- Intended Parents
- Surrogates
- International Intended Parents
- Surrogates with International Parents
- LGBTQ+ Intended Parents
Intended Parents
What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (the surrogate) agrees to carry and give birth to a baby for another person or couple (intended parents). It can be traditional or gestational, with gestational being the most common.
What is the difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy?
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, and the surrogate has no genetic link to the child.
How are your surrogates screened?
Surrogates undergo a rigorous screening process, including medical evaluations, psychological assessments, social checks, background checks, and a review of previous pregnancy and delivery history.
What is the cost of surrogacy?
Costs vary by location and individual circumstances but typically range from $100,000 to $150,000 in the U.S., including surrogate compensation, agency fees, medical expenses for her, potential lost wages, and legal services. Note that this does not include costs associated with or to your IVF clinic.
What are your agency fees?
We have an entire tab discussing agency pricing as well as what our duties are as an agency.
What is the general base compensation range for a surrogate?
Industry standards for a first-time surrogate is between $50,000–$60,000. An experienced surrogate can cost $65,000+.
What happens if our surrogate breaks match or does not achieve a pregnancy?
At A Fuller Life, we do NOT re-charge intended parents to rematch or go back through our processes. You only pay our agency fee once.
Do you charge for an initial consultation?
No, we do not charge and are more than happy to introduce ourselves and answer any further questions you may have!
How long does the surrogacy process take?
The entire process typically takes 12–24 months, depending on legal steps, matching with a surrogate, IVF success, and pregnancy duration.
Is surrogacy legal in all states?
Surrogacy laws vary by jurisdiction. Our partnered legal teams ensure compliance with all relevant laws and can guide you based on yours and your surrogate’s location.
How involved can we be during the pregnancy?
You can be as involved as you and the surrogate agree. Many parents attend virtual appointments, video call regularly, and are present for the birth.
Can we maintain a relationship with the surrogate after birth?
Yes. Some families and surrogates develop close, lifelong bonds. Others prefer limited contact. We support the type of relationship that works best for everyone involved.
Surrogates
Who can become a surrogate?
Ideal surrogates are healthy women aged 21–40 who have had at least one healthy pregnancy and are non-smokers, financially stable, and pass all required screenings.
Will I be compensated for being a surrogate?
Yes. Surrogates receive base compensation plus additional allowances for expenses, medical procedures, lost wages, insurance, and more. Total compensation packages begin at $50,000.
Will I have a relationship with the intended parents?
Many surrogates and intended parents develop close, supportive relationships, but the level of contact is mutually agreed upon during the matching process.
Can I be a surrogate if I’ve had a C-section?
Yes, many women who have had C-sections can still qualify, provided they had no major complications and have medical clearance. Generally, clinics prefer under 2–3 previous C-sections.
Will I have legal protection?
Absolutely. Legal contracts are created before any medical procedures to protect both the surrogate and intended parents and clearly define each party’s rights and responsibilities.
Can I choose the intended parents I work with?
Yes you will provide specific matching criteria to our agency and then you’ll be presented with potential matches and can choose intended parents you feel comfortable with, ensuring a mutual fit.
How long after delivering can I become a surrogate?
We can begin the process as early as 6 months postpartum. However, you will need to be done breastfeeding by the time you attend a medical screening.
Intended Parents (International)
Can international intended parents pursue surrogacy in the United States?
Yes. We work with intended parents from around the world. Our agency ensures compliance with both local laws and the laws of your home country to help you bring your baby home legally and safely.
Can LGBTQ+ parents from countries where surrogacy or same-sex parenting is restricted still pursue surrogacy?
Yes, but careful legal planning is required. We partner with legal experts in your home country and the birth country to ensure the child’s citizenship and your parental rights are protected.
What legal steps are involved in international surrogacy?
International surrogacy typically involves a legal contract with the surrogate, pre- or post-birth parentage orders, and steps to secure your child’s citizenship and passport. Our legal team will guide you through each step based on your nationality and destination country.
How often can we communicate with the surrogate?
Regular communication is encouraged. We help facilitate virtual meetings, provide translation if needed, and support ongoing contact throughout the pregnancy and after the birth, based on your preferences.
Do we need to travel during the surrogacy process?
Yes, intended parents typically travel at least once — around the time of the birth. Some choose to visit earlier to meet the surrogate or attend medical milestones, though this is optional.
What happens if our home country does not recognize surrogacy?
We have experience working with countries where surrogacy is restricted or unregulated. Our legal partners can advise on parentage, immigration, and how to ensure your child’s rights and status are protected.
Will our baby be a citizen of the country where they’re born?
In most cases, yes. However, citizenship laws vary by country. We assist with obtaining necessary documents such as a birth certificate, passport, and exit visas to help you return home with your child.
Will the baby be legally recognized as our child in our home country?
In most cases, yes, with proper documentation and legal processes. We assist with parentage orders, birth certificates, passports, and legal steps required for recognition in your home country.
Domestic Surrogates working with International Parents
Is it safe to be a surrogate for international intended parents?
Yes. International surrogacy is legally and medically protected through carefully drafted agreements, screening processes, and agency support. You will have full access to medical care and legal protection.
How will we communicate with the intended parents if they live abroad?
We facilitate regular communication via video calls, messaging apps, and email. Translation services are available if you and the parents speak different languages.
Will the intended parents be present at the birth?
Many international intended parents plan to be present for the birth. We help coordinate travel and timing, so they can be there to welcome their baby if possible.
How is compensation handled in international surrogacy?
Compensation is managed through secure, scheduled payments. Funds are held in escrow to ensure timely and guaranteed payment throughout the journey.
What happens if the intended parents can’t travel due to visa or emergency issues?
In rare cases where travel is delayed, we work with legal and childcare professionals to ensure the baby is cared for temporarily until the parents arrive or a guardian is appointed.
LGBTQ+ Intended Parents
Can LGBTQ+ individuals and couples pursue surrogacy through your agency?
Absolutely. Our agency proudly supports LGBTQ+ individuals and couples and has helped many build families through surrogacy. We offer inclusive, respectful, and fully legal support at every stage.
Will surrogates work with LGBTQ+ parents?
Yes. During the matching process, we ensure alignment in values, expectations, and communication styles.
How do we determine legal parentage as a same-sex couple?
Legal parentage depends on your surrogate’s location and whether you’re using a donor. In many countries and U.S. states, both partners can be recognized as legal parents via pre-birth or post-birth orders. We provide legal support to ensure full recognition.
Do both partners need to be genetically related to the baby?
No. Some couples choose to use one partner’s sperm or egg, while others pursue dual embryo transfers (one from each partner) or use donors. We’ll help you explore options that best fit your goals.
