Imagine beginning your surrogacy journey knowing you will make a family’s dream come true.
Delaware is highly regarded as one of the most legally secure states for surrogacy in the nation, thanks to its comprehensive surrogacy statute. This means you can focus entirely on the rewarding experience, knowing your rights and surrogate pay are protected by law.
With the right agency you can have maximum legal security, guaranteed surrogate compensation, and a clear path to giving the gift of parenthood.
Let’s walk through the steps on how to become a surrogate in Delaware and learn the requirements to be a surrogate.
How to Become a Surrogate in Delaware: 6 Simple Steps
Becoming a surrogate can be a winding path, but the basic steps stay the same:
Step 1: Request Information and Review Qualifications
The first step is to check if surrogacy is right for you. You'll start by filling out a short form or calling a specialist to discuss the process and review the basic surrogacy qualifications.
Step 2: Complete the Screening Process
To confirm your readiness, you must complete a full screening, which includes a background check, a medical examination, and a mental health assessment.
Step 3: Find a Surrogacy Match
Next, you enter the matching phase. Using your input on expectations, our team helps you select from pre-approved intended parent profiles. This collaboration ensures a partnership that you are excited about.
Step 4: Finalize the Legal Contract
Once the match is confirmed, the legal process begins. Separate attorneys will negotiate the terms of your contract, ensuring all aspects, including surrogate compensation and post-birth parental rights, are finalized and legally binding.
Step 5: Begin the Medical Process
This phase centers on the embryo transfer. You follow a strict medical regimen of fertility drugs and injections to prepare your body before the transfer procedure takes place at the clinic. Soon, your pregnancy can be confirmed.
Step 6: The Pregnancy and Birth
After confirmation of pregnancy, you receive your base pay and continue prenatal care with your OB/GYN. The journey culminates with the birth, a beautiful moment that allows you to see the child you’ve carried united with their intended family.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Surrogate in Delaware?
These surrogate requirements are based on strict medical guidelines to protect the health of everyone involved. If you've had a healthy pregnancy and delivery, you likely meet our basic criteria.
Here are the basic surrogacy qualifications:
- Age 21-40 years old.
- BMI between 19-32
- No more than 5 vaginal births or 3 C-sections.
- In good overall physical and mental health.
- Non-smoker in a smoke-free home.
- U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Financially stable (not relying on surrogate pay for basic bills).
- Strong support system.
- No history of substance abuse or criminal history.
Do surrogates have to have had a baby before?
Yes, you must have given birth to at least one child (that you are currently raising).
Are There Exceptions?
In some cases, yes, there can be exceptions to some of the basic requirements. We are here to help you figure out if surrogacy is right for you, even if you are unsure about one or two requirements.
Unsure if you qualify? Talk to a Surrogacy Specialist Today
How American Surrogacy Supports You Through the Journey in Delaware
Choosing an agency is a huge step, and you want to work with someone who provides protection and guidance. With American Surrogacy, you get the personalized, human support of a smaller team combined with the robust resources and experience of a national agency. This is how to find a surrogacy agency that puts you first.
Our services ensure you feel supported, heard, and protected:
We carefully screen and only work with the best intended parents, ensuring we find families whose values align with yours. Our screening ensures you know what to expect with education and honest conversations. We work with the best reproductive law attorneys to protect your rights and understand your state laws. Throughout your journey, we're here for medical guidance, emotional reassurance and communication help to ensure you have the best experience possible. You’ll know exactly what you'll be paid and when. Whether we're managing payments directly or working with a trusted escrow partner, all the financial logistics are handled professionally. Our relationship doesn't end at delivery. We support you through postpartum and help facilitate whatever relationship you want with the family.Services for Surrogates
Discover how we support our surrogates.
Is There Anything Unique About Becoming a Surrogate in Delaware?
Delaware is consistently rated as one of the best states in the U.S. to become a surrogate due to its exceptionally clear and supportive legal environment.
- Explicit Surrogacy Statute: Delaware has comprehensive law for Gestational Carrier Agreements which explicitly legalizes, regulates, and enforces compensated gestational surrogacy agreements.
- Guaranteed Pre-Birth Orders (PBOs): Courts routinely grant PBOs that establish the intended parents as the legal parents before the baby is born. PBOs are available to all intended parents (married, unmarried, same-sex, single) regardless of genetic connection.
- Carrier is Not the Parent: The statute clearly states the gestational carrier is not the parent of the child. This provides maximum legal peace of mind for you.
Common Questions from Surrogates in Delaware
How long does it take to become a surrogate in Delaware?
The average time commitment for a full surrogacy journey is 15 to 24 months. This thoughtful period includes all screening, matching, pregnancy, and recovery. The time you spend actively being matched with IPs, after medical clearance, is often only 1 to 4 months.
How much do surrogates get paid in Delaware?
Your total surrogate pay in Delaware typically ranges from $55,000 - $110,000+. Your pay guaranteed by the Gestational Carrier Agreement Act in Delaware. It ensures your gift is honored by covering all medical risks and expenses.
What’s the first step in becoming a surrogate?
The simplest way to begin is by completing our free online application. This immediately connects you to experts who can review your surrogate requirements and confirm you possess the necessary surrogacy qualifications.
Do surrogates have to have had a baby before?
The matching process is centered on aligning your personal needs and preferences with the intended parents' goals. We only present you with carefully screened IPs who share your vision for communication frequency and the post-birth relationship.
Ready to Get Started?
Your dedication deserves maximum financial reward and protection. Delaware's clear Gestational Carrier Agreement Act makes it one of the safest and most supportive places to begin your journey.
- Start Your Free Consultation: Submit your information via our quick form to receive detailed guidance on surrogate requirements and the legal process in Delaware.
- Speak with an Expert: Get a call from one of our experienced team members to discuss your goals and review your surrogacy qualifications in depth.
- Make an Informed Decision: You will leave the conversation with the information you need to make the best choice for your family.