For Surrogates
Apply below to get started!
What are the qualifications to become a surrogate?
In general, surrogates need to be between the ages of 21-42 and have had at least one full-term, healthy pregnancy and no significant health conditions. Most of the time, no more than 2 (sometimes 3) previous c-sections are allowed, and no more than 5 previous deliveries. Surrogates should have stable finances and home lives and not require government assistance or the use of mental health meds. BMI should be no more than 30-34 for medical approval. A strong support system is needed, and you must be willing to travel for medical clearance appointments and the IVF process. Unfortunately, surrogacy is not permitted in Nebraska or Louisiana.
A surrogate’s medical records are reviewed, a background check is run, a medical screening appointment (including bloodwork, ultrasounds, and drug tests), and a psychological screening are required in order to be cleared for surrogacy.
What is financially covered for surrogates?
Surrogates should not have any expenses related to the journey that are not covered. Compensation includes but is not limited to the following:
-Base compensation for pregnancy (paid in equal monthly installments once pregnancy is confirmed)
$55k+ for first-time surrogates
$70k+ for repeat surrogates
-Multiples compensation if carrying more than one baby
$10,000 per additional fetus
-Monthly allowance for general expenses (prenatal vitamins, local mileage, parking fees, etc.)
$400/month
-Maternity clothing allowance
$1,000 at 12 weeks of pregnancy
-Medication start fees
$1,000 per transfer cycle at the start of injectable medications
-Embryo transfer fee
$1,500 per IVF transfer
-Childcare for necessary travel, doctors appointments, and doctor-ordered bedrest (amount varies)
-Housekeeping for postpartum recovery and doctor-ordered bedrest (amount varies)
-Lost wages for necessary travel, doctors appointments, postpartum recovery, and doctor-ordered bedrest (amount varies)
-Compensation for any pregnancy-related complications:
C-Section (non-elective) -
$5,000 for repeat, planned
$7,500 for first-time
Invasive procedures (amniocentesis, D&C, hysteroscopy, etc)
$1,500
Loss of organs (partial or full hysterectomy, etc)
$5-10k
-All medical expenses covered. This includes medications, the IVF transfer, private health insurance, deductibles and copays related to the pregnancy, etc.
-All travel expenses covered, including flights, rental/ride share fees, hotels, and per diem for meals.
-Life Insurance to ensure the family is taken care of in a worst-case scenario. Typically a $750,000 accidental death policy is purchased.
These amounts and items are negotiable, and will be finalized individually.
What does the IVF process entail?
Gestational surrogacy means that the baby being carried has no genetic relation to the surrogate. The parents’ (or in some cases, donor’s) egg and sperm are used to create an embryo which will grow into their baby. The surrogate will need to be medically reviewed and cleared by the IVF doctor (Reproductive Endocrinologist) to move forward.
Once medically cleared and contracts signed, the surrogate will go through a medication protocol to prepare her body for the embryo to be transferred to her uterus. The medication protocol often includes injectable hormone medications which will help thicken the lining of the uterus.
The appointments required prior to pregnancy include but are not limited to: a medical screening appointment at the fertility clinic, monitoring appointments to prepare for the embryo transfer (often can be done locally), and the embryo transfer appointment itself. The surrogate will be required to travel to the intended parents’ fertility clinic, if it is not local, for these appointments (all expenses covered, and often, an fun, new experience). A surrogate should prepare for the occasional possibility of the first embryo transfer not sticking, with up to three transfer attempts expected. Once the pregnancy is confirmed and you are released from the fertility clinic’s care, the remainder of the pregnancy appointments will be with your local OBGYN.
What does ITS Surrogacy offer?
ITS Surrogacy is here to help you through the entire process to ensure you have an ethical, equitable, smooth, and safe journey. Surrogacy can be long and complicated, and both surrogates and intended parents benefit from having a high level of professional support.
ITS keeps up with all ethical industry standards to ensure everyone is protected, including the use of third-party attorneys to represent you through the legal contracting and parentage-order stage. This means you’ll have your own attorney paid for to represent you and your needs for this journey. A private, third-party escrow company will also be used to hold and distribute funds during the process which protects you and ensures you will be paid your contracted reimbursements.
Surrogates get to work closely with their case manager throughout the journey, allowing them to have an on-call representative and support person for any questions or needs.
ITS is not a traditional surrogacy agency, but rather a private coordination service. This allows the surrogate a more personable, transparent, and simple process, and the intended parents a vastly more affordable option- whereas many large agencies struggle with providing individual care, and charge exorbitant rates. This also allows you more control and choice over how your journey goes, including the most important thing- the match. ITS will ensure you have the ability to build the relationship you desire with the family you carry for, and full autonomy over making that choice.
Are you ready to get started?
Please fill out the form linked below to find out if surrogacy may be a good fit for you. We will reach out and schedule a consult call at a time that works best for you!
Even if you’ve just got a lot of questions or aren’t quite ready, we are happy to help walk you through the process.
