Everything You Need to Know About Surrogacy

Surrogacy is transforming the way families are built—and fast. In fact, in 2019 alone, surrogates participated in 5.4% of all IVF procedures in the U.S. As the most successful infertility treatment available today, surrogacy boasts a birth success rate of up to 95% once a surrogate becomes pregnant. But behind these numbers lies a journey of hope, commitment, and incredible human connection.

Whether you're an intended parent or someone considering becoming a surrogate, this guide will walk you through all the essential things you need to know.

What Is Surrogacy?

At its core, surrogacy is a process where a woman carries and gives birth to a child for another individual or couple. There are two main types:

• Traditional surrogacy: The surrogate’s own egg is used, meaning she is genetically related to the baby. This method is now rare and legally complex.
• Gestational surrogacy: The most common today. The embryo is created via IVF using the intended parents' or donors’ egg and sperm. The surrogate (also called a gestational carrier) has no genetic relation to the baby.

Who Needs a Surrogate?

Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for many people, including:

• Couples facing infertility or high-risk medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, cancer survivors)
• LGBTQ+ families, especially gay men
• Single individuals ready for parenthood
• Women who’ve experienced recurrent miscarriages or hysterectomies

Surrogacy isn’t always about infertility—it’s about creating families where traditional pregnancy isn’t possible or safe.

Why Become a Surrogate?

For many women, becoming a surrogate is about purpose and compassion. In a recent national survey:

• 87% of surrogates said helping others brings them joy
• 78% knew someone who struggled with infertility
• 68% wanted to support LGBTQ+ families

Many are also regular blood or organ donors and have strong ties to their communities. Surrogates are driven by a desire to make a real difference.

The Surrogacy Process: Step by Step

1. Screening & Matching
   Surrogates go through extensive physical, psychological, and background evaluations. Intended parents are carefully matched based on shared values and expectations.
2. Legal Contracts
   Both parties sign a legally binding agreement outlining rights, responsibilities, compensation, and parental status.
3. IVF & Embryo Transfer
   An embryo is created in a lab and transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
4. Pregnancy & Support
   The surrogate receives top medical care and ongoing emotional support. Many agencies also provide doula care, therapy, and nutrition plans.
5. Birth & Beyond
   Once the baby is born, the intended parents are listed on the birth certificate, and they assume full legal custody.

Compensation & Care for Surrogates

Being a surrogate requires time, dedication, and physical effort. In return, surrogates receive:

• Competitive base compensation
• Monthly allowances, insurance coverage, and maternity clothing stipends
• Legal protections and emotional support throughout the journey

Intended Parents: What to Expect

Becoming a parent through surrogacy involves:

• Choosing a reliable agency and legal team
• Undergoing IVF and possibly egg or sperm donation
• Financial planning
• Emotional preparation for a long (but rewarding) road

Understanding legal rights by state is also critical. Some states, like California and Illinois, are surrogacy-friendly, while others have restrictions.

How Surrogacy Differs by Region

Surrogacy laws and medical processes vary significantly by state:

• New York legalized compensated gestational surrogacy in 2021
• California is considered the most surrogacy-friendly
• Other states may require additional legal steps or even prohibit commercial surrogacy

Partnering with a national agency that understands local laws ensures a smooth journey.

The Role of Agencies

A trusted surrogacy agency handles the many moving parts of this deeply personal process:

• Matching intended parents and surrogates
• Navigating legal paperwork and medical logistics
• Ensuring psychological and emotional well-being for both parties
• Providing financial protection and secure compensation

Agencies like Wonder Surrogacy California have 10+ years of experience and have helped thousands of families come to life with expert care and personalized support.

Egg Donation & Surrogacy

In some journeys, egg donation is needed to create embryos. This may be the case if:

• The intended mother can’t use her own eggs
• The parents are two men or a single father
• The embryo needs to be created from donor gametes for medical reasons

Egg donation adds another layer to the journey and must be coordinated carefully, often through the same agency.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy is more than a medical procedure—it’s a human connection rooted in hope and love. For intended parents, it’s the promise of finally holding their baby. For surrogates, it’s the joy of giving someone the ultimate gift.

With modern medical advancements, expert care, and growing awareness, surrogacy is becoming one of the most trusted, ethical, and successful ways to build a family.

Thinking about surrogacy?

Whether you're considering becoming a surrogate or starting your journey as a parent, take the next step with confidence.
✨ Your story could be the next miracle in the making.