Become a Surrogate With Clear Answers and Personal Support

For a prospective surrogate, allow roughly 16–18 months from application through postpartum as a planning guide, not a promised deadline. That includes screening, matching, legal clearance, transfer, pregnancy and recovery. Clinic schedules, another transfer or a rematch can extend the journey. Intended parents may need longer when embryo creation or a surrogate match is still pending. See the surrogate process. Timeline reference: Circle Surrogacy’s published process guide.

Surrogacy is not risk-free. Treatment and pregnancy carry medical risks, including pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Medical and psychological screening, informed consent and ongoing care help evaluate and manage risks; they do not eliminate them. Discuss your own history and treatment plan with the fertility physician and obstetric clinician before deciding. Read ASRM’s third-party reproduction guide.

Your agreement may provide for approved medical and medication costs, appointment travel and lodging, maternity clothing, childcare, eligible lost wages, insurance and independent legal support. Some expenses are paid directly; others require receipts and reimbursement. Limits, eligibility and payment timing must be written into the agreement. Ask your coordinator before paying an expense or assuming it is covered. Review compensation, benefits and reimbursements.