Surrogacy 101: How Does Surrogacy Work?

In recent years, surrogacy has become a common way to start or grow a family for people who are unable to do so on their own. If you’re looking to learn more about gestational surrogacy, often simply called surrogacy, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will explain all about how surrogacy works.  

What Is Surrogacy? 

Surrogacy is the process by which a woman, called a gestational surrogate, bears a child for another person or couple, referred to as intended parents. 

• Gestational surrogacy, the most common type of surrogacy today, involves the surrogate becoming pregnant via in vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs that are not her own. She is not genetically related to the baby she carries.  

• Traditional surrogacy involves a surrogate becoming pregnant using her own eggs that are fertilized through intrauterine insemination (IUI). She has a genetic connection to the baby. 

Altruistic vs. Compensated Surrogacy 

When arranging a gestational surrogacy, there are 2 options: 

• Compensated surrogacy is when the surrogate receives payment for her services. The intended parents pay all medical costs in this arrangement, and the parties typically work with a surrogacy agency, like Circle.  

• Altruistic surrogacy is when the surrogate, often a friend or relative of the intended parents, receives no payment outside of reimbursement for medical expenses. 

  
  

The majority of surrogacy arrangements, including Circle’s, involve compensated surrogacy. 

How Does Surrogacy Work?  

Surrogacy is a complicated yet beautiful and life-changing journey. While it is possible to pursue surrogacy independently, a full-service agency like Circle provides invaluable support and guidance throughout the journey. 

The actual length of the process depends on your personal preferences and situation, but an average journey lasts 24 to 27 months (estimates are provided). 

1. Agency (1 – 2 months): Complete an intended parent application, have a consultation, and sign on with an agency. Circle offers complimentary initial consultations and can help you find an egg donor, if needed. 

2. Clinic (timeline varies): Choose an IVF clinic, if you have not done so already. 

3. Surrogate (timeline varies): Choose a surrogate. Circle’s proprietary MatchMade™ process has made thousands of successful matches. 

4. Medical and legal (3 – 4 months): This step includes surrogate medical screening and preparation, embryo transfer, contract negotiations, and establishment of your parental rights. 

5. Pregnancy (9 months): Support your surrogate through pregnancy by joining her for medical appointments and ultrasounds, creating a birth plan, and preparing the nursery. 

6. Parenthood: Begin parenthood with your new baby! Our team will support you as you leave the hospital and bring your baby home. 

   
   

How To Find a Surrogate 

Intended parents looking to do surrogacy have 3 options for finding a surrogate: 

• A family member or friend offers to be your surrogate. 

• A surrogacy agency matches you with a qualified surrogate. 

• Surrogacy forums and social match groups connect you with potential surrogates. 

  
  

Using a Surrogacy Agency 

A surrogacy agency will help you find a surrogate who is a good legal fit and who has a compatible personality and similar views on termination. Intended parents fill out Parent Profiles, answering questions and sharing anecdotes and photos of themselves and their family. This, paired with conversations with their Program Coordinator, helps the agency find the right surrogate match. Circle Surrogacy has a high success rate on the first match presented for surrogates and intended parents. 

Using Your Own Surrogate 

Intended parents who find a surrogate on their own are still encouraged to use professional surrogacy resources to manage their journey. Some agencies, such as Circle Surrogacy, have surrogacy programs for intended parents who have found their own gestational surrogate. In these cases, the agency provides the necessary professional guidance, legal and accounting work, medical billing, and social work support. 

At Circle Surrogacy, we have helped to bring over 3,800 babies into the world, growing over 1,500 families all over the world. Also, 44% of Circle’s staff are experienced surrogates, egg donors, or parents through surrogacy, IVF, or adoption. We are always available to speak with you about our experiences, surrogacy options, and programs—and just to answer questions. Contact Circle; we’re happy to help!