The Surrogacy Process: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Overview of the Surrogacy Process

Surrogacy is a process where a woman (the surrogate or gestational carrier) carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple (the intended parents). The process typically takes 12 to 18 months from start to finish and involves several key phases.

Gestational surrogacy — the most common form today — uses IVF to create embryos that are transferred to the surrogate. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby.

Choosing a Surrogacy Agency

Your surrogacy agency is your partner throughout the entire journey. A good agency handles surrogate screening, coordination of legal and medical processes, and ongoing support.

What to look for in an agency

• Experience working with LGBT+ intended parents
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Thorough surrogate screening process
• In-house or recommended legal counsel
• Support throughout pregnancy and after birth

Finding Your Surrogate

Agencies maintain a pool of pre-screened surrogates who have passed medical, psychological, and background checks. The selection process considers your preferences, location, and values.

Introduction meetings allow you and the potential surrogate to get to know each other and ensure compatibility. Most intended parents find a surrogate within 1 to 3 months.

Legal Contracts and Agreements

Before any medical procedures begin, both parties sign a legally binding surrogacy agreement. This contract outlines compensation, expectations, medical decisions, and parental rights.

Each party should have independent legal representation. In Texas, surrogacy contracts are enforceable under the Texas Family Code.

The Medical Process

The medical process involves IVF (in vitro fertilization) to create embryos and transfer them to the surrogate. If you're using an egg donor, the donor undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval first.

Key medical steps

1. Fertility clinic selection and initial consultations
2. Egg retrieval (from intended mother or donor)
3. Embryo creation and genetic testing (PGT)
4. Surrogate medical clearance and cycle synchronization
5. Embryo transfer
6. Pregnancy confirmation (beta HCG test)

Pregnancy and Ongoing Support

During pregnancy, your agency coordinates regular updates, medical appointments, and communication between you and the surrogate. Many intended parents attend key appointments and ultrasounds.

Birth and Parental Rights

Your attorney will file for a pre-birth order (where available) to establish your parental rights before delivery. In Texas, gestational surrogacy agreements validated under the Family Code allow the intended parents to be named on the birth certificate.

How Long Does It All Take?

The typical surrogacy timeline from signing with an agency to birth:

• Agency selection and surrogate search: 1–3 months
• Legal contracts: 1–2 months
• Medical process and embryo transfer: 2–4 months
• Pregnancy: 9 months
• Total: 13–18 months on average