Introduction
Thinking about starting a family through surrogacy? Whether you’re a hopeful parent or just exploring your options, understanding how the surrogacy process works is essential.
Surrogacy involves medical, legal, and emotional steps, and each phase plays a crucial role in the journey to parenthood. This article breaks down the surrogacy process so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy on behalf of someone else (the intended parent/s). This can be done through gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate has no biological relation to the child, or traditional surrogacy, which is less common today.
🗂️ Surrogacy Process: Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Decision-Making
- Who it involves: Intended parents and a surrogacy consultant or agency
- What happens:
- Understanding medical eligibility
- Discussing goals, budget, and preferred destination
- Choosing between domestic or international surrogacy
📝 Tip: Always consult with a fertility specialist or surrogacy agency for personalized guidance.
Step 2: Legal Consultation and Planning
- Why it matters: Surrogacy laws differ from country to country—and even state to state.
- Key topics covered:
- Legal status of surrogacy in the chosen country
- Parental rights
- Citizenship and exit process (for international surrogacy)
👩⚖️ You’ll sign legal contracts later in the process, but early planning helps avoid risks.
Step 3: Choosing a Surrogacy Agency or Program
- Agencies help coordinate the entire process, including:
- Matching with surrogates
- Managing IVF clinics and medical procedures
- Providing psychological and legal support
- Handling travel, accommodation, and paperwork (for international programs)
Step 4: Screening and Matching with a Surrogate
- Medical Screening: The surrogate undergoes health and psychological evaluations.
- Matching Process: Intended parents are introduced to suitable surrogate profiles based on preferences (location, lifestyle, previous pregnancies).
- Mutual Agreement: Once both sides are comfortable, the match is confirmed.
Step 5: Legal Contracts and Agreements
- Each party signs a legally binding surrogacy agreement that outlines:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Medical and financial terms
- Rights of all parties before and after birth
📄 This contract protects the surrogate and the intended parents equally.
Step 6: IVF and Embryo Transfer
- Embryo Creation:
- Eggs and sperm may come from intended parents or donors.
- Embryos are created in a lab via In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
- Transfer:
- A healthy embryo is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
- A pregnancy test is done 10–14 days after the transfer.
🧪 Some programs offer a guaranteed number of transfers or live birth options.
Step 7: Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
- The surrogate receives:
- Regular medical check-ups and scans
- Emotional and psychological support
- Coordination with the agency and fertility clinic
📱 Intended parents are often kept updated via video calls, reports, and visits.
Step 8: Birth and Legal Parentage
- The baby is born at a hospital agreed upon in advance.
- Legal documents and processes are completed so intended parents are recognized as the child’s legal guardians.
- In some countries, a court order or post-birth adoption may be required.
- In others, names are added directly to the birth certificate.
Step 9: Bringing the Baby Home
- International Parents: May need to apply for the baby’s passport, citizenship, and exit visa.
- Support Offered: Most agencies assist with legal, embassy, and documentation support.
🛂 This step can take from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the country and embassy timelines.
🌍 International vs. Domestic Surrogacy: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Domestic Surrogacy | International Surrogacy |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Complexity | Lower (if within same region) | Varies by country |
| Cost | Usually higher in developed countries | Often more affordable |
| Control & Communication | Easier in same time zone/language | Requires agency coordination |
| Popular Destinations | USA, Canada, UK | Mexico, Georgia, Colombia, Ukraine |
💬 Real-Life Example
A couple from Australia chooses Mexico for affordable surrogacy
Sophie and Liam opted for gestational surrogacy in Mexico due to high domestic costs. With agency support, they were matched with a surrogate, completed IVF, and welcomed their son 11 months later, for almost half the cost of surrogacy in Australia.
🧡 Final Thoughts
The surrogacy process may seem complex, but with the right guidance, it becomes a life-changing journey. From the initial consultation to holding your baby for the first time, each step is carefully designed to ensure the health, safety, and legal rights of everyone involved.
🔗 Related Resources
- What is Surrogacy? Full Guide for Intended Parents
- Best Countries for Surrogacy in 2025
- How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?
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