Author: Louisa H

Why Are There BMI Surrogacy Requirements?

The BMI surrogacy requirement can be a factor in your eligibility to become a surrogate. Discover what this means for you surrogacy journey, and why BMI requirements for surrogacy exist.

There are a lot of physical requirements to even begin applying to become a surrogate. Many times when you’re given a list of requirements you may wonder how serious or lenient different agencies may be on different standards. One that comes up often is the BMI requirements for surrogacy.

To get more information about BMI surrogacy requirements with our agency, fill out our online form or call 1-800-875-BABY.

Why BMI is Important

While many people in the health industry have been discussing the relevance of BMI in other areas of the medical field, BMI is still important to surrogate eligibility. We want to make sure that intended parents and surrogates have the best chance possible to have a child. When intended parents are choosing to use their own eggs, we have little room for error to help them achieve their dreams. We have BMI surrogacy requirements due to the risks listed below.

  • Higher BMI has been associated with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, pregnancy hypertension and other complications.
  • Complications with the baby after birth have been linked to birth mothers with a higher BMI.
  • Too high and too low BMI can make it more difficult to get pregnant.
  • Too high and too low BMI can increase the risk of pre-term delivery.

Required BMI Levels

We currently work with women whose have a BMI range of 19-32. This is based on the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s recommendations and what health professionals have determined is a healthy BMI range for adults. This range is set to exclude women who may be medically underweight or obese, which could cause dangerous situations when carrying a child.

Working with the BMI Requirement

If you are slightly over the required weight or BMI, you should speak with a surrogacy specialist. A reproductive endocrinologist can complete blood and urine test to determine whether you can successfully carry a child to term. If you want to become a surrogate, you can also work with your doctor or a registered dietician to help meet the surrogacy BMI requirements.

It’s important to keep in mind that our BMI requirement for surrogacy is just one of many. Our other surrogacy requirements include:

  • No smoking or illicit drug use
  • No tattoos or piercings in last six months
  • No major complications from previous pregnancies
  • At least six months since last vaginal or cesarean birth
  • And more.

When it comes to your health, the best thing you can do is to seek out health and nutrition advice from you physician. If you lay out your goals, including that you want to meet BMI surrogacy requirements, your doctor should be able to help you create a plan and recommend other health specialists who can assist you as well.

The best way to know if you are eligible to become a surrogate is by contacting a surrogacy specialist. If you have questions about the process, the BMI requirements, or anything else, contact us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).  And if you think you meet the requirements and want to proceed, contact us by filling out our quick prospective surrogate form.

The Pros and Cons of Single Parent Surrogacy

Your timeline for parenthood doesn’t need to like anyone else’s. For many, choosing single parent surrogacy is a wonderful option to achieve these goals.

Your timeline for parenthood doesn’t need to be like anyone else’s. Deciding to have a child is such a personal revelation, and you can achieve those goals on your own if you choose. For many, choosing single-parent surrogacy is a wonderful option that can help them achieve these goals.

If you’re a hopeful single-parent who has questions about single parent surrogacy, fill out our online form today to get the support you need.

Many single people have chosen to go with surrogacy in recent years to become a parent. You no longer need to wait on societal standards. It’s within your ability to become a parent at a time in your life when you feel ready. When you choose surrogacy, it’s important to have a general idea of what to expect from the process ahead. Our pro and con list covers many points single-parent surrogacy may cover.

Pros

  • You don’t need to be in a relationship or have found “the one” to start your journey to parenthood.
  • You have the same standards of pursuing single-parent surrogacy as a married couple would.
  • Surrogacy can sometimes be easier to achieve than adoption as many birth moms choose two-parent homes.

Cons

  • Surrogacy is expensive, and you will need to afford the surrogacy costs on one salary.
  • Being a single parent comes with its own difficulties including finances and resources.
  • Single parents may unfortunately still face stigmas throughout the surrogacy process and through parenthood.

Single Surrogacy Vs. Adoption

Many single people who are looking to become parents may look into both adoption and surrogacy. Each has its own unique journey. Choosing between the two often comes down to preferences and finances. The most common reasons to choose one or the other include:

  • Genetics: When you choose single-parent surrogacy, they usually choose to use their own sperm or egg to use in the embryo. This allows them to be genetically related to their child. Through adoption, parents of course won’t generally have a genetic connection.
  • Legal Process: In both adoption and surrogacy you will go through a legal process. This is the route to becoming the legal guardian of your child. Through surrogacy, you will often become the legal guardian of your child before they are even born. With adoption, you cannot become a parent until the legal rights of the birth parents are terminated. This can sometimes be an emotional process.
  • Cost: There are a variety of expenses used in both domestic infant adoption and surrogacy. These may include agency fees, advertising and matching services. Surrogacy costs will also include the surrogate’s compensation throughout their pregnancy, which often makes single-parent surrogacy much more expensive.
  • Wait: The waiting game can be tough for adoptive parents who may wait months or years to find a pregnant woman who wants to work with them. However, the matching process for and intended parent and surrogate range from an average of 30-90 days with American Surrogacy. This allows you to have your baby in your arms sooner.
  • Control: There is often more control through single-parent surrogacy. You get to choose the surrogate and the donor you use. With adoption, the birth mother has the choice of the adoptive family.

No matter how you choose to become a parent, it’s important to feel not only supported but well prepared. There are financial, medical and emotional challenges to the process no matter their relationship status or sexual orientation.

Are you interested in starting the surrogacy process? Connect with our team today.

Is Surrogate Money Taxed?

You may have questions about how taxes come into play with your surrogate income. In this article, we break down whether or not your surrogate compensation will be taxed.

While surrogacy can create a worthwhile income for many surrogates, you might be wondering how this income relates to an income from a 9 to 5 when tax season approaches.

To get personalized support with being a surrogate and taxes, fill out our online form today.

So, do surrogates get taxed? The answer depends on your situation.

Does Surrogate Pay Get Taxed?

Some agencies or escrow services may send you a 1099 form, which would mean you’d be required to file your surrogacy income. You won’t have any taxes taken out of the income you receive from being a surrogate mother. Which means, you will have to set aside some money or find other resources to pay the taxes on it. Your surrogacy specialist and surrogacy attorney will help you find any resources to ensure you are filing your taxes correctly.

However, you may not receive a 1099 form, which is also somewhat common. A good surrogacy lawyer should include a clause about the taxes of surrogate income in your surrogacy contract. It should include who is responsible for paying the taxes that a surrogate may or may not incur on their surrogate compensation. You should have a conversation about how your income will be taxed and how to handle it come tax season with your attorney so you can be well prepared.

How Does Surrogate Income Get Exempt?

  • Gift – You may be able to avoid taxes by claiming the income as a gift from the intended parents. This is the most common way to make your surrogate income tax-exempt.
  • Pain and Suffering – Surrogacy doesn’t exactly meet the list of excludable injuries listed in Sec 104 of the Internal Revenue Code that describes qualified non-taxable incomes due to pain and suffering. However, some tax professionals may recommend this route. This isn’t the most common way to make your surrogate income tax-exempt., and is not recommended.
  • Pre-Birth Child Support – Since child support is tax-exempt, filing your surrogacy income as pre-birth child support can help you avoid tax liability. Again, this is not common, and professionals are not sure how this would hold up in court.

Talk With a Tax Specialist

You should always talk with a professional in the industry when it comes to sorting out your taxes. While your surrogate income is yours to spend how you wish, it’s important to be aware of how the IRS will view your income. Talking with your accountant, a tax specialist or your surrogacy attorney is a good idea before making any major purchases with the income.

In most cases, your surrogacy attorney will be able to assist you through this process. They will also generally be able to find a reason to prevent you from needing to pay taxes on the compensation.

If you have more questions about your gestational surrogate compensation and taxes, fill out our online form or contact us today at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

Disclaimer: The information in this article should not be taken as financial or legal advice. Please contact a tax lawyer for information on tax laws in your state.

Shortest Wait to Find A Surrogate Mother

We are so proud to be able to offer the shortest wait times in the surrogacy industry. In an average of 30-90 days, we can help you find a surrogate who can help you create your family.

When you start the surrogacy process you probably feel excited to find a surrogate mother. You get to choose who gets to carry your baby and help create one of the most important people in your life. It’s likely a special bond you will have for the rest of your lives.

Ready to find a surrogate? Fill out our online form today to get connected with a surrogacy specialist.

We are so proud to be able to offer the shortest wait time to match with a surrogate. In an average of 30-90 days, you could be matched with the person who will be carrying your child and helping you achieve your dreams of becoming a parent. And we can’t think of anything more special than that.

Why Short Wait Times Are Important

When you’ve been trying and waiting to have a baby, you want to get things started soon. And we all understand the process will take some time. That’s why short match times are so important. The sooner you find your perfect surrogate, the better. For some agencies, you may have to wait 3-4 years. That’s too long. Our commitment to providing short match times goes beyond convenience. Our average 30-90 day match time means you could have your baby in your arms sooner than you think.

You may be wondering why our agency has such a fast timeline to find a surrogate for our intended parents. There are a variety of ways we make this possible.

  • Attentive surrogacy specialists: Our surrogacy specialists work diligently to understand what your needs and wants are when it comes to the process and finding a surrogate.
  • Marketing research: This is how potential surrogates find our agency. Most surrogates will search online for an agency to work with, and our websites reach thousands of people each month.
  • A balanced list: We maintain a 1:1 intended parent to surrogate ratio, unlike our competitors. We prioritize the successful management of our intended parents list. We place your need first in our mission to find a surrogate who is perfect for you.
  • Thorough screening process: All of our surrogates are fully screened. Our screening processes ensure our surrogates are ready for the process. Our high standards ensure the well-being of both you and your future child.

How We Help You Find a Surrogate in the Shortest Amount of Time

We pride ourselves on our exceptional approach to ensuring short wait times for intended parents to find a perfect surrogacy match. Upon receiving an application from intended parents, we initiate a thorough assessment to understand your preferences and needs. Simultaneously, we actively engage with our pool of pre-screened surrogates, carefully selecting candidates who align with your surrogacy goals.

With clear communication and constant updates, we maintain a seamless flow of information between all parties, accelerating the matching process. This commitment to transparency and personalized attention significantly reduces the waiting period, ensuring you can move forward with your surrogacy journey with unwavering support.

Empowering Your Experience

The timeline to starting a family will look different when you go through the surrogacy process. We want you to feel as empowered as possible when you are on your surrogacy journey. Our shorter wait times and thorough screening process help instill a sense of hope, reduce anxiety and help you achieve your dreams of parenthood sooner. Our surrogacy specialists are here to help you move through the process to find a surrogate, navigate the medical and legal processes, and help you get to the moment where you are heading home with your baby.

Waiting is hard. And we know you’ve been waiting long enough to have your baby in your arms. That’s why we are committed to offering the shortest wait times to find a surrogate mother who is right for you. Don’t wait any longer. Fill out our online form to get started today.

How to Find the Best Surrogacy Agencies for Intended Parents

Finding the best surrogacy agency is a crucial step for intended parents embarking on their surrogacy journey. Working with the right agency can provide the guidance, expertise and support necessary for a successful and fulfilling surrogacy experience.

When you’re first beginning your surrogacy journey, one of the first things you’ll need to do is choose a surrogacy professional who can help guide you through the process. If you’re looking for a professional who provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, you may want to look into working with a full-service surrogacy agency.

But how do you know if a surrogacy agency is right for you? The best agencies are happy to sit down with you to explain their services and answer any questions you may have. At American Surrogacy, we strive to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. And we happen to be experts in knowing how to find the best surrogacy agency to work with.

If you have any questions about finding the best surrogacy agencies, then contact us online now or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

What to Look for in the Best Surrogacy Agencies

One of the best things you can do as you search for the best surrogacy agency is to think about what’s most important to you. As you keep in mind what you’re looking for, you’ll discover which professionals are right for you and which ones are not. As you research prospective surrogacy agencies, here are some things you should look for:

  • Thorough screening process: When you enter into a surrogacy arrangement with a surrogate, you’re placing your trust in them and the professional you choose. Surrogacy can be a legally and emotionally complicated process and the best surrogacy agencies will make sure to fully screen all prospective surrogates to make sure they’re ready for the challenges of the surrogacy process.
  • Track record of success: Surrogacy is still a new field, and some surrogacy agencies have been around longer than others. But it’s important to choose a professional who has done surrogacies successfully in the past. If a surrogacy professional can’t give you names of people they’ve helped before, it’s a sign that you should not work with them.
  • Experienced legal counsel: Since surrogacy involves a lot of legal rules, it’s important to have a lawyer who can make sure everyone’s rights are protected. The best surrogacy agencies can recommend reliable and experienced lawyers who know about surrogacy laws. They’ll take care of all the legal requirements even before the medical process begins. If the agency doesn’t do this or insists that one lawyer can represent both sides, those are signs that you should be careful.
  • Clear direction on responsibilities and steps in the process: If someone you’re working with doesn’t explain what each person needs to do, what to expect and the steps involved from the start, you should be cautious. Surrogacy requires the teamwork of different professionals, and the best surrogacy agencies have a well-organized process that keeps everyone safe and makes things go smoothly. If the person you’redealing with seems disorganized, it might be better to find a different professional to work with.
  • Support and availability: While surrogacy agencies can have similar good qualities, people often choose based on how they “feel” about the agency. You’ll be working with them for a year or longer, so it’s important to feel comfortable, supported and appreciated by your surrogacy specialist. Find an agency where you have a connection, where you don’t feel like you’re just another person on their list.

How to Choose a Reputable Surrogacy Agency

Because of the amount of options out there, you’ll probably find agencies that share some of these qualities. So, how can you find the best one for you? When you come across a potential surrogacy agency, make sure to visit them in person or have a phone call, if at all possible. This is an opportunity to not only get to know them, but also for you to decide if you’re comfortable working with them.

Even if you find one of the best surrogacy agencies, it may not be the perfect fit for you and that’s OK. You’re the only one who can ultimately decide whether or not the professional is right for you. As you prepared to meet with an agency specialist, here are some questions you can ask to help you learn more about their agency:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • When are your requirements for intended parents?
  • What are the expenses for intended parents?
  • How involved is your agency during each step of the process?
  • Which states do you work in?
  • How does the matching process work?
  • Do you offer support and education services?
  • Are you a full-service agency? If not, what services will we need to obtain from another professional?
  • On average, how long does the surrogacy process take with your agency?

While these questions are a great place to start, make sure to write down any additional questions you may have. You’re never obligated to choose a surrogacy professional until you’re 100% sure it’s the right one for you.

Why American Surrogacy is Right For You

As one of the best surrogacy agencies, we offer a wide range of benefits to help make your dreams of becoming parents a reality. Our dedicated team of specialists has helped thousands of hopeful parents on their path to parenthood and we’re ready to do the same for you. Here are some of the key benefits you’ll experience with our program:

  • Short wait times when looking for the perfect match
  • Sense of security from our experienced staff
  • Financial protection
  • Unlimited matching
  • Clear upfront fixed fee structure
  • Unwavering commitment to providing care and support
  • And more

Your well-being is top priority and we’re committed to providing you with the utmost care throughout your surrogacy journey. With our full-service program and team of dedicated specialists, there’s no doubt that we’re one of the best surrogacy agencies in the nation.

Our specialists are always willing to answer any questions you may have about choosing a surrogacy professional. To learn more about our surrogacy program, contact us online now or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

7 Tips for a Healthy Surrogate Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy surrogate pregnancy helps ensure the well-being of yourself and the precious life you carry. As a surrogate, the responsibility of nurturing a developing baby requires special attention to physical, emotional and lifestyle factors to promote a safe and thriving pregnancy.

As a surrogate, you’ve been given one of the most important tasks out there: to grow and protect another person’s unborn baby. By prioritizing a healthy and safe lifestyle, you’ll provide a nurturing environment for the unborn child and will offer hope for individuals or couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

Maintaining a healthy and safe lifestyle is crucial as it directly impacts the well-being of the developing child. A commitment to good physical and mental health, regular prenatal care and proper nutrition ensures the optimal growth and development of the baby.

If you have any questions about how to live a healthy lifestyle as a surrogate, then contact us online or call 1-800-875-2229 to connect with a specialist.

In the meantime, here are seven surrogate pregnancy tips to help you have a safe, healthy experience:

1. Attend All Your OBGYN Appointments

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll need to check in with your OBGYN more frequently than you would for a standard pregnancy. Although you may be tired of going to the doctor so many times, these frequent visits help ensure that there are no complications in your surrogate pregnancy journey. Each appointment tracks your health along with your baby’s health as well.

To help make these appointments more bearable, you can invite the intended parents. Even if they’re unavailable, sending them a quick update, photo or video chatting with them after each appointment can help you feel excited as you navigate your surrogate pregnancy.

2. Stay on Top of Eating Healthy Meals and Hydrating

If you live a busier life, it can be easy to resort to fast food to satisfy your cravings. But, you’ll want to make sure that you (and the baby) have plenty of protein, fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Your health and the baby’s health are of utmost importance, so make sure you’re thinking about ways to eat healthier.

Dehydration is one of the leading causes of premature labor and can cause harm to both you and your baby. Drinking enough water can also provide the essential vitamins and minerals the baby needs. It’s important for both you and the baby that you drink plenty of water to avoid any complications in your surrogate pregnancy.

You’ll also want sure you know what food and drinks to avoid when pregnant and check in with your doctor if you need any tips for eating healthier and staying hydrated.

3. Take your Vitamins

As a surrogate, one of the last things you want to do is add more medications to your routine. But prenatal vitamins are an integral part in your surrogate pregnancy that ensures you and the baby are both getting what you need. Even though vitamins can help contribute to a healthy surrogate pregnancy, you need to make sure to stay on top of your diet at the same time.

Setting a daily alarm to take your vitamins and any other OB-approved medication can be helpful in case you forget.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

Your body is working overtime right now, so it’s important to get at least eight hours of sleep at night and take naps when you can. After the first trimester, try to sleep on your side as sleeping on your back can limit blood supply to the baby and may leave you feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have a hard time sleeping comfortably as your surrogate pregnancy progresses, you can always try a pregnancy pillow or prenatal massages (with your doctors approval) if you’re feeling sore.

5. Try Keeping Stress Levels Low

When you make the decision to pursue a surrogate pregnancy, the link between your cortisol levels and its effect on the baby is pretty strong. Your own physical health is tied to how you’re feeling emotionally, so you’ll want to focus on your emotional health to help keep you and the baby healthy.

Pregnancy often comes with many complex emotions and mood swings that are hard to control. With the added pressures of a surrogate pregnancy, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to talk with your specialist or another qualified counselor if you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Remember to take plenty of time to recharge, breathe and relax.

6. Journal or Scrapbook your Surrogate Pregnancy

Someday, this child may want to learn about the time you spent together and his or her parents won’t be able to tell that part of the story. It can be fun to write about your surrogate pregnancy experience in letters or a journal. If you want to get more creative, you can create a scrapbook with pictures throughout your pregnancy.

This can be a fun way to tell the child about your time together, your time with their parents and how excited you are to meet them and see them grow up with their family.

7. Involve the Intended Parents as Much as you Can

If you’re unsure when the intended parents should be involved, you can always talk with your surrogate specialist for advice. Generally, most intended parents are eager and excited to be included in your surrogate pregnancy experience to whatever extent you’re comfortable with. Many intended parents would love to see sonograms and pictures of your growing belly.

Most communication involves text messages about how you’re feeling and can include invitations to your doctor appointments. If you live nearby the intended parents, having them stop by for a quick visit can be a nice way for you to get to know each other and build a lasting relationship. Having a strong relationship with the intended parents can make the process a beautiful journey for all involved.

If you need any more advice on how to have a healthy surrogate pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your American Surrogacy specialist. You can always contact us online or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

Affordable Surrogacy Options for You

For individuals and couples who dream of becoming parents, having affordable surrogacy options to choose from can help make budgeting for the journey ahead more efficient.

Because of all the helpful resources and services that go into the surrogacy process, there are various costs to account for when planning for your surrogacy journey.

In addition to managing your own finances through budgeting, there are other affordable surrogacy options. If you’re looking for ways to afford surrogacy, a great place to start is by reaching out to one of our specialists who can help get you started on the right path.

If you have any questions about how to pay for surrogacy, then contact us online or call 1-800-875-2229.

How to Pay for Surrogacy [Your Options]

We offer a fixed fee structure, which means you’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying from the beginning, so that you can budget accordingly. Even with this financial certainty, it’s helpful to have options to help create a more affordable surrogacy journey.

 Below is a breakdown of your affordable surrogacy options.

Loans

Loans are one of the most common ways intended parents pay for surrogacy. There are many lenders out there that specifically offer loans to couples undergoing fertility treatments and pursuing surrogacy. Like any other loan, you must consider the interest charged on loans for surrogacy and decide whether you can reasonably afford monthly payments even after you become parents. Here are some loans you may consider:

  • Home equity loans (using your home as collateral)
  • Borrowing from 401(k) plans
  • Credit cards (although watch out for high interest rates)

For fertility specific financing loans, here are some companies you can contact:

Grants

If you don’t want to borrow money to pay for surrogacy, then you may have the opportunity to earn funds through fertility and surrogate grant programs. Each program will have different requirements, so make sure to fully research each to decide what you qualify for. Below are some grants you can apply for:

Fundraising

Another affordable surrogacy option is community fundraising events. As the intended parent, you may have a supportive community of friends and family members who are willing to help you raise money to help with an affordable surrogacy. There are many ways you can go about fundraising for your surrogacy journey:

  • Online crowdfunding: There are many ways you can reach out to a large audience through sites like GoFundMe to share your surrogacy and infertility journey. Friends, family and strangers can easily donate as much or as little as they’d like.
  • A community event: Whether you want to host a community wide garage sale or something larger like a silent auction, you can reach out to your community to help you accept donations and raise money to help pay for surrogacy.
  • Turn a hobby into a business: If you have any hobbies or interests, you can sell your handmade goods or services on sites like Etsy or partner with a direct sales consultant to get your product out there. These profits can be put toward paying for surrogacy.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and family for help. You can always ask for money to be put toward your surrogacy fund instead of receiving typical gifts for holidays or birthdays. It’s also a good idea to start saving your money and allocating a portion of your income to a special surrogacy savings account.

Choosing American Surrogacy

Although you may be tempted to find a cheap surrogacy agency, you may be sacrificing essential services that can help you have the best experience possible.

We understand the importance of providing high-quality service throughout your surrogacy process, which is why we place such an emphasis on an affordable surrogacy journey that benefits everyone involved.

With our fixed fee structure, you’ll be able to see exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden fees. You’ll be able to budget accordingly and move through your surrogacy journey with confidence and certainty in your finances.

If you find that surrogacy is out of your price range, you can explore different family building options such as adoption. You can contact our sister company American Adoptions to help you understand the adoption process by calling 1-800-ADOPTION.

However if you are confident that surrogacy is the right path for you, then contact us online now or call 1-800-875-2229 to get started.

How to Apply to be a Surrogate in 5 Steps

Applying to become a surrogate is an exciting first step towards helping individuals or couples achieve their dreams of parenthood

When you make the decision to apply to be a surrogate, we strive to make the process as simple as possible. With over 40 years of experience building families, you’ll get the best experience throughout your surrogacy journey.

Becoming a surrogate is fulfilling and our specialists will be by your side as you apply to be a surrogate mother. If you want to learn more about the process of becoming a surrogate, then call us today at 1-800-875-2229 or fill out our online form to get more information.

How to Apply to be a Surrogate Mother [5 Steps]

We’re always here to help you as you begin your surrogate journey. Our specialists will work with you from start to finish, making sure you’re always supported. We’ll make sure you understand every step of the process to help you understand what it means to become a surrogate mother. If you want to apply for surrogacy, then here are five simple steps to take:

Step 1: Reach out to American Surrogacy

Our specialists are on standby ready to help you begin the process of filling out a surrogacy application. While other surrogacy agencies can be difficult to get ahold of, our team offers unwavering personal support and guidance to help you feel confident throughout the process. You can always call us at 1-800-875-2229 or reach out to us online to get connected with an experienced specialist.

Once we get connected, we’ll go over some basic questions that help us understand your situation. This helps us decide the best way to support you throughout your journey. Our experienced team will guide you as you apply to be a surrogate mother. We will always be there to answer any questions and provide the resources you need to have a successful surrogacy experience.

Step 2: Receive Comprehensive Support and Guidance

Creating a family can be challenging, but we have spent decades perfecting the process and know what it takes to successfully build families. With our expertise, you’ll be on the right track toward having the best possible experience with surrogacy. Our dedicated team of specialists will help with things like:

  • Receiving competitive surrogacy compensation
  • Understanding how to apply to be a surrogate
  • Creating a surrogate profile
  • Providing helpful information and guidance
  • And more

We believe you should feel confident and excited as you apply to be a surrogate mother. Our specialists are dedicated to helping you feel this way throughout your surrogate journey.

Step 3: Find the Right Surrogacy Match

Matching with the right intended parents is one of the most exciting steps as you apply to be a surrogate. We understand how important it is to develop a strong connection and shared values between surrogates and intended parents. When you begin the matching process, you’ll find comfort knowing that we take great care in helping you find the perfect intended parents.

We consider factors such as location, personal preferences and compatibility to ensure a high-quality match. By only accepting the best intended parents, we ensure that the surrogate-intended parent match is the beginning of a beautiful and positive arrangement.

Step 4: Draft a Legal Contract and Prepare for Embryo Transfer

When you apply to be a surrogate mother, a legal contract will be drafted to protect both you and the intended parents legally. You will each have an attorney who specializes in your state’s surrogacy laws. Even if you have a great relationship with the intended parents, a legal contract ensures that your interests and rights are protected throughout the process.

Once the legal contracts are signed and finalized, we will help you begin preparing for embryo transfer. This process involves closely working with a fertility clinic, including a medical screening and tracking of your fertility cycle. We’ve worked with many fertility clinics across the country and will help you determine the best one to use.

After a pregnancy test and heartbeat is confirmed, you will begin receiving monthly payments for your base compensation and monthly allowance.

Step 5: Give the Gift of Parenthood

In most surrogacies, the intended parents will join you at the hospital to share this life-changing event with you.

When you apply to be a surrogate, you’ll be able to decide whether you want the intended parents at the hospital with you. If you have any questions on what your hospital stay will look like, you can always speak to your surrogacy specialist who can help mediate any discussions with the intended parents, if needed.

Once the baby is born and you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll return home knowing that you changed the life of a couple whose dream was to become parents. Whether you decided to continue a relationship with the intended parents, you will always be connected to them for the gift you gave to their family.

When you apply to become a surrogate mother, there’s a lot involved in the process. But with our help, you’ll be able to move through the process with complete confidence. To learn more about how to apply to be a surrogate, call us at 1-800-875-2229 or contact us online to connect with a surrogacy specialist.

Can a Surrogate Keep the Baby?

The amazing surrogates who commit to carrying a child for someone else want nothing more than to help you start or grow your family.

Surrogacy can help you fulfill your dream of becoming a parent and working with American Surrogacy means that you will have all of your questions answered.

 If you’re wondering “Can a surrogate keep the baby?” you can rest easy knowing the answer is a hard no.

In this article, we will answer this and some of the other common questions about surrogate relationships and what it is like to grow your family with American Surrogacy. You can also get help now from a surrogacy professional.

Can Surrogates Keep the Baby?

No. Surrogates cannot keep the baby that they carry for another family. What is more important though, is that they don’t want to. When you work with American Surrogacy, you can rest assured that each and every gestational surrogate has been screened thoroughly and wants to be a surrogate for the right family.

As a part of our screening, we ensure that surrogates have been through pregnancy before and have their own children at home. This means they have children of their own and if they wanted to have another child of their own, they could. But the truth is that women who choose to be surrogates often feel called or passionate about helping another family have a family of their own. In other words, they want to help you and they don’t want another child of their own.

Do Surrogate Mothers Get Attached to the Child in the Womb?

Gestational surrogates certainly have a unique bond with the children they carry as well as the child’s biological parents, but surrogates know from the beginning that the child they are carrying is not theirs. So while surrogates certainly may feel protective, care for the child they carry, and want to see the child have a happy life, they do not have the same bond as they do with their own children.

Do Surrogates Get Attached to the Baby After Birth?

Gestational surrogates are called “gestational” because they are surrogates only during pregnancy and birth. Once the child is born, as a biological parent, you will be the parent, not the surrogate.

When you find a surrogate, your surrogacy professional will help you and your surrogate make agreements about communication expectations after birth. Some families and surrogates are interested in staying in contact and giving each other updates. However, in other cases, you and your surrogate may agree that you will live separate lives.

Surrogates generally do not have a significant amount of contact with the children they carry after birth as they have their own children and their own lives.

What Happens if a Surrogate Wants to Keep the Baby While Pregnant?

It is worth noting again that surrogates voluntarily choose to be surrogates and usually a big reason for choosing surrogacy is because they want to help a family like yours. Surrogates do not want to keep your baby because they have their own family and they want to help you.

In many cases, getting to know your surrogate ahead of your surrogacy agreement and building a healthy relationship may help ease your mind.

That being said, if you choose surrogacy with American Surrogacy, you will already have an agreement with your surrogate about what will happen, and even if the surrogate has strong feelings towards the baby she carried, that doesn’t change the agreement with you that the baby will be yours at birth.

What if a Surrogate Decides to Keep the Baby at Birth?

If a surrogate gives birth to a child with an established surrogacy agreement, she cannot simply “decide to keep the baby.” When the baby is born, the surrogacy agreement will still be in effect.

When Can a Surrogate Change Their Mind?

Since the surrogate is choosing to be a surrogate voluntarily, she also has opportunities to change her mind about becoming a surrogate. However, that doesn’t mean that you should be worried your surrogate will back out at the last minute. 

With American Surrogacy, your surrogate is screened thoroughly and interviewed, and has several steps to back out of the decision before she makes an agreement to be your surrogate:

  • First, in the informational stage, she can back out at any time and choose not to seek out additional information.
  • If she continues seeking information and begins screening, she can back out of the screening at any time and choose not to become a surrogate. 
  • If she completes screening and is approved to be a surrogate, she has the ability to say no to any family profile she doesn’t want to be a surrogate for.
  • If she chooses to get to know a family, she can still choose not to move forward with the family if she has any hesitations. 

Once you and your surrogate have come to an agreement and created a surrogacy contract, she is obligated to continue with surrogacy. And at this point, she has likely given much thought to the process and is fully prepared to complete the process.

With American Surrogacy, you can get added peace of mind knowing that we offer unlimited matching if you meet a surrogate match that doesn’t work out.

Get Help Now

Surrogacy can be a beautiful journey, and it is normal to have questions about the process. If you have questions like “Can surrogate mothers keep the baby?” or “Can a surrogate change her mind?” our surrogacy professionals can help you understand how we protect you and help you find a great surrogate. Click here to get help now.

How to Become a Surrogate Mother in 2023

Becoming a surrogate is an experience filled with joy, as you have the incredible opportunity to help someone else fulfill their dream of having a child.

Helping a family with one of life’s most precious journeys as a surrogate can be a beautiful experience. You can transform a family’s life and the benefits of surrogacy can help you reach your goals.

Read on to learn how to become a surrogate and what to expect along the journey. You can also get help from a surrogacy professional now.

How to Become a Surrogate Mother

Becoming a surrogate in 2023 typically involves several steps and a thorough screening process to ensure the health and readiness of the surrogate. At American Surrogacy, here are some of the steps you can expect:

Step 1. Research and Learning 

The first step is to understand the legal and medical aspects of surrogacy to make an informed decision. While you can read about the process, our surrogacy specialists are also happy to talk you through each step and help you get started. Click here to get help now.

Step 2. Meet Eligibility Standards

Most agencies have specific eligibility criteria that potential surrogates must meet. These criteria commonly include: 

  • Being between the ages of 21 and 40
  •  Having a healthy BMI
  •  Raising at least one child
  • Having no complications in previous pregnancies

American Surrogacy screens for the basic eligibility requirements to become a surrogate and has some additional requirements. You will complete paperwork that details information about your personal, medical and reproductive history. These can help determine whether surrogacy will be a safe option for you.

Step 3. Medical and Psychological Screening 

If basic screenings go well, the next step in how to become a surrogate mother is to complete a series of medical and psychological evaluations to assess your physical and mental health. This typically involves comprehensive medical exams, blood tests and screening for infectious diseases. You may also be required to undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure you are mentally prepared for the emotional aspects of surrogacy.

Step 4. Matching Process

Once you have successfully completed the screening and legal steps, we will match you with intended parents whose preferences align with yours. The matching process may involve reviewing profiles and having initial meetings or interviews. We use a mutual matching system so that you can choose a family that fits your preferences.

Step 5. Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy 

Once you’ve matched with the intended parents, we will work closely with a fertility clinic and the intended parents’ reproductive specialist to schedule fertility treatments and a pregnancy attempt. You will undergo fertility treatments, which may involve hormone injections and medical procedures, to prepare your body for embryo transfer. After a successful transfer, you will continue with regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy.

Step 6. Making Dreams Come True 

After the baby is born, it will be handed over to the intended parents, and you may have the opportunity to have a relationship with them if desired. Legal arrangements will ensure that the intended parents become the legal parents of the child.

It is essential to note that surrogacy laws and regulations can vary by state, so it is crucial to consult with legal professionals who specialize in reproductive law to understand the specific requirements and processes in your jurisdiction. Working with a reputable surrogacy agency like American Surrogacy can provide guidance and support throughout the entire surrogacy journey.

How to Become a Surrogate Mother for Money

At American Surrogacy, we advocate for compensated surrogacy because of the time and effort it takes to be a surrogate. If you complete our screening process and are approved and matched with a family, you will receive compensation for the process. 

That being said, if the only reason you want to become a surrogate is the money, this may not be the path for you. Surrogacy can be an emotional and at times difficult journey, and most successful surrogates have a strong desire to help another family grow.

How Can I Become a Surrogate Today?

The first step to becoming a surrogate is to get help from a professional, who can help you through all of the questions you have when you are wondering “How do I become a surrogate?” You can click here to get help from our surrogacy professionals now.