In Gestational Surrogacy (the most common method), the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby. The embryo is created using the Intended Parents' egg/sperm or donors.

Surrogacy laws vary significantly by state. We only work with "surrogate-friendly," states.

The cost with our agency averages $100,000 however it can be more or slightly less.  It also depends if there are additional costs such as a 2nd cycle, a drop cycle, etc.

• Surrogate compensation and expenses.

• Agency and legal fees.

• IVF and clinical costs.

Our screening process includes:

At Fertility Heaven, we prioritize your peace of mind and the well-being of everyone involved. Our thorough screening process for potential surrogates is designed to ensure a safe and successful journey. Here's what the main steps include:

• Initial Medical Clearance: We require clearance from her personal OB/GYN, and primary doctor. We conduct a review of her past prenatal and delivery records, and a current Pap smear.
• Background Checks: A comprehensive criminal background check is conducted, which includes her spouse or partner.
• Home Visit: A personal home visit or virtual visit is conducted to assess her living environment and support system.
• Psychological Evaluation: This includes an MMPI and clinical interview.

The Journey After Matching

Once a surrogate is matched with you, the next critical phase begins:

• Fertility Clinic Medical Screening: She will undergo extensive medical screening with your chosen fertility clinic. This step is crucial for the clinic to medically clear her to be a gestational carrier.
• Legal Agreement: As soon as your clinic advises us that she is medically cleared, we'll immediately move forward with  the legal agreement between all parties. This process is handled by attorneys specializing in surrogacy.
• Treatment & Embryo Transfer: The final steps involve commencing the necessary medical treatments and proceeding with the embryo transfer.

Our meticulous process ensures that your surrogate is fully prepared and ready to embark on this incredible journey with you.

Matching is a mutual choice. We share profiles between Intended Parents (IPs) and potential surrogates based on:

• Values regarding selective reduction/termination

• Desired level of communication during and after pregnancy.

• Legal requirements.

If you are interested in meeting a surrogate, we will schedule an office visit or virtual meeting if you are located out of state or internationally. This meeting is for the purpose of you and the surrogate getting to know each other.

This is entirely up to you and your surrogate! The minimum is 1 a week. Some parents attend every ultrasound and text daily, while others prefer updates after major appointments. This "communication plan" is established during the matching phase.

We understand that intended parents are worried about the surrogate keeping their baby. However, the surrogates have the same concern, that the intended parents will leave them with the baby. Surrogates have their own children they are raising. Her goal is to help you have your own child.

Surrogates become surrogates because they want to help a family and it is easy for them to carry a pregnancy. In addition, the financial aspect is appealing to the surrogate.

Once a surrogate is cleared, she begins a medication regimen to prepare her uterine lining. The Embryo Transfer is a simple procedure where the doctor places the embryo into the surrogate's uterus. A pregnancy test is typically taken 10–12 days later.

Success rates are high, but sometimes it takes more than one attempt. Most surrogacy contracts account for up to three transfer attempts, depending on the number of embryos available and the package you have with our agency.

A custom matching timeline goal is assigned to your journey dependent upon the package you’ve selected, cycle management with your clinic, consultations, legal coordination, escrow management, rematch guarantee if required, case management during prenatal and delivery among other administrative functions.  

The path to parenthood through surrogacy is unique for every Intended Parent, and the timeline can vary significantly. While some journeys might progress immediately, others could take 6 months to a year, or even longer. Several key factors influence this:

• Your Criteria and Preferences: The more specific your requirements are for a gestational carrier (e.g., location, age, previous surrogacy experience), the longer it might take to find a perfect match.
• Gestational Carrier Availability and Preferences: The availability of suitable surrogates who align with your preferences plays a significant role. Similarly, the surrogate's own criteria for Intended Parents can impact the matching process.
• Your Selected Package: The specific services and level of support included in the package you choose with us can also influence the speed of your journey.

The Matching Process: Your First Step

The matching process is the crucial first step we undertake. We dedicate ourselves to finding a gestational carrier who is not only medically and psychologically cleared but also a great fit for you personally. This careful and thoughtful approach ensures a strong foundation for a successful journey.

Our commitment to you extends far beyond just finding a match. The package you select with us is designed to be very comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of services and support that will guide you through every stage of your surrogacy journey. We'll be there with you, providing continuous assistance and expertise until you welcome your child home.

Your profile is incredibly important—it's how we find your ideal surrogate! The more specific and open you are, the better we can match you with someone who truly connects with your journey.

Surrogates are eager to learn about you! They love understanding:

• Why you need her help: Share your personal story and the journey that led you to surrogacy.
• Your family background: What makes your family unique?
• Your values and interests: What's important to you? What do you enjoy doing?

Just as you're curious about them, surrogates are excited to see photos and learn as much about you as you're willing to share. This personal connection helps build a strong foundation for your partnership.

Ready to get started? Join us here to begin creating your profile.

https://fertilityheaven.com/parents-registration/

You only reimburse the surrogate for her time while she is pregnant. If you wish to proceed with an additional transfer there are some monthly payments that will still be required to be paid. For example; insurance premiums, the surrogates’ pre pregnancy payments, etc.  These payments start when the new cycle starts.

Yes if the insurance is surrogate friendly.  If the insurance provider does not have a clause that says it cannot be used then the surrogate will be able to use it. There are many specifics associated with each individual or group plan. Therefore, we enlist specialists in the insurance field to review each policy as part of the pre-screening and will determine if the plan will cover any costs. You have to plan that you will probably have to purchase medical insurance for the surrogate. The only plan with zero risk is the Lloyd’s of London private surrogate policy.

Another option is to purchase medical insurance during open enrollment for the surrogate which is from November 1 to December 15th. Open enrollment varies from state to state so you will need to verify when it is available for your state. We can also attempt to purchase insurance in the open market throughout the year.  If you are matching during this time, you will be able to save money with affordable medical insurance by purchasing an individual plan for the surrogate if she does not have surrogate friendly insurance.  

It's important to note, that even if an insurance is surrogate friendly we cannot guarantee coverage or that the provider will cover every claim.  Although uncommon it can happen.

Intended parents are responsible for covering the monthly premium, co-pays, out of pocket maximums, deductibles and services denied related to the pregnancy and delivery.

The surrogacy process can take an average of over 15 months. Every intended parents timeline can be different. You can expedite the experience by working with a reputable fertility clinic and lawyer.

We will rematch you at no additional agency cost however you will have to cover the costs of the medical evaluation, psychologist and legal for the new surrogate.

The time to rematch you may be immediate or may take longer. Depending on your criteria for matching, it can take up to 4 months or longer for rematching.

Surrogates become surrogates because they want to help a family and it is easy for them to carry a pregnancy. In addition, the financial aspect is appealing to the surrogate.

Rematching applies prior to the embryo transfer.

If you decide to terminate your match with the surrogate after your surrogate is pending approval or has been approved by your doctor or did not pass the medical, you may elect to be rematched with a new surrogate at no additional agency cost. However, rematching may be immediate or may take 6 months to a year to replace your surrogate. It depends on your criteria among other factors. It will be important to remain patient during this time as replacing a surrogate is a delicate process with many layers and can be stressful.  

Yes, you can and enjoy all those special moments during prenatal visits.

You will be able to be in the delivery room with the surrogate and cut the umbilical cord of your baby.

The baby will be able to stay in the hospital room with you and you will be able to take the baby home when the baby is released.

We will recommend attorneys that will be able to provide guidance at every step of your surrogacy journey to ensure all the paperwork is in order so that your parental rights to your baby are properly established.  Your attorney can assist with legal representation for your legal agreement with the surrogate and the parental process.  The parental process should start during the 2nd trimester.