Independent · Free · No commercial interests

The honest guide to
gestational surrogacy
for intended parents

State laws, cost breakdowns, agency guides, and the complete process — written for intended parents, with no agency or clinic paying us to say it.

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All 50 states + DC covered
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The basics

What is gestational surrogacy?

In gestational surrogacy, a surrogate carries a pregnancy using an embryo created through IVF — she has no genetic connection to the child. Intended parents may use their own eggs and sperm, donor eggs, donor sperm, or both. The surrogate is not the biological mother.

Read the full guide
1
Embryo via IVFCreated from intended parents' or donor genetics
2
Transfer to surrogateThe embryo is transferred into the surrogate's uterus
3
Supported pregnancyMedical, legal, and emotional support every step
♥
Your family is bornIn gestational surrogacy, there is no genetic link between surrogate and baby

What this site covers

Everything intended parents need to know

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State law guides

All 50 states + DC — parentage orders, LGBTQ+ considerations, and delivery-state strategy.

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Honest cost breakdowns

Every line item explained — surrogate compensation, agency fees, IVF, legal, insurance, and total ranges.

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Agency selection guide

The questions to ask, the red flags to avoid, and what agency fees actually cover — and don't.

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LGBTQ+ family paths

Same-sex male couples, single parents, and international families — every path to parenthood covered.

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Medical process explained

IVF, embryo transfer, PGT testing, and what to expect through each stage of the pregnancy.

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Legal process & contracts

How parentage orders work, what the GCA covers, and why independent legal representation matters.

The journey

How surrogacy works, start to finish

Every journey is different — but the structure is predictable. Here's what to expect.

Full timeline guide
1

Research & legal consult

Learn the landscape and retain a reproductive attorney before signing with any agency.

2

Choose an agency & match

Your agency recruits and vets surrogate candidates. Matching typically takes 1–4 months.

3

Legal contracts (GCA)

Both parties retain independent attorneys and execute the Gestational Carrier Agreement.

4

IVF & embryo transfer

The fertility clinic manages the FET protocol after screening and legal clearance. A positive beta confirms implantation.

5

Pregnancy & parentage order

Your attorney files for the parentage order when available. Birth-certificate procedure depends on the delivery state.

Common questions

What intended parents ask first

See all questions

Ready to start your journey?

Whether you're just beginning to explore or ready to take your first step — we can help you find the right path.

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