A gestational surrogate is inspired to help someone else create a family. Gestational carriers have had successful uncomplicated pregnancies of their own and see the opportunity to share the gift of parenthood as something within their capabilities to do. They become pregnant with the embryos that belong to the intended parents.

The embryos could contain the egg and sperm of the parents or some combination of donor egg/sperm. The pregnancy is achieved by the medical technology of IVF and the gestational carrier undergoes an embryo transfer and then carries the pregnancy to term for the parents.

Surrogate candidates undergo an in-depth series of interviews, data collection of medical records, criminal background check and program participation screening, to become educated and understand that gestational surrogacy is right for them and their family to undergo. After being screened by the agency, gestational carriers are introduced to potential intended parents or" matched" after reviewing a profile from the intended parents, the match meeting will be facilitated by the agency to solidify the party's decision making agree and the agreements become the basis of the gestational carrier legal agreement.

Surrogates then have comprehensive medical evaluations for overall health and an evaluation of their uterine cavity with the fertility doctor that has assisted the intended parents in creating embryos. Upon receiving medical clearance, the intended parents' attorney drafts a gestational carrier agreement, and the surrogate is represented by her own attorney who specializes in assisted reproduction law. When contracts are in place and all money needed to cover the expenses and fees of the gestational carrier have been placed in the client expense fund. Then the medication, pills, patches and injections) to achieve a pregnancy can start.

It takes approx. 30-45 days of medication before the gestational carrier's body is ready for the optimal timing to receive the parents' embryos. A pregnancy test 14 days after transfer will determine if the pregnancy was achieved and is progressing successfully (if not pregnant you will repeat the cycling process again with the IVF doctors office.)

The gestational carrier remains under the care of the IVF physician for several weeks into the pregnancy while she continues medication to support the development of the pregnancy. Near the end of the first trimester, she will transition to her own OB covered by insurance for the remainder of the pregnancy and give birth with the intended parents in attendance and celebrate their successful journey.

Any pregnancy can carry a physical risk. Be sure to talk with your doctor about becoming pregnant again. Most surrogates are complete with having any more children. If you were to lose the ability to become pregnant again would that be a difficulty for you and your partner/husband. Consider if the timing is right to be a surrogate now. Other challenges can be you may not get pregnant on the first try and will have to undergo the medical cycling again until you are pregnant. Most surrogates are used to conceiving without trying, Surrogacy is a complex emotional and logistical process and there may be issues that arise between the parties. That is what a good agency with industry experience is for. To help navigate the challenging parts of surrogacy. We have help thousands of people through the surrogacy process and are here to help every step of the way.

The matching process is guided by the desires of the parents and surrogates, style and expectations of contact thru the process, location in relationship to each other or the fertility clinic, desires to participate in the surrogacy journey together, all the legal and medical decision making must also be mutually agreed upon in the matching process. The agency will introduce you to intended parents that we feel will be a good fit together for a happy surrogacy journey.

In-Vitro Fertilization embryo transfer is how a gestational carrier becomes pregnant. Your eggs are not involved. You are not biologically related to the surrogacy baby in anyway.

An experienced reproductive law attorney will draft a contract on behalf of the intended parents. You will be provided with a referral of gestational surrogacy attorney that will be representing you in the contract drafting process. They will provide detailed consultation for you and your partner or husband, so you fully understand the legal  details and agreements and expectations for all parties.

Our financial benefit package is inclusive and easy to understand. No receipts records or proof of expenses. $500.00 monthly expense allowance paid to you monthly after your legal contracts are signed, covers anything that you might spend or incur to attend appointments related to your surrogacy journey. Surrogate compensation is paid to you in monthly allotments after you are officially confirmed pregnant by the IVF doctor. There are 10 monthly payments of $5,000.00 paid to you while you are pregnant. The balance of your compensation will be paid to you per the contract after you deliver. With Choice® if you deliver after 28 weeks of gestation you will receive your entire surrogacy compensation. If you deliver prior to 28 weeks you will receive your payments disbursed so far and two additional payments after birth of child. If the doctor orders bedrest to be off work you will also receive your lost wages covered through your program with Choice®.

The rights of a gestational carrier are fully outlined in the gestational carrier agreement. You are the pregnant person, and your medical care is focused with your health and wellbeing in mind. Even though you are carrying the parent's baby, and they have legal rights to the child based upon current legal parentage actions. What happens during the pregnancy regarding decision making for number of embryos to transfer, prenatal screening, amniocentesis and pregnancy termination in the event of a birth defect or abnormality are all discussed and agreed upon at the time of your match meeting that is facilitated by the agency. Surrogacy journeys are successful with people working together with clear expectations and mutually agreement on difficult scenarios that may occur in any surrogacy journey long before you start medications to become pregnant.

Gestational carriers are healthy mothers with successful pregnancy histories. Typical prenatal practices apply to your surrogate pregnancy as well. No smoking, vaping, alcohol, drug use. All prescription medication should be discussed with your doctors at each step of the process. During the IVF process there may be some restrictions and the doctor and nurse coordinator will review all of these at the time of your medical screening. Surrogacy is not the right time to get new piercings or tattoos.

We need you to wait for at least a year after your last piercing/tattoo before you start the surrogacy process. If you are single you must have any new potential sexual partner medically screened at any time during the surrogacy process. In the final phase of your pregnancy, it will be important that you stay in your home state, and no travel so you are near the hospital of choice so no mishap's with being in a different legal environment with an accidental unplanned birth.

Every case is different. Some surrogates and intended parents are cordial and professional and connect more via text and emails at highlights in the surrogacy journey. You have your own life and are busy with your kids and families and intended parents respect your time and own life commitments. Some cases are super involved and at each appointment.

Parents come from all walks of life and personal experiences that have lead them to surrogacy to have a child. Some have experienced loss and grief of their own pregnancies and may wait until they see and hold their baby to know that it is real. Some have known their only way to have a child is through surrogacy, and they are thrilled at the opportunity of sharing each step, kick and craving. In any respect Choice is there to take care of you and be your steady connection to focus on the end goal of the magic of giving birth to your surrogate baby.

Choice has helped thousands of cases in over 30 years of being involved with surrogacy. We will work to get you the best care needed and coordinate with specialist who can support you and the parents through any complication that might arise.

The intended parents that you will be matched with have already invested time and money in creating embryos with their chosen IVF doctor you will be getting pregnant by their reproductive specialist but the doctor who will care for your pregnancy is your choice to make. We ask that you choose a doctor that is covered on the insurance plan that Choice will evaluate during your screening process. If you do not have suitable insurance to cover a surrogate pregnancy Choice will assist you in the process of securing the best policy for your necessary coverage.

Is your family supportive of you doing surrogacy and being pregnant? Do you have the time away for a few appointments for the screening transfer, and birth? Is everything in your life at a good stable place. No big moves of home or state location, during your surrogacy etc. No job changes. Be sure that you are comfortable with the injections and medication involved with getting pregnant.

Are you able to return calls and emails during your workday as most of the surrogacy agency interaction and fertility clinic coordination will be during the work day? Communication is key. We ask that you respond if we or the ivf clinic reaches out on the same day. Just ask all of your questions and we will be there to support you even after hours or in an emergency.

Choosing the right surrogacy agency is crucial for a successful and smooth gestational surrogacy journey. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a surrogacy agency that is right for you:

Reputation and Experience: Look for surrogacy agencies with a solid reputation and a track record of successful matches and journeys. Research reviews and testimonials from previous gestational surrogates and intended parents to gauge the agency's credibility. Ask to talk to a prior surrogate. They are always willing to share their experience.

Support and Guidance: Ensure that the agency provides comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire surrogacy process. This includes emotional support, legal guidance, and medical assistance and coordination during the conception process, pregnancy and delivery.

Communication: Choose an agency that values open and transparent communication. You should feel comfortable discussing your concerns and asking questions at any stage of the surrogacy journey. This is a whole new process you shouldn't be expected to know any of what you are encountering.

Matching Process: Inquire about how the agency matches gestational surrogates with intended parents. Make sure the agency considers your preferences, values, and expectations when making a match.

Legal Expertise: Verify that the surrogacy agency works with experienced legal professionals who can ensure that all contracts and agreements are fair and legally binding for the state you live in and will give birth.

Financial Transparency: Understand the agency's compensation structure and ensure that there are no hidden costs. A reputable agency should provide clear information about compensation, expenses, and financial obligations. There should be no expense to you going through a surrogacy pregnancy to help intended parents to create their child.

Location: Consider the location of the surrogacy agency and whether it aligns with your preferences. Some gestational surrogates prefer working with agencies that are local or within a reasonable distance. Most agencies work virtually so the location doesn't matter. Choice likes to attend your major appts, screenings, transfers and births.

Personalized Care: opt for an agency that offers personalized care and tailors the surrogacy journey to meet your individual needs and preferences. Are you a number or do you feel that you are served as the most important person in that moment.

By considering these factors when choosing a surrogacy agency, you can find one that aligns with your values, expectations, and needs for a successful gestational surrogacy journey. If you have any more questions or need further guidance on this feel free to ask.