If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate mother, you may have questions like “what is surrogacy?” and “who can be a surrogate mother?” The following FAQ should help you find answers to these and other burning questions.
General
What is a surrogate mother?
A surrogate mother is a woman who agrees to carry a baby to term for the purpose of giving that child to a set of intended parents. Surrogate mothers are commonly used by couples who suffer from infertility (or otherwise choose not to conceive on their own) to have and raise genetically related children.
How much does a surrogate make?
The amount of money a surrogate can make depends upon the agency, the mother’s health, the number of pregnancies, and various other details.
Why would you want to be a surrogate mother?
There are many reasons for being a surrogate mother, so it depends on the individual. The common thread all surrogates share is a desire to help couples have the biological children they dream of.
What’s the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?
In traditional surrogacy, the egg is provided by the surrogate, making the baby the surrogate mother’s biological offspring. In gestational surrogacy, the egg is donated by the intended mother, and the embryo is implanted in the surrogate by In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
What’s a gestational carrier/what is a surrogate pregnancy?
A gestational carrier is a woman who becomes pregnant with the genetic offspring of the intended parents in gestational surrogacy. A traditional surrogate pregnancy is the carrying of an embryo formed by impregnating the surrogate with the intended father’s sperm.
Why choose 3 Sisters Surrogacy?
We are the only surrogacy agency that has two highly educated career infertility specialists on staff, as well as 35+ years of experience in the field. For women looking to become gestational surrogates, we offer competitive compensation packages and a variety of resources and staff support throughout your pregnancy.
Requirements
What are the requirements for becoming a surrogate mother?
3 Sisters Surrogacy requires that all prospective gestational surrogate mothers must meet the following guidelines:
- Age 21-39
- A resident of a surrogacy-friendly state (e.g., Texas)
- Previously has delivered a live child at full term
- Has undergone a thorough medical exam to determine physical and gestational health
- Both the surrogate and any spouse/partner(s) must pass a psychological evaluation and a full criminal background check
- Has a lawyer not the same as that of the intended parents, and has all legal contracts signed by the surrogate’s legal spouse, if applicable
- Has health insurance that covers 8 weeks post-delivery (must be purchased by intended parents if the surrogate does not have it)
Can I still be a gestational carrier if I’ve had my tubes tied?
Yes! Having your tubes “tied” only affects your body’s ability to release eggs for insemination, not your body’s ability to take up an embryo in the womb. Because 3 Sisters Surrogacy only employs gestational carriers and not traditional surrogates, there is no need for you to provide an egg.
Do STI/STDs disqualify me?
Possibly, but it depends. You will, of course, be asked to complete a medical exam that includes a pap smear, vaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and blood testing for infectious disease as part of the application process to be a gestational surrogate. Any spouse or partner(s) will also be required to undergo this blood testing.
Bills
Who pays the bills?
Pregnancy can be expensive, and the toll on the surrogate can be great. All medical bills should be covered primarily by your health insurance, but any other medical expenses directly related to your pregnancy will be covered by the intended parents (including insurance co-pays).
Other
Do you have a question you didn’t see listed here?
Contact us directly; we’re here to help! We look forward to hearing from you.
