Frequently Asked Questions

What if i dont have insurance coverage?
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It’s not a “must-have” thing to hold a current medical insurance coverage for a surrogate mother. In fact, we will have to review your medical insurance policy even you do have a coverage. In many cases, your current insurance policy may not be surrogacy friendly anyway. That’s where we step in and help purchase a surrogacy friendly insurance plan for you (on behalf of the intended parents ). So that’s not an issue for you to worry about.

What if My bmi is over 30?
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It’s not an immediate rejecting factor with our criteria, depending on how far it is over 30.A BMI of 30~31 is still workable, as long as you are willing to lose a few pounds before the official match/screening. Usually there will be a few months to work on it from your application.If your BMI is over 32, that’s a direct NO with us as it would be too hard to bring it down to the desired range in a few months.

What if I am still breastfeeding my baby?
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Conditionally yes.You will have to stop breastfeeding and resume your regular menstrual cycle to increase the chance for a successful embryo transfer. You may be able to keep breastfeeding during your application and initial screening process for surrogacy.

how soon can i get matched after applying?
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At our agency, we are dedicated to finding the perfect match for you. However, the time it takes to find a suitable match can vary due to several factors, including location, willingness to pump breast milk, and carrying multiples, among others. Our matching process considers the preferences of both Intended Parents and our gestational surrogates. Typically, a successful match can be achieved within a few weeks to a few months. Rest assured, we are committed to making this process as smooth and efficient as possible.

can i become a surrogate if i am a single mom?
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Absolutely, we have a strong history of working with single mothers who have chosen to become surrogates. Your status as a single parent does not disqualify you from the surrogacy journey; in fact, we deeply value the unique perspective and strength that single mothers bring to the process. As long as you have a good support system in place to assist you along the journey, we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need every step of the way.

how much can i make as a surrogate?
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Our surrogates receive generous compensation packages. For first-time surrogates, the base compensation ranges from $45,000 to $55,000, while experienced surrogates may earn up to $80,000. In addition to base compensation, benefits and allowances form another component of your package. These include monthly allowances, maternity clothing allowances, and reimbursable expenses such as lost wages and childcare. For comprehensive details on surrogate compensation, please visit our compensation page. Check out the compensation page.

do i have any out of pocket pay as a surrogate?
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Our surrogates do not incur out-of-pocket expenses. If any arise, they are typically minor and promptly reimbursed. All essential expenses for the transfer process are fully covered. Additionally, if travel accommodations are required, there are no out-of-pocket costs for you. Moreover, you will receive a monthly miscellaneous fee of $250-300 to assist with any additional expenses related to surrogacy.

how does it work when it comes to lost wages
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Surrogates may be eligible for reimbursement of lost wages or income for time taken off work due to medical appointments, procedures, or other surrogacy-related activities. To facilitate reimbursement, surrogates are typically required to provide documentation such as employer verification or other evidence of income loss. These reimbursements are an integral part of the compensation package and aim to alleviate any financial burden associated with participating in the surrogacy journey.

will my spouse or companion get compensated for lost wages too?
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In some cases, surrogates' spouses or partners may be eligible for compensation for lost wages if their presence is required at medical appointments or procedures to support the surrogate (For example embryo transfer trip, delivery stay at hospital). Documentation such as employer verification or other evidence of income loss may be required for reimbursement. The specific eligibility criteria and compensation arrangements may vary depending on the surrogacy agency or agreement between the parties involved. Usually there is a daily cap or total cap stipulated in the surrogacy contract.

If i refer my friend to apply, do i get paid for referral?
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Yes, there will be a referral fee offered to surrogates who refer others to the surrogacy program. The referral fee amount and terms vary depending on the surrogacy agency or program. Typically, the referring surrogate will receive the referral fee once the referred surrogate has been successfully matched with intended parents and has completed certain milestones in the surrogacy process, such as passing medical and psychological screenings. Referral fees are a way for surrogates to be rewarded for their efforts in expanding the surrogacy community and helping others embark on their surrogacy journey.
Learn more information about our Referral Program.

what if i have herpes II?
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Likely yes.Herpes (type 1 or 2) wouldnt affect the development of a baby. But in most cases the baby will go through C-section to prevent potential risks.

what if I am taking or used to take antidepressants?
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It depends.
If you have a history of serious depression or a current depression diagnosis, it’s unlikely that you will be able to be a gestational carrier.Sometimes, a woman’s history of depression stems from a specific situation: pregnancy and postpartum recovery.  We can work with candidates who had such situations and not currently taking medications.
For those who currently are taking prescribed antidepressants, unfortunately, we wont be able to proceed to prevent any unknow risks for the baby.

what if i had my tubal ligation already?
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The answer is YES.
Tubal ligation is one of the permanent birth control procedure. It’s a medical professional cuts, seals, bands, clamps or ties a woman’s fallopian tubes shut. This prevents eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus, thus preventing future pregnancy. It’s a common type of female sterilization that can be completed rather quickly in a hospital or at an outpatient surgical clinic.More importantlly, it wont affect the function of your uterus except you wont be able to produce eggs to conceive your own baby. And, some IVF clinics even have a preference on candidates who has had tutal ligation.

what if i got gestational diabetes from previous pregnancies?
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More than likely no.
Whether you can still be a surrogate if you have had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies depends on various factors, including your current health status, medical history, and the requirements of the intended parents and the surrogacy agency or fertility clinic you are working with.Gestational diabetes can increase the risks associated with pregnancy, both for you as the surrogate and for the baby you would carry. However, with appropriate medical management and oversight, it may still be possible for you to become a surrogate.It's important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider and the professionals guiding you through the surrogacy process. They will assess your individual situation and determine if it is safe for you to proceed with a surrogate pregnancy.Additionally, the intended parents and the surrogacy agency or fertility clinic may have specific requirements or guidelines regarding medical history and eligibility for surrogacy. It's essential to communicate openly and honestly with all parties involved to ensure that everyone's health and well-being are prioritized throughout the surrogacy journey.

what if i had preeclampsia from my previous pregnancy?
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Likely no.
Preeclampsia is a condition that can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage and other problems that can be very dangerous to both you and the baby . If you’ve had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, you’re more likely to develop it again in later pregnancies.

can i still be qualified if I dont believe in abortion?
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Maybe yes. Depending on whether there is a couple sharing the same thought with you on this topic.In most cases the IPs would like to preserve the right of decision making on such occasions. Reduction or abortion don’t happen often, or let’s say it rarely happens especially given that the embryos being transferred are usually genetically tested normal. The main reason that the IPs should make such a decision lies in that they are the genetic parents of the baby and they are the one responsible to the baby for lifetime.

Do i have to use my own eggs for surrogacy?
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No. We only work with gestational carriers and not traditional surrogates. Being a gestational carrier means the Intended Parents use their own eggs or another donor for the eggs. A fully created embryo is transferred into to your uterus for you to carry and nurture for the next 9 months. There is no genetic or biological linkage to you and your genes.

what medications and injections am i expecting before the transfer?
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Each fertility clinic is different and requires different protocols. Each surrogate will be required to follow a cycle calendar specifically for their transfer. The typical medications taken are Pre-Natal Vitamins, Birth Control, Lupron, Progesterone, and Estrogen. Some medications are taken orally and others are in the form of self-injections.

can i see my own ob/gyn doctor?
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Yes, once you are released from the fertility clinic which is around 11 weeks, you will be able to meet with and use the OB/GYN of your choice. You are able to use the doctor that you know and feel comfortable with.

Is my state a surrogacy friendly state?
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It depends.
Each state has its own laws regarding third party reproduction. Certain states have clear laws that permit compensated surrogacy, whereas others only allow solely altruistic surrogacy to occur. Currently, FTS is accepting surrogates in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Though other states do allow for surrogacy, our agency chooses to work with states whose laws allow the intended parent’s names to appear directly on the birth certificate.
Check out the Surrogacy Law in your state.