Are Surrogacy Expenses Tax Deductible in 2026?

Direct surrogacy costs aren’t deductible, but IVF costs often are. Use these tax savings to help fund your surrogacy process.

Direct surrogacy tax deductions are restricted, but intended parents can often deduct IVF costs.

You can use these IVF tax write-offs to reduce your taxable income and redirect those recovered savings to help fund your surrogacy journey.

Reach out to a surrogacy specialist today to receive a cost estimate and discover how tax savings can help fund your surrogacy.

In this guide, we’ll explore the recent IRS rulings, identify which fertility expenses qualify for deductions, and show you how to maximize your budget while building your family.

Understanding the IRS Ruling: Are Surrogacy Expenses Tax Deductible?

No, direct surrogacy costs like agency fees and surrogate compensation are not tax deductible.

A recent IRS Letter Ruling has clarified the boundaries of the surrogacy tax deduction for intended parents.

While the IRS approves medical deductions for fertility procedures performed on the tax payer (in this case, the intended parents), it continues to deny deductions for costs tied directly to the surrogate’s medical care.

The legal distinction relies on the requirement that deductible medical expenses must “affect the structure or function” of the taxpayer’s own body.

Because a gestational carrier is a third party, her medical insurance, legal fees, and pregnancy-related care are currently considered non-deductible by the IRS, even if the surrogacy is medically necessary.

Learn more about IVF tax write-offs.

What IVF Costs Count as Tax Deductible?

To be deductible, costs must be incurred for treatments performed on the taxpayer, their spouse, or a dependent.

The following IVF-related costs generally qualify as tax-deductible medical expenses

  • Fertility medications and laboratory fees.
  • Procurement of donor eggs and sperm.
  • Medical procedures for egg retrieval and embryo creation.
  • Storage fees for embryos, when tied to immediate medical necessity.

How to Use IVF Deductions to Offset Surrogacy Costs

A tax deduction saves you money by lowering your taxable income, which indirectly reduces the total amount of tax you owe to the government.

Although surrogacy is ineligible for a direct tax deduction, the IVF portion of your journey remains a viable medical expense.

By strategically applying these deductible costs, you can reduce your overall taxable income and reallocate those saved funds toward other areas of your surrogacy journey.

Learn more about surrogacy costs.

Calculating Your IVF Tax Deduction

You can only subtract medical costs from your taxes after they exceed 7.5% of your total yearly income (your AGI).

Any money you spend on medical care below that amount doesn’t count for a deduction.

To calculate your potential tax savings, you must first determine which expenses are qualified and then apply the IRS threshold for medical deductions.

Example calculation:

  • Your Adjusted Gross Income: $100,000
  • 7.5% of that: 100,000 x 0.075 = $7,500
  • Your IVF Costs: $20,000

After you subtract the $7,500 threshold from your total IVF costs, you are left with a $12,500 tax deduction. This remaining amount is what you actually get to subtract from your taxable income to help fund your surrogacy.

Why You Should Consult a Tax Professional About IVF Tax Deductions for the 2025 Tax Year

IRS rules regarding reproductive health are nuanced and subject to change.

A knowledgeable advisor can help assess how expenses should be categorized, evaluate eligibility for applicable credits or deductions, and ensure compliance with current IRS rules.

This is especially important if you are considering requesting a private letter ruling, which requires precise factual framing, technical tax analysis, and careful documentation.

Professional guidance can help minimize risk while ensuring you take full advantage of any tax benefits that may be available based on your specific circumstances.

Have Questions About Surrogacy Costs? We’re Here to Help

Our specialists are here to provide the cost transparency and personalized guidance you need to turn your tax savings into a viable plan for parenthood.

Reach out to a surrogacy specialist today to get a clear breakdown of your costs and how to leverage your tax savings.

Flying with a Newborn after Surrogacy: What New Parents Need to Know

Ready to head home? Navigate flying with a newborn after surrogacy with our guide to airline rules, infant safety, and legal travel docs.

Holding your baby for the first time is a significant milestone, but it is quickly followed by the logistics of getting home.

This guide covers the practical steps for navigating your baby’s first flight.

Navigating air travel with a newborn and want guidance? Contact us today for expert advice from specialists who understand every step of the journey.

Is it Safe to Fly With a Newborn?

Yes, most airlines and pediatric professionals advise that healthy, full-term newborns can safely travel by air once they are seven to fourteen days old. This two-week milestone allows the baby’s body to stabilize after birth.

Consult your pediatrician to confirm your baby is healthy enough to fly. While flying is medically possible early on, many doctors recommend waiting until the two-month checkup when infants receive their first major vaccinations, especially during cold and flu season.

To minimize risk, parents should:

  • Use a stroller cover in terminals.
  • Wipe down all cabin surfaces with disinfectant.
  • Feed the baby during takeoff to help with ear pressure.

Choosing the Best Time to Fly With a Newborn

Choosing the right flight time helps you manage your baby’s sleep and feeding schedule. The goal is to align your travel with your newborn’s natural rhythms as much as possible, maximizing the chances of a calm, comfortable journey.

Daytime vs. Red-Eye Flights

The decision between a daytime and an overnight (red-eye) flight depends heavily on your comfort level and your baby’s emerging sleep patterns. Here’s a comparison of the two:

  • Red-Eye (Overnight) Flights: These can be highly beneficial if your baby has already established a long, predictable sleeping stretch. The cabin is typically darker, quieter, and generally less stimulating.
  • Daytime Flights: These may be easier for the parents to manage, as you are better rested and more alert. A mid-day flight (departing 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can often avoid early morning airport crowds and late-night travel fatigue. Daylight also makes navigating security and the airport terminal simpler.

For babies under two months, shorter, direct flights are always preferable. A short-haul flight of two to four hours minimizes the disruption to their fragile routine and limits exposure time.

If a long-haul flight is unavoidable, book a layover that allows for a full stretch, diaper change, and feeding in a quiet family room.

Leveraging Sleep and Feeding Patterns

Successful travel with a newborn starts with anticipating their needs, especially hunger and fatigue. Plan to feed and change your baby right before boarding: a full, dry, comfortable infant is the best foundation for an easier flight.

Rather than sitting at the gate, take a gentle walk before boarding. The movement of the stroller or carrier and a change of scenery can help your baby settle intro a final pre-flight nap. 

Travel Essentials for Newborns: What to Pack

Preparation is your best defense against in-flight challenges. Having the right tools packed efficiently will make security and the flight itself much smoother.

The Newborn Travel Checklist

  • Diapers and wipes: Pack one diaper for every hour of travel, plus five to seven extra.
  • Clothing: Bring at least two zip-up outfits for the baby and a spare shirt for each parent to handle spills or blowouts.
  • Feeding and soothing: Include bottles, formula, burp cloths, and multiple pacifiers.
  • Health items: Keep a thermometer, nasal aspirator, and doctor-approved infant Tylenol in your carry-on.

Navigating TSA with Liquids and Gear

Dealing with security is often the most stressful part of flying with a baby, but knowing the rules helps streamline the process.

Navigating TSA with Formula and Breastmilk

Liquids for infants, such as formula and breast milk, are considered medically necessary by the TSA.

These items are exempt from the standard 3-1-1 liquids rule, meaning you can carry quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. You must inform the TSA officer of these items at the start of screening.

For the most efficient process, we recommend traveling with powdered formula and buying bottled water inside the terminal to minimize additional X-ray inspections.

Baby Wearing Through Security

Using a soft-structured baby carrier or a wrap is highly recommended. In many instances, you can wear your baby through the metal detector, which keeps your hands free for managing baggage and ensures your baby stays close and calm.

Feeding a Baby on a Plane: What to Know

Feeding your baby during critical flight moments is key to a comfortable and painless experience, primarily by managing the change in air pressure.

Managing Ear Pressure

The primary function of feeding during ascent and descent is to promote swallowing, which opens the Eustachian tubes and helps equalize the pressure in your baby’s middle ear. Here are some things you can do to aid the pressure:

  • Timing is Essential: Start feeding right before the plane pushes back for takeoff and again as the plane begins its final descent (usually 20–30 minutes before landing).
  • Sucking Comfort: If your baby is not hungry, a pacifier or even a clean finger for them to suck on will also activate the swallowing reflex.

If your baby is sleeping soundly during ascent or descent, you generally do not need to wake them solely for feeding. A baby sleeping peacefully is often coping well with the pressure change without assistance.

Bottle and Formula Preparation Logistics

Preparing bottles in a contained space requires planning to ensure hygiene and temperature. While flight attendants can often provide hot water to warm bottles or formula, traveling with a thermos of hot water is a more reliable approach.

This gives you control over the temperature and eliminates waiting time. To minimize the risk of spoilage and simplify TSA screening, we recommend traveling with powdered formula and bottled water rather than pre-mixed bottles.

Managing Stress and Anxiety During Baby’s First Flight

It’s completely normal to feel stressed when navigating air travel with a newborn, especially after the emotional intensity of the surrogacy journey. New parents need to take care of themselves, too.

Acknowledging the Emotional Transition

The trip home is the final, celebratory sprint of a long, emotional journey. It’s a transition period where your focus shifts entirely from the legal/logistical elements of surrogacy to the physical reality of new parenthood. Be kind to yourself as you manage this intense phase.

For many new parents, the anxiety stems from fear of judgment from other passengers or the lack of control in an enclosed space.

Remind yourself that you are doing your best, and your primary responsibility is to your child’s comfort, not the approval of strangers.

You have invested immense time, resources, and heart into this journey. This flight is merely a temporary logistical hurdle. Focus on the joy of holding your baby and the destination.

Practical Support Tips for Parents

To make the flight as comfortable as possible for everyone involved, consider implementing these strategies:

  • Tag-Team Parenting: If two parents are traveling, agree on a clear schedule for who handles which task (feeding, diaper changes, comforting). Take 30-minute shifts where one parent is completely “off” duty to rest, read, or simply stare out the window.
  • Pack Snacks for Yourself: Parent fatigue is real. Pack healthy snacks and water for yourself. Maintaining your energy is crucial for maintaining a calm environment for your baby.
  • Move Your Body: Stand up and gently sway in the galley when the seatbelt sign is off. The movement can often soothe a fussy newborn and helps relieve your own muscle tension.

Airline Policies on Flying With a Newborn

Every airline has different policies regarding age restrictions, ID requirements, and seating. To avoid last-minute stress, confirm your carrier’s rules well in advance of your flight. The typical requirements include:

  • Most major U.S. carriers permit infants as young as 7 days old, but for babies under 14 days, they typically require a doctor’s note confirming fitness to fly.
  • For domestic U.S. flights, a “lap infant” (a baby who flies on a parent’s lap and does not require a ticket) needs official documentation to confirm they are under two years old. A simple copy of the birth certificate is almost always sufficient.

Choosing Between a Lap Infant or Ticketed Seat

When booking your flight, you must decide how your baby will be seated. Most major U.S. carriers permit infants as young as seven days to fly as a “lap infant” for free or a small tax fee.

For increased safety, pediatric experts recommend purchasing a ticketed seat and using an FAA-approved car seat.

  • Lap Infant: Cost-effective; requires a “boarding verification document” from the airline.
  • Ticketed Seat: Provides a familiar, safe space and protects the baby during turbulence.
  • Gate Checking: Strollers and car seats can typically be checked at the gate for no additional charge.

What Documents Do You Need to Fly With a Newborn?

You must have specific legal documents to pass through security and check-in without delays. Keep these three items in your carry-on:

  • Certified Birth Certificate: Listing the intended parents as the legal parents.
  • Pre-Birth or Post-Birth Order (PBO): A court order validating your legal relationship to the child, which is vital if officials are unfamiliar with surrogacy.
  • Parental ID: Government-issued photo identification that matches the names on the baby’s documentation.

American Surrogacy works with surrogacy law attorneys to ensure your PBO is filed correctly and your names are placed on the original birth certificate. This preparation is designed to get you home as quickly as possible.

How American Surrogacy Supports You After Birth

Navigating air travel with a newborn, especially as a new parent through surrogacy, requires not just practical tips but emotional reassurance and trusted guidance from experts who understand every step of the parenting journey.

Fill out our form if you have questions about the legal documentation required for your trip home to get free information today.

What Pelvic Rest During Pregnancy Means for Surrogates

Pelvic rest is a protective step to safeguard your health and the baby’s. Learn what to expect and how your specialist supports you.

Pelvic rest is a temporary, protective step your medical team may recommend to safeguard your health and the health of the intended parents’ baby.

Following these clinical instructions provides the best possible environment for the intended parents’ baby to thrive while giving you peace of mind.

Ready to start the surrogacy process? Fill out our form to get free information and connect with a surrogacy specialist today.

What Does it Mean to Be on Pelvic Rest During Your Surrogate Pregnancy?

The term pelvic rest is a clinical directive from your doctor, usually a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) or your Obstetrician (OB), that restricts activities that cause stimulation or increased blood flow to the pelvic area.

Unlike full bed rest, which requires you to limit most physical activity, pelvic rest is specific. It focuses on limiting anything that could stimulate the cervix or uterus. This restriction is almost always temporary and is considered a proactive measure.

Surrogates typically encounter these restrictions during the embryo transfer phase or if responsive medical needs arise later in the pregnancy. Common restrictions include:

  • Sexual intercourse or vaginal penetration
  • Inserting anything into the vagina (including tampons, douches, or menstrual cups)
  • Orgasms, which cause uterine contractions
  • Sometimes, specific types of exercise or heavy lifting

This medical guidance is always given with the goal of protecting the pregnancy. Your medical team will provide clear, specific instructions tailored to your unique situation.

Proactive vs. Responsive Pelvic Rest

If your doctor advises you to be on pelvic rest, it is not a sign of failure or that you have done anything wrong. It is simply a precaution used to reduce the risk of complications.

The reasons a surrogate would be placed on pelvic rest generally fall into two categories: proactive precautions related to the medical process and responsive measures due to a potential complication during the pregnancy.

  • Proactive Pelvic Rest: This is a standard part of the surrogacy medication timeline. REs prescribe rest 2–3 weeks before and immediately following an embryo transfer to ensure optimal implantation conditions.
  • Responsive Pelvic Rest: This occurs later in the pregnancy if an OB identifies specific conditions. Common triggers include vaginal spotting, placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix), or signs of a shortened cervix that could lead to preterm labor.

Who Decides Pelvic Rest – and Who Supports You?

When you are a surrogate, many individuals are involved in your medical and contractual well-being, but the lines of authority for medical decisions are clear.

The Role of the Medical Clinic

Your Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) and, later, your OB/GYN are the only parties who will advise or mandate pelvic rest. You should always follow your clinic’s recommendations above all else. They are the medical professionals guiding the pregnancy. Here’s how they support you:

  • The RE manages the protocol leading up to and immediately after the embryo transfer.
  • The OB takes over once the pregnancy is confirmed and manages your health for the remainder of the pregnancy.

The Role of the Surrogacy Contract

While the medical decision is always the doctor’s, your surrogacy contract is the document that legally binds you to following that medical guidance.

American Surrogacy works with reputable attorneys to draft contracts that protect all parties. The contract will not typically require pelvic rest during the entire pregnancy but will include wording about following the clinic’s guidance, which is legally enforceable.

The Role of Your Surrogacy Specialist

Your specialist at American Surrogacy serves as your medical advocate and emotional support system.

If you receive a pelvic rest order, your specialist can help you clarify the doctor’s instructions, communicate the news to the intended parents, and ensure everyone is aligned. This means we will:

  • Act as the primary communicator between you and the intended parents (IPs), ensuring the IPs receive timely, sensitive updates without overwhelming you.
  • Clarify medical terminology and logistics, helping you understand exactlywhat restrictions are in place so you can follow them confidently.
  • Confirm contractual obligations are being met, especially concerning expense reimbursement if the rest order impacts your work or childcare needs.
  • Provide emotional support to help manage any anxiety or frustration that comes with physical limitations.

What’s Not Allowed on Pelvic Rest During Pregnancy – and Why It Matters

Pelvic rest is a focused restriction meant to keep the uterus and cervix calm. The restrictions are in place to reduce the risk of irritation, infection, or uterine contractions. The restrictions typically include:

  • No Sexual Intercourse: The primary goal is to prevent penetration and the associated risk of infection or cervical irritation.
  • No Orgasms: Orgasms cause involuntary contractions of the uterus, which can irritate the cervix or, in a high-risk situation, potentially trigger premature labor.
  • No Vaginal Insertion: This includes tampons, or any medical exam that is not strictly necessary and approved by your doctor.

How Pelvic Rest differs from Full Bed Rest

Full bed rest is a much more intensive and less common restriction that limits most activities, requiring you to remain in your bed for most of the day.

Pelvic rest is often a partial restriction, meaning you can typically continue light activities, work (if not physically demanding), and carry out daily tasks.

Unless your doctor specifically restricts it, you may still be able to:

  • Walk and perform light chores
  • Engage in non-strenuous, non-pelvic exercises (like arm stretches)
  • Go to work or school
  • Drive and run errands

Generally, high-impact activities, heavy weightlifting, or exercises that significantly jar the pelvis are restricted. Always confirm with your medical provider what activities are safe.

When Can You Have Sex While Being a Surrogate? Intimacy During Surrogacy

Concerns about intimacy are completely natural for a surrogate and her partner. These questions often center around three stages: before embryo transfer, immediately after transfer, and during the confirmed pregnancy.

Guidelines around intimacy will be driven by the RE’s specific protocol, and this protocol will be incorporated into your surrogacy contract.

When Should My Partner and I Stop Having Sex Before the Embryo Transfer?

The general recommendation is to abstain from sexual activity in the weeks leading up to the embryo transfer. The main reason is to eliminate any risk of infection or potential uterine irritation during the preparation phase.

The specific date you stop having sex before the embryo transfer will depend on your clinic and the contract, but it is typically advised to stop sexual activity approximately 2–3 weeks before the scheduled transfer or from the start of the preparation medications.

The RE is priming your body for the best chance of pregnancy, and following this advice ensures that your uterus is in the optimal condition.

When Can You Have Sex After the Embryo Transfer?

This is a time of high anticipation, and the rule is simple: be on pelvic rest until otherwise advised by the clinic. You will likely be instructed to remain on pelvic rest until the clinic confirms a positive pregnancy test, or sometimes until they release you to your OB/GYN (around 8–10 weeks).

Waiting until confirmation ensures that any potential irritation or contractions that sexual activity can cause do not interfere with the embryo’s ability to successfully implant and grow.

Sex During Confirmed Pregnancy

Once the RE releases you to your OB, the guidelines typically follow those of any healthy, low-risk pregnancy. If the pregnancy is uncomplicated, most doctors lift the pelvic rest restriction after the first few weeks, allowing you to return to normal intimacy.

However, if your OB identifies any of the responsive reasons mentioned above (like spotting or placenta previa), they will re-issue the pelvic rest order. The golden rule is always to communicate with and follow your OB’s advice throughout the medical process.

How Pelvic Rest Can Affect a Surrogate’s Emotional Wellbeing

Physical restrictions can impact your emotional health, and it is completely normal to feel frustrated, isolated, or anxious if you are placed on pelvic rest.

  • Normalize Emotional Responses: Whether you are restricted for a few days after the transfer or a few weeks later in the pregnancy, it is natural to feel limitations. You may feel bored, miss your regular routine, or feel pressure to be perfectly still.
  • Stay Engaged: Although your body is resting, your mind does not have to be. Use this time to read, catch up on movies, listen to podcasts, or engage in non-physical hobbies. Staying mentally active helps manage feelings of confinement.
  • Focus on the Purpose: Remind yourself that this limitation is a direct sign of your commitment and care for the intended parents and their baby. It is a temporary sacrifice for an eternal gift.
  • Our Support: Your specialist understands the emotional complexity of these limitations. We are here to check in, listen, and connect you with resources if you feel your emotional health is struggling.

Navigating Pelvic Rest With a Partner or Spouse

When a surrogate is placed on pelvic rest, it impacts the entire household, especially the spouse or partner.

Physical restrictions on intimacy are a temporary sacrifice to help a family grow. Maintaining a strong connection with your spouse or partner during this time requires clear communication and a reframing of intimacy.

Partners can support the journey by taking over strenuous household tasks or childcare duties involving lifting.

To maintain closeness without physical stimulation, many surrogates focus on “non-pelvic” intimacy, such as shared hobbies, movies, or focused conversation.

If physical limitations cause friction at home, your agency specialist can provide resources to help you and your partner navigate this stage as a team.

How Pelvic Rest Fits into the Bigger Picture of a Healthy Surrogacy

Pelvic rest is not a contractual red flag or a sign that the entire surrogacy is at risk. It is a standard medical precaution that reinforces the protective nature of your journey.

Legal and Contractual Clarity

Your surrogacy contract will detail how lost wages or unexpected costs are handled. If a doctor’s order for pelvic rest causes you to miss work, the contract ensures you are appropriately reimbursed for your time, just as you would be for any other medical inconvenience.

The contract, the medical guidance, and the agency support all work toward the single shared goal: a safe, healthy pregnancy and a successful delivery. When you are on pelvic rest, everyone involved is doing their part to support that goal.

Get Support from Surrogacy Specialists

Choosing to be a surrogate is an incredible act of compassion, and it deserves an agency partner that prioritizes your health, support, and clarity at every turn.

When medical instructions like pelvic rest come up, you deserve to have an expert who can advocate for you, communicate with the intended parents, and ensure your contract protections are honored.

If you have questions about the surrogacy journey, how our specialists handle medical protocols, or what support is available to you, fill out our contact form to get free information.

Understanding Multiple Miscarriages with Normal Embryos: The Hidden Factors IVF Can’t Fix

Heartbreak after multiple miscarriages with normal embryos? Understand the hidden uterine and immune factors, and find a clear path forward with surrogacy.

Miscarriage with a normal embryo is devastating, but it may point to underlying factors IVF can’t address.

By understanding these issues, you can move away from repeated disappointment and find success with a strategic option like gestational surrogacy.

Are you ready to get closer to your path to parenthood? Connect with a specialist at American Surrogacy today to explore a proven path forward.

The Heartbreak of Hope: Experiencing Miscarriages with Genetically Tested Embryos

The journey to parenthood after facing recurrent pregnancy loss is profoundly difficult. After investing so much in IVF and creating an embryo, receiving news of another miscarriage feels devastating and deeply confusing.

This experience is not a failure on your part, but a sign that the focus needs to shift.

You have faced setbacks beyond your control, but by choosing surrogacy, you are giving your embryos the best opportunity.

Normal Embryos Don’t Guarantee a Successful Pregnancy

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) is an invaluable diagnostic tool in modern IVF. It allows your medical team to check an embryo’s chromosome count before transfer.

An embryo confirmed as “euploid” (or chromosomally normal) has the correct number of chromosomes and is considered the highest quality embryo available.

However, PGT-A does not guarantee pregnancy. A chromosomally normal embryo does not override underlying systemic or uterine health issues within the intended mother’s body.

Hidden Causes of IVF Miscarriages with Normal Embryos: Uterine, Hormonal, and Immune Factors

Recurrent implantation failure or miscarriage with a normal embryo points toward factors that cannot be solved by simply creating another embryo.

These issues are often subtle, requiring specific diagnostic testing and sometimes a change in approach.

Uterine Environment Factors

The endometrium, the lining of the uterus, must be receptive and healthy. Issues in this area can prevent implantation or lead to early loss:

  • Endometrial Thickness and Structure: A lining that is too thin, uneven, or structurally abnormal may fail to properly support the embryo. Your doctor may refer to this as a lack of uterine receptivity.
  • Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: These common, inflammatory conditions can create a hostile environment that makes implantation and sustained pregnancy extremely difficult.
  • Chronic Endometritis (CE): This is a persistent, non-symptomatic inflammation of the endometrial lining, often caused by an underlying bacterial infection.
  • Structural Abnormalities: Unidentified polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue (Asherman’s Syndrome) can obstruct implantation or compromise the blood supply necessary for the placenta’s development.

Learn more about uterine health issues that may be making pregnancy impossible.

Autoimmune or Chronic Health Factors

In some cases, the body’s immune system is the barrier. The body may treat the embryo as a foreign object and reject it.

Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions that are not properly managed can create a highly inflamed environment in the body that prevents a pregnancy from starting or growing. These include:

  • Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease that can increase the risk of blood clotting and inflammation, compromising the blood flow needed for the placenta.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): While generally not a direct barrier to conception, severe or active MS can indicate systemic inflammation that impacts the immune environment needed for implantation.
  • Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: An autoimmune thyroid condition often linked to recurrent miscarriage, as unmanaged thyroid hormones are essential for successful early pregnancy development.
  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): While primarily hormonal, it often involves chronic, low-grade inflammation that can negatively affect uterine receptivity and embryo implantation.
  • Natural Killer (NK) Cells: While complex and often debated, some specialists believe an overactive presence of these immune cells in the uterus may attack the implanting embryo, treating it as a foreign object.

Learn more about chronic health conditions that may make pregnancy difficult or unsafe.

Hormonal and Timing Factors

Issues with hormones and timing are another barrier to successful implantation.

The uterine lining has a very narrow “window of implantation”, meaning the timing of the embryo transfer must be exact, even with standard hormone medication.

 Specialized tests like the Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA) help pinpoint this timing, but repeated failure suggests the window is consistently missed or compromised.

Additionally, a lack of sufficient natural progesterone during the early weeks, known as luteal phase support, can still compromise the lining’s ability to sustain the pregnancy, leading to loss

When to Consider Surrogacy After Multiple Miscarriages with Test Embryos

This decision should be made in consultation with your reproductive endocrinologist.

However, clear emotional and medical triggers often indicate surrogacy is the next strategic step:

  • Specific medical barriers. You have received a confirmed diagnosis that your medical team identifies as the primary cause of recurrent loss.
  • Your mental health has taken a toll. Surrogacy offers a way to continue the family-building process without the constant physical and emotional strain of repeated failures.
  • The cumulative cost of repeated IVF cycles, specialized testing, and experimental treatments may become unsustainable. Surrogacy provides a more predictable investment toward achieving your family goal.
  • You have remaining embryos. If you have frozen PGT-tested embryos, using them with a gestational carrier gives them the highest possible chance.

Surrogacy is not a last resort; it is a strategic, medically supported path to success when evidence points to the uterine environment as the barrier.

How Surrogacy Bypasses Uterine Factors That IVF Can’t Solve

When you choose American Surrogacy, we build your journey on the foundation of a thoroughly vetted and medically cleared gestational carrier.

This process is designed to eliminate the gamble of an unpredictable uterine environment and maximize the possibility of a healthy pregnancy.

Our rigorous, multi-step screening ensures you start your journey with confidence:

  • Agency Review: We start with an in-depth review of her full medical history and social background.
  • Clinic Review: Your fertility clinic reviews her past medical records, focusing on previous pregnancies and deliveries, to confirm a history of successful, healthy births.
  • Medical Clearance and Physical Exam: She undergoes a comprehensive physical examination and medical workup at your fertility clinic to confirm her uterus is optimally receptive and structurally sound for a successful transfer and pregnancy.

Other essential clearances we ensure include:

  • Psychological Readiness: Confirming she is emotionally and mentally prepared for the journey and understands the unique relationship with you.

By utilizing a gestational carrier who has been carefully and successfully screened through these multiple layers of review, you replace anxiety with certainty, knowing your precious embryo is in the safest possible environment.

Emotional Healing and Moving Forward

The grief, fatigue, and profound sense of failure that accompany recurrent loss are entirely understandable. Even when you know the miscarriage was not your fault, the emotional burden is real.

Surrogacy offers a crucial opportunity for psychological recovery and consciously moving forward with your family-building journey.

Gaining Control: Making an Intentional Choice for Family

Instead of dwelling on past disappointments, surrogacy allows you to pivot your focus on creating your family.

  • Move from Strain to Preparation: Surrogacy allows you to move past the physical burden and psychological toll of recurrent IVF failure. You can channel the energy previously spent on treatments into preparing for the baby’s arrival.
  • Taking Control: Instead of passively waiting for a diagnostic test or an experimental treatment, you are actively choosing the most successful, medically supported path available to you.
  • A Supported Journey: At American Surrogacy, we provide comprehensive support so you can focus on your path to parenthood.

What to Expect When Exploring Surrogacy as a Next Step

The idea of starting the surrogacy process can feel overwhelming, but our agency is here to simplify every step. We offer a clear, efficient path designed to minimize stress and maximize success:

Step 1: Reach Out to a Specialist

Your first step is connecting with a specialist at American Surrogacy. We listen to your unique story, understand your medical history, and help you determine if our program is the right fit.

Step 2: Match with a Surrogate

Based on your preferences, we present you with profiles of pre-screened, medically cleared gestational carriers. Our focused process often leads to quick matches.

Step 3: Complete Legal Contracts

Attorneys work together to create comprehensive, protective legal agreements that establish your parentage.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer

Your reproductive endocrinologist facilitates the transfer of your PGT-tested embryo to the gestational carrier. We support you throughout the entire medical process.

Step 5: Pregnancy and Birth

You remain closely involved throughout the pregnancy, preparing for the day you welcome your child at the hospital.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Explore Surrogacy with Compassion and Clarity

You have faced setbacks beyond your control, but by choosing the strategic path of surrogacy, you are giving your embryos the best opportunity for success.

Surrogacy is not a detour; it is a supported, deliberate choice made by loving parents who refuse to give up on their family dream.

Even with multiple miscarriages, you can still start or grow your family. Contact us to learn how we can support you on your path to parenthood.

What Are the Medical and Lifestyle Requirements to Become a Surrogate with Leading Agencies?

Reputable agencies have surrogate requirements and screening processes to prioritize your safety and ensure your eligibility.

If you’ve been researching the requirements to become a surrogate, you may have noticed how different agencies have different expectations.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the medical and lifestyle requirements are to become a surrogate with leading agencies, why these standards matter and how agencies like American Surrogacy support you at every stage.

When you’re ready, you can get free information and see if you qualify.

What Are the Medical and Lifestyle Requirements to Become a Surrogate With Leading Agencies?

Reputable agencies have clear eligibility standards that focus on giving you and the baby the healthiest, safest experience possible. Here are the general medical and lifestyle requirements you’ll need to meet:

  • Between 21 and 40 years old
  • At least one previous full-term pregnancy and delivery
  • Currently raising a child
  • Good physical and mental health
  • Reliable transportation and stable housing

These expectations help confirm that you’re prepared for the journey ahead.

Why Agencies Have Surrogate Medical Requirements

Agencies have requirements in place to protect everyone involved. Pregnancy is physically and emotionally demanding, and surrogacy adds a new level of responsibility.

These standards aren’t designed to exclude you. Rather, they protect your health throughout the process and help intended parents feel confident moving forward.

Your agency should focus on your well-being. When these expectations are clear from the start, it shows that your safety is a priority and helps you feel confident moving into the screening steps ahead.

How Our Surrogate Medical Screening Process Works at American Surrogacy

Once you meet our initial requirements, you can begin the surrogate medical screening. This process confirms that you’re ready for the resulting experience.

At American Surrogacy, there are two health tests required to become a surrogate:

  1. Medical Screening: This preliminary test occurs before you’re fully approved. You’ll need to fill out a detailed medical history form, provide your previous pregnancy records and complete a psychological evaluation. Our team will review these materials to assess whether you’re ready.
  2. Medical Clearance: After you match with intended parents, we’ll send your medical records to their fertility doctor’s office. You’ll need to travel to their clinic for an in-person physical exam and additional lab testing.

You can explore the full process in our online guide.

How Your Surrogate Psychological Evaluation Assesses Emotional Readiness

Your surrogate psychological evaluation confirms that you feel emotionally ready. During this conversation with a licensed mental health professional, you’ll talk about your emotional health, your family’s mental health history, what inspires you to become a surrogate and how you handle stress.

This evaluation also gives you space to discuss the support you have in your life.

Meeting Medical Clearance for Surrogacy

Medical clearance is the final approval step completed by the intended parents’ fertility doctor’s office.

Even after you meet agency standards, the clinic will conduct its own evaluation to ensure you’re ready for a safe embryo transfer.

During this stage, you go to the clinic for a full physical assessment, and the team takes one last look at your medical history to make sure nothing was missed.

This usually includes bloodwork, routine infection testing, a closer look at your uterus to confirm it can support a pregnancy, and a full exam with a fertility doctor.

Together, these steps confirm that you meet all surrogate medical requirements and are ready for embryo transfer.

You can learn more about what to expect from medical clearance at this link: How long does medical clearance take?

Lifestyle Expectations for Surrogates

Lifestyle choices can impact surrogacy eligibility. While every agency is different, most expect you to:

  • Avoid all tobacco, nicotine and recreational drug use
  • Be off antidepressants for at least 12 months under your doctor’s supervision
  • Follow medical advice from your OB-GYN and fertility specialist
  • Maintain a balanced diet and moderate exercise routine
  • Ensure you can meet BMI guidelines for pregnancy safety
  • Avoid high-risk activities, including certain jobs or strenuous sports

Some intended parents may request additional preferences regarding lifestyle or prenatal decisions. Your attorney will help you review and negotiate these during the contract phase.

Qualify with American Surrogacy and Get the Compensation Package You Deserve

As a top-tier national agency, we ensure you receive a comprehensive and competitive compensation package for your service and commitment.

American Surrogacy offers a compensation package of $50,000 - $110,000+ that includes:

  • Base pay
  • Signing and screening bonuses
  • Embryo transfer
  • Legal fees
  • Insurance copays
  • Travel and lodging
  • Lost wages
  • And more

This financial support confirms that your health and comfort are prioritized at every step, allowing you to focus completely on the journey.

For a detailed, personalized breakdown, fill out our form to speak with a specialist.

What Disqualifies You From Being a Surrogate?

Not everyone who wants to become a surrogate will qualify. Disqualifications are based on safety, not judgment.

Common reasons include:

  • Previous serious pregnancy or delivery complications
  • Unmanaged mental health conditions
  • Uncontrolled medical issues (such as hypertension or diabetes)
  • Current use of tobacco or recreational drugs
  • Lack of reliable transportation
  • Inconsistent housing
  • Little to no support system

If you’re unsure, the best next step is to talk with a surrogacy specialist who can evaluate your specific situation.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Surrogate?

Do you feel called to help someone grow their family? You deserve a team that supports your health, your well-being and your journey.

You can get started by filling out our form to see if you qualify. Your next step could change a family’s life.

Let’s Talk Surrogacy: A Surrogate’s Story of How her Agency Protected Her Financially

Former surrogate, Allison, reveals the intense reality of her high-risk surrogacy, the financial safety net of American Surrogacy, and why she plans to carry again.

The decision to become a gestational carrier is life-changing, and you deserve a reliable support system.

When you partner with American Surrogacy, you gain a dedicated support system and financial security.

On the latest episode of Let’s Talk Surrogacy, former surrogate, Allison, shares the unfiltered truth about her experience and the unique value of agency support.

Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. New episodes drop the first Tuesday of every month.

Episode Highlights: What You’ll Learn

Allison’s story demonstrates the value of choosing an agency dedicated to your well-being. Here are 5 points from the episode that you won’t want to miss.

  • The physical toll of preparation. Hear Allison describe the 60-day, daily intramuscular shot cycle and the detailed medical procedures required before her pregnancy, including the mock cycle.
  • The true value of financial support. Discover how her American Surrogacy coordinator managed all financial logistics, handling conversations with the intended parents about compensation and expenses. .
  • A safety net when it matter most. Allison provides an exclusive account of the industry-wide SEAM escrow failure and how American Surrogacy immediately covered her full compensation.
  • The hardest conversation. Allison details the unexpected high-risk status of her pregnancy and the deep, pre-journey conversations she had with the IPs about worst-case scenarios.
  • From Carrier to “Aunt Allison.”Learn about the lasting friendship she has built with the intended parents and why she plans to carry again for the same family.

Start Your Own Supported Journey

Whether you have the drive to carry a child or the hope of bringing one home, we provide the structure and support to make your journey safe and secure, just like Allison’s.

Fill out our simple form to learn more about how we ensure secure journeys for surrogates and intended parents alike.

Allison’s story shows that an experienced agency provides financial security and valuable support in addition to a successful match.

Follow us on Instagram @american_surrogacy for more stories, helpful info, and community support.


Do You Get Your Money Back for Failed IVF? [Understanding Costs]

Stop losing money on failed IVF. Our surrogacy programs offer a path to success with financial protection and a potential refund if you don’t bring home a baby.

IVF is a major emotional and financial commitment. When it doesn’t work, you may feel like the future you imagined is slipping away.

You deserve clear, compassionate guidance about your options.

In this guide, you’ll learn whether you can get your money back for failed IVF, how fertility clinic refund programs work and why some families shift toward surrogacy.

When you’re ready, you can get free information and talk with a surrogacy specialist about what comes next.

Do You Get Your Money Back for Failed IVF?

You may be able to receive a partial refund. Some fertility clinics offer money-back guarantees through “shared risk” programs.

Generally, you’ll need to pay a higher upfront cost in exchange for financial protection if treatment does not result in a live birth.

For example, Shady Grove Fertility’s Shared Risk 100% Refund Program allows qualifying patients to pay one flat, refundable deposit that covers multiple IVF attempts.

You can try up to six IVF or donor-egg cycles, plus unlimited frozen embryo transfers. If you don’t take home a baby or choose to stop treatment, you get your full deposit back.

But there are important limitations:

  • You must meet strict medical criteria, including age and ovarian reserve requirements.
  • You’ll pay more upfront than traditional per‑cycle fees.
  • You receive a refund only on the program deposit — not medications or diagnostic testing.

Programs like this can offer a clearer path forward, but they’re not available for everyone.

Are IVF Refund Programs Worth It?

If you qualify and want predictable costs, these programs can give you a sense of stability during an emotional process.

If you’re unlikely to qualify or prefer paying per cycle, they may not feel right for where you are. At the end of the day, this decision is about caring for your heart as much as your finances.

What Happens Financially If IVF Fails?

A failed cycle can be emotionally and financially devastating. You’ve poured your heart, time and resources into the process while holding onto the hope of growing your family.

When the pregnancy test comes back negative, you’re not just facing a medical outcome, you’re facing the weight of everything you invested.

You may be left carrying medical bills or debt from earlier rounds, which can make the next step feel even heavier. And you typically can’t get insurance to cover IVF failures; most insurance plans don’t cover IVF at all.

Depending on your state and employer, you may have partial coverage for diagnostics or medication, but coverage for full treatment is still limited.

This is often the moment when intended parents step back and re-evaluate whether more IVF cycles make sense.

Why Some Families Choose Surrogacy After Failed IVF

Medical Conditions That Prevent Safe Pregnancy

Some medical conditions, like severe uterine scarring, autoimmune issues or other health factors, make it very difficult to carry a pregnancy safely.

Surrogacy allows you to use your embryos while relying on a gestational surrogate who has been thoroughly screened and cleared to carry a healthy pregnancy.

Overcoming the Emotional Strain of Repeat IVF

After multiple IVF cycles, the emotional weight of hoping, waiting and grieving can become overwhelming. You may want a path with fewer unknowns, a clearer timeline and a higher chance of success.

Shifting to Surrogacy for Financial Predictability

Repeat IVF cycles can add up quickly. For some families, shifting to surrogacy feels like a more predictable and purposeful investment.

Many families go through many IVF cycles before trying something else. But choosing surrogacy isn’t “giving up.”

Rather, it’s an intentional step toward the option that gives you the best chance of becoming a parent.

Surrogacy Is More Expensive. So Why Do People Still Choose It?

Surrogacy is a significant financial investment, but some people consider surrogacy a better investment than repeated IVF.

Here are the benefits that often make surrogacy feel like the stronger path forward:

  • Predictable Timeline: With American Surrogacy, many intended parents are matched in 1 - 4 months, helping you move forward faster.
  • Higher Likelihood of Success: You work with a gestational surrogate who has been thoroughly screened and medically cleared.
  • Structured Process: You experience fewer unexpected hurdles compared to repeated IVF cycles.
  • Genetic Connection: You can use your own embryos to maintain a genetic link to your child.

For intended parents who have already been through so much, surrogacy often feels like a stable and structured step toward becoming a parent.

IVF vs. Surrogacy: Which Is More Cost-Effective in the Long Run?

IVF is unpredictable. One cycle might succeed, or you might need several, each costing thousands of dollars.

Surrogacy costs more upfront, but success rates are significantly higher due to medically screened surrogates.

Instead of wondering whether this next cycle will be different, you’re placing your embryo into the healthiest, most stable environment possible.

When you compare the total cost of repeat IVF cycles, the medications, the procedures, the time off work, the emotional toll, many families ultimately spend less through surrogacy than they would after several more IVF attempts.

If your journey ends without a baby and you have no embryos left, certain surrogacy programs (including some at American Surrogacy) also offer partial refunds depending on the package you choose. This adds another layer of financial protection and predictability.

IVF Is Already Part of the Surrogacy Process — Why Risk Paying More?

Even if you choose surrogacy, IVF is still required to create or use existing embryos. That means:

  • You’re already investing in IVF.
  • Surrogacy ensures your embryo is placed in the healthiest possible environment.
  • You can use embryos created from previous IVF cycles.

Using Existing Embryos in Surrogacy: What Are Your Options?

One of the greatest fears intended parents face when transitioning from IVF is the thought of losing the embryos they worked so hard to create.

If you have frozen embryos from previous cycles, they can be used in your surrogacy journey.

The process of using your existing embryos for a gestational surrogacy journey is straightforward:

  1. Coordinate Transfer: Our specialists work with your current fertility clinic (where the embryos are stored) to manage the transfer of the genetic material.
  2. Medical Clearance: Once you are matched with a thoroughly screened surrogate, your embryos will be transferred into her uterus during an Embryo Transfer Procedure at a fertility clinic.
  3. Maintain Connection: Using your existing embryos is how you maintain a genetic connection to your child while transferring the physical demands of pregnancy to your gestational surrogate.

This option protects your emotional and financial investment and allows you to give the embryos you already created the best chance at resulting in a pregnancy.

How Families Afford Surrogacy After IVF Loss

Many intended parents worry about affording surrogacy, especially after the cost of IVF. You have more options than you might think.

American Surrogacy partners with Sunfish, a leading fertility financing platform that offers flexible loans designed specifically for IVF and surrogacy. You can also manage costs through various other methods, including:

  • Personal loans
  • Fertility or surrogacy grants
  • 401(k) withdrawals or loans
  • HSA or FSA funds
  • Employer benefits for family-building
  • Home equity loans
  • Crowdfunding

American Surrogacy’s Financial Protection and Refund Eligibility

You deserve a program built to protect your investment in your family-building journey. At American Surrogacy, we offer:

  • Transparent Costs: We break down each fee clearly upfront so you can plan confidently without surprise expenses later.
  • Unlimited Matching: Our Limited Risk Program offers unlimited rematch attempts at no extra cost
  • Possible Refunds: You may be refunded some fees if your journey ends without embryos left to transfer.

Ready to Take the Next Step After IVF?

If you’ve experienced the emotional and financial toll of failed IVF, you deserve a program built to offer financial safeguards for your path to parenthood.

Learn more about our programs’ financial protection by filling out our online form.

Can You Be a Surrogate With Chronic Cervicitis Squamous Metaplasia?

Got a CCSM diagnosis and want to be a surrogate? Our specialists offer clear, honest answers on medical eligibility so you can start your journey.

Seeing chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia on a Pap smear or biopsy report can stop you in your tracks, especially when you’re considering becoming a gestational surrogate.

If you’re exploring surrogacy, you deserve clear answers — not confusing medical terminology or worst-case scenarios.

In this guide, you’ll learn what this diagnosis means, whether you can still qualify as a surrogate and how American Surrogacy evaluates cervical health during screening.

When you’re ready, you can get free information about your next steps.

Can You Be a Surrogate With Chronic Cervicitis With Squamous Metaplasia?

Chronic cervicitis doesn’t automatically disqualify you from surrogacy.  Many women are relieved to learn that these cervical changes don’t usually cause long-term issues or affect their surrogacy goals.

What matters most is whether your cervix is healthy and working the way it should — not just one diagnosis.

If your OB-GYN has treated any underlying causes and your Pap results are stable, you may still be a strong candidate.

What Is Chronic Cervicitis With Squamous Metaplasia?

Chronic cervicitis is long-term inflammation of the cervix. Many people never feel symptoms, and it’s often discovered during routine checkups.

Some of the most frequent causes of cervicitis include mild infections, pH changes, hormone shifts or irritation from everyday activities.

Squamous metaplasia of the cervix is a benign and incredibly common cellular change.

It happens when the softer cells near your cervical opening are naturally replaced with stronger, protective cells. On its own, this is considered a normal protective response, not a precancerous condition.

These two findings often appear together because inflammation can cause the cervix’s cells to shift.

In most cases, squamous metaplasia isn’t dangerous during pregnancy. It does not affect fertility or your ability to carry a pregnancy.

Medical Screening at American Surrogacy: What We Look For

At American Surrogacy, we look at your overall reproductive health. Our team takes a human-centered, case-by-case approach because every body is different.

Here’s how the review process works:

  • We request your medical records, including Pap smear history and OB-GYN notes.
  • A nurse or medical consultant reviews your reproductive history and past pregnancies.
  • If needed, we may ask for updated testing.

You’re never expected to navigate this alone. If you have questions, your surrogacy specialist is here to support you through every step. They can explain how the screening process works, what the clinic typically reviews and what you can expect next.

How Cervical Health Affects Surrogacy Eligibility

Cervical health matters in surrogacy because the embryo transfer process relies on a healthy uterus and cervix. This foundation gives the embryo its best chance to succeed.

Cervical squamous metaplasia is considered a normal variation. It does not interfere with conception, doesn’t increase pregnancy risk and rarely requires treatment.

Other medical conditions that make you ineligible for surrogacy — such as severe uterine abnormalities, untreated infections or high-risk pregnancy complications — are far more concerning to clinics than benign cervical findings.

What intended parents’ clinics care most about is your overall reproductive function:

  • Have you had healthy pregnancies?
  • Are your Pap smears up to date and within normal limits?
  • Are any infections treated and resolved?

If the answer to these questions is yes, your diagnosis may not be a barrier at all.

What to Expect From the Surrogacy Medical Clearance Process

Once you’re matched with intended parents, your records are sent to their fertility clinic for review. This step allows the clinic to make an informed decision about your medical readiness.

If everything looks good, the next step is an in-person screening. This can include:

  • A full physical exam
  • A transvaginal ultrasound to check cervical and uterine health
  • Bloodwork and infectious disease testing
  • A review of recent Pap smear and HPV results

Every fertility clinic is different, so each one may review chronic cervicitis and squamous metaplasia in its own way. Some clinicians simply confirm that your most recent tests are normal or that any inflammation has been treated. Others may ask for a repeat Pap or a brief follow-up exam.

Regardless of the clinic’s approach, your surrogacy specialist will walk with you through every step.

Can You Treat Cervicitis Before Becoming a Surrogate?

Yes. Many women treat cervicitis successfully before beginning the screening process.

Common treatments include:

  • Antibiotics (if an infection is present)
  • pH-balancing care recommended by your provider
  • Avoiding irritants such as certain soaps or products
  • Routine follow-up exams or Pap testing

In some cases, chronic cervicitis is simply monitored over time rather than treated.

If your screening shows abnormal Pap smears, or if your provider recommends repeat testing, it’s important to follow their guidance. Your OB-GYN may or may not clear you for surrogacy with cervix issues, depending on what your test results show.

Ready to Find Out If You Qualify? Let’s Talk

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia, it doesn’t mean your surrogacy journey is over before it begins. Many women with this diagnosis go on to become gestational carriers.

If you’re ready to find out whether you qualify, we’re here to help you take the next step. Fill out our form to get free information and connect with a surrogacy specialist.

What Are Our Surrogacy Options With Only One Euploid Embryo?

Working with a gestational surrogate can maximize your embryo’s chances by providing a stable environment for implantation.

Gestational surrogacy is one of the most effective paths to maximize the successful pregnancy chances of that single, precious embryo.

Working with the right agency is essential, as they provide the complex medical, legal, and logistical support needed to optimize the entire process.

This article will break down your options, how surrogacy maximizes your embryo’s potential, and the next steps to take on your journey.

Ready to maximize your chance of success? Contact a surrogacy specialist today to learn about our services.

Is Surrogacy an Option With Only One Euploid Embryo?

Yes, you can do surrogacy with one embryo at American Surrogacy. Having only one euploid embryo doesn’t disqualify you from working with a surrogate. Many intended parents choose surrogacy specifically because they want to give their embryo the healthiest environment possible.

As you move forward, you’ll work closely with your fertility clinic and surrogacy team to create a plan that gives this embryo the highest possible chance of success.

How Surrogacy Maximizes the Chances of Successful Embryo Implantation

Are you asking yourself, “Should I transfer my embryo or use a surrogate?”

It’s normal to consider every possible path. But with only one euploid embryo, you likely want to choose a family-building option that minimizes risk and gives your embryo the strongest chance to implant.

Gestational surrogates undergo extensive screening before they are approved, including medical examinations, psychological evaluations and lifestyle reviews.

These steps help ensure that surrogates are ready to carry a pregnancy and can provide a supportive uterine environment — an advantage that can be especially important if you only have one good embryo.

Here are the requirements women must meet to become a surrogate:

  • Have a proven history of healthy pregnancies
  • Be between the ages of 21 and 40, when reproductive health is generally at its peak.
  • Meet strict medical criteria, including a full OB-GYN review and clearance from a reproductive endocrinologist
  • Maintain healthy lifestyle, confirmed through a detailed review of habits, medical history and overall wellness

Understanding these requirements can help you feel safer using your last embryo in surrogacy.

Is It Worth Doing Surrogacy With One Embryo?

The answer to this question is personal. When you only have one euploid embryo, you may feel like you can’t afford to take risks.

Working with a gestational surrogate helps mitigate many of the biological factors you can’t control. While no option guarantees pregnancy, surrogacy can give your embryo the best chance at implantation.

Is It Harder to Find a Surrogate With Only One Good Embryo?

Sometimes. Some surrogates want to partner with intended parents who have multiple viable embryos in case the first transfer doesn’t work.

But you aren’t stuck if you only have one normal embryo after preimplantation genetic screenings (PGS).

American Surrogacy works with surrogates all across the country, including many who are open to “one-embryo families.”

 When you work with us, we present your profile to surrogates who already understand your situation and are comfortable with a single-embryo plan. You don’t have to search alone — we’ll help you find the right surrogate.

What Happens if the Last Embryo Doesn’t Work?

One euploid embryo can lead to pregnancy. Euploid embryos have strong potential, and many intended parents welcome their baby from a single embryo transfer.

Still, it’s important to acknowledge that a failed transfer is possible.

If the transfer doesn’t work, you won’t be left alone. You’ll have support throughout the entire process — from your clinic, your counselor and your team at American Surrogacy.

Together, you can talk through next steps and move forward with clarity.

Depending on your program, you may also be able to get a partial refund or credit if a transfer is unsuccessful. Your surrogacy specialist can explain what’s available and walk you through the exact details.

What Are Your Options if You Don’t Have Additional Embryos?

If your euploid embryo does not result in pregnancy, you still have several options. Many intended parents explore donor embryos or donor sperm/eggs to create new embryos for surrogacy.

Donor Embryos for Surrogacy

Donor embryos are fully formed embryos created by another individual or couple who chooses to donate them. This can be a meaningful option for:

  • Couples or individuals who want to move forward quickly
  • Intended parents who cannot or prefer not to undergo additional egg retrieval cycles

Embryo donation programs typically provide detailed medical and genetic histories of the donors, giving you helpful information as you decide.

Donor Eggs and/or Sperm

Your clinic can use your eggs or sperm (if viable) and donor gametes to create embryos for surrogacy. This allows you to maintain a genetic connection to your child.

Double Donor IVF

Double donor IVF uses both donor eggs and donor sperm to create new embryos. This path gives you the chance to select donors based on the characteristics that matter most to you.

This approach is often chosen by:

  • Couples who cannot use their own genetic material
  • LGBTQ+ couples building their family through surrogacy

Your fertility clinic will support you through choosing donors, creating embryos and preparing for transfer.

Only One Good Embryo?  Let’s Make It Count

Having only one euploid embryo doesn’t mean your journey is over. You still have a powerful chance. If you’re exploring surrogacy, you deserve clear answers and compassionate support.

Take the next step by filling out our form and connecting with a surrogacy specialist.

Surrogacy Escrow Services: In-House vs. Third-Party Options and Your Fund Safety

Surrogacy escrow services play a vital role in protecting funds during the surrogacy process. Learn which service best safeguards your financial interests and ensures smooth, trustworthy management of surrogacy funds.

Surrogacy escrow services provide a secure, neutral structure for handling all financial payments throughout your journey, giving both you and your surrogate peace of mind.

At American Surrogacy, we offer both n-house accounting services and the option to utilize an independent third-party escrow provider—whichever is the right fit for your unique situation.

In this article, we’ll explain what surrogacy escrow is, how it works, the important differences between in-house and third-party services, and how we ensure your funds are protected every step of the way.

To learn more about how escrow works and how we protect your funds every step of the way, fill out our quick form now. Our surrogacy specialists are ready to help you.

Third-Party Vs. In-House Surrogacy Escrow Services

Surrogacy escrow services are a financial arrangement that ensures funds are safely managed and distributed during the surrogacy process.

As you progress through your surrogacy journey, your escrow manager will distribute funds based on predetermined milestones established in your contract.

Think of a surrogacy escrow account like a prepaid gift card. You deposit funds into the account, and as your surrogacy process unfolds, the escrow manager releases the funds based on your agreed-upon milestones.

Funds you deposit in escrow are used for all your surrogacy costs, from medical expenses to surrogate compensation.

There are important differences between in-house accounting services and third-party escrow:

Third-Party Surrogacy Escrow Services

A third-party escrow service is a company independent of the surrogacy agency that specializes in managing and distributing client funds.

Pros:

  • Neutrality: Completely independent, ensuring an impartial relationship between the agency, intended parents, and the surrogate.
  • Financial Protection: Funds managed by a trusted third-party are often insured, providing an extra layer of protection.
  • Transparency: High transparency as the third-party can independently report on all transactions and balances.
  • Legal Compliance: Required for surrogacy in some states, ensuring the process meets all regulatory mandates.

Cons:

  • Additional Cost: Typically more expensive due to the third-party’s management fees.

In-House aCCOUNTING sERVICES

In-house accounting services, like those offered by our agency, involve a dedicated, on-staff financial team who manage the escrow funds in a secure, segregated account.

The escrow manager is an expert member of the agency’s staff. This is often done to streamline the process and save on external fees.

Pros:

  • Lower Cost: Often less expensive because no separate third-party company is involved.
  • Streamlined Management: Direct communication between your agency team and the financial manager ensures quicker, more efficient disbursement.
  • Agency Oversight: Funds are managed by a professional team you already trust, backed by the agency’s extensive experience in financial management.

Cons:

  • Perceived Lack of Neutrality: Since the agency manages the funds, some clients may perceive a lack of impartiality compared to an outside firm.
  • State Limitations: This option may not be available in all states due to specific regulatory requirements that mandate the use of an independent third party.

The Right Option for You

  • In-House Accounting: Our in-house services offer a cost-effective and highly streamlined process, managed by a professional team intimately familiar with your surrogacy contract.
  • Third-Party Escrow: For clients in states where it is required or for those who prefer an independent service, we can connect you with specialized third-party escrow companies.

You can learn more about surrogacy escrow services and start building your financial plan by contacting a surrogacy specialist today.

Why Surrogacy Escrow Services Are Important

Escrow services protect both parties by ensuring that the surrogate is compensated only after her milestones are met and that intended parents’ funds are not misused.

They also provide clear, documented proof of payments, adding a layer of transparency and accountability.

How Payouts Work in Surrogacy Escrow

Payouts in a surrogacy escrow follow the guidelines laid out in the surrogacy contract. The contract will outline milestones and the funds allotted to cover these.

Once the agency can provide evidence a milestone has been reached and the escrow agent can verify this, payments will be released.

For example, your contract may specify that the surrogate will begin receiving her base compensation payments once a pregnancy is confirmed at her clinic.

How to Establish an Escrow Account for Surrogacy

Establishing an escrow account can be fairly simple, especially when working with a full-service agency.

Because we offer both in-house accounting services and established partnerships with trusted third-party escrow services, we ensure your funds are managed securely and fairly from the very start, regardless of the option you choose.

Here’s how the process typically works:

Step 1. Reach Out to a Surrogacy Agency

A reputable agency will guide you toward the best financial management option for your situation, whether that is our experienced in-house accounting team or a specialized, independent third-party escrow company.

They will ensure that your funds are in safe hands and properly managed according to your state’s requirements.

Step 2. Review the Surrogacy Contract

Once you choose an agency, you’ll finalize and sign a surrogacy contract.

This document outlines all the terms of your arrangement, including the specific milestones and payment schedules that govern when and how funds will be disbursed from the escrow account.

Step 3. Fund Your Escrow Account

After the contract is in place, you’ll deposit the necessary funds into the dedicated escrow account.

Your agency will then be able to work with the escrow manager to draw from the account to cover surrogacy-related expenses, such as surrogate compensation and medical fees, as agreed upon in the contract.

Step 4. The Agency Takes Care of the Rest

The agency will work directly with the escrow manager (whether that’s our internal finance expert or the third-party company), ensuring that all payments are handled precisely according to the terms set in your contract.

We will set up the accounts for you. The only thing you’ll need to focus on is making sure the surrogacy contract outlines a payment process you find agreeable.

You won’t need to worry about the day-to-day management of payments, your agency and the escrow manager will handle it all.

Surrogacy Escrow with American Surrogacy

At American Surrogacy, the safety and security of your escrow funds are paramount.

We empower you to choose the option that best fits your needs and your state’s laws: our expert in-house accounting services or a trusted third-party escrow provider.

Decades of Proven Experience

Our financial management is built on the expertise of our sister agency, American Adoptions, which has decades of experience successfully managing client funds.

This history provides an unparalleled level of financial stability and professionalism.

We Protected Families During the SEAM Breach

We understand the trust you place in us. Our dedication to financial protection was publicly demonstrated when we shielded intended parents’ funds during the 2023 SEAM escrow breach by paying them back from our own internal reserves.

While this was a one-time occurrence, it underscores that our clients’ funds are safe with us and highlights our commitment to ensuring your financial security, regardless of external circumstances.

You can learn more about surrogacy escrow services by contacting a surrogacy specialist today.