Your Simple Guide to the Gestational Surrogacy Process

Gestational surrogacy is a beautiful way for individuals and couples to build their families when they

can't do so on their own. While the gestational surrogacy process may seem complex, understanding the key steps can make it easier to navigate.

This guide will explain a bit about gestational surrogacy and then walk you through the entire journey—from selecting a surrogacy agency and matching with a surrogate to legal considerations, medical procedures, and welcoming your baby home. With the right information and support, you can approach gestational surrogacy with confidence and excitement.

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

In gestational surrogacy, an embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material and is then implanted in a surrogate who carries the baby to term.

Traditional Surrogacy vs Gestational Surrogacy

Surrogacy can be divided into two main types: gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy.

• Gestational surrogacy is the most common form today. With this type of surrogacy, intended parents use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos. These embryos are then transferred to a surrogate, also called a gestational carrier, who carries the pregnancy to term but has no genetic link to the child.

• Traditional surrogacy, in comparison, involves a surrogate who conceives through artificial insemination and is genetically related to the child she carries.

At Circle, we exclusively offer gestational surrogacy services.

Choosing An Agency

When it comes to choosing a surrogacy agency to work with, we encourage you to ask questions about what exactly the agency offers. Many agencies will come with their own agency fee, so it’s important to understand what you are and are not getting from an agency before you choose them to help you grow your family. 

Here at Circle, we are a full-service agency. With us, your fee will cover an in-depth application process and screening services, personalized matching services, information coordination, emotional support during and after your surrogate’s pregnancy, post-journey communication, and post-birth travel plans. 

​Here are some reasons previous and current intended parents chose Circle Surrogacy:

·         We're a full-service agency.

·         We encourage relationships between parents, surrogates, and egg donors.

·         We practice a high-quality process for screening our surrogates and donors.

·         We offer an all-inclusive fixed cost program: The Journey Protection™ Program.

·         44% of our staff have personal experience with surrogacy, egg donation, IVF, and adoption.

When it comes to choosing an agency to expand your family through gestational surrogacy, knowing what to ask and what to prioritize is vital to making the best decision for you.

Matching With a Gestational Carrier

For three decades, we have matched thousands of intended parents with highly qualified surrogates. Through our proprietary matching approach, MatchMade™, we focus on three key components to help encourage a positive surrogate match:

·         Customized parent preparation resources

·         Proven framework to focus on genuine compatibility

·         Foundational support for a healthy relationship

Through nurtured preparation, prioritizing genuine compatibility, and fostering healthy relationships between the intended parents and gestational carrier, or surrogate, we ensure you find the right match for you.

Legal Considerations

Our in-house legal team works with local attorneys to ensure you are matched with a surrogate in a state where the legal steps required to establish your parental rights can be completed. After you match with your ideal gestational carrier, we facilitate contract negotiations with independent legal counsel representing your surrogate.

We continue to work closely with attorneys in the surrogate’s home state to carry out the legal processes needed to secure your parental rights. Depending on your specific circumstances, this legal process may involve a pre-birth order, a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, a judgment of paternity, a custody order, or an adoption.

Medical Procedures

When it comes to gestational surrogacy, the only medical procedure that you might undergo, as an intended parent, is the egg retrieval process. If able, intended mothers may use their own eggs to create embryos, which will then be implanted into your gestational carrier. 

Welcoming Your Baby Home

Once your gestational carrier delivers your baby and the baby is released from the hospital, you are free to take your baby home! Many of our U.S. parents travel home within a few days of their baby’s discharge, while our international parents might wait a bit longer (4 weeks or so). 

You might have a hard time saying “goodbye” to your surrogate, but trust that the bond you will build is unlike any other. We often encourage our intended parents to make sure your incredible surrogate gets a moment to say goodbye to your baby, whom she’s cared for so wonderfully until she was able to give them back to you.  

We understand that this process, while exciting, might feel overwhelming. For this very reason, intended parents choose to work with Circle and our experienced and passionate team, who will be there for you even post-birth. 

Is Gestational Surrogacy Right For You?

Gestational surrogacy is an incredible option for intended parents to grow their dream families if they are unable to carry a baby themselves. Circle is a full-service agency that promises to make your experience with gestational surrogacy as seamless and positive as possible. If you are interested in getting started on this journey and finding the right gestational carrier for you, complete our intended parent application today!