love to help!