How To Become a Surrogate

Gestational surrogacy is the process of an incredible and selfless person carrying a fertilized embryo to term, who shares no genetic relationship with them. This family-building method makes parenthood possible for intended parents who are unable to have a child for any variety of reasons from infertility to being LGBTQ+.

Gestational surrogacy involves an individual who carries a baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), using the intended parents' embryo, and has no genetic connection to the child. This modern approach to surrogacy creates a unique bond between the surrogate and the intended parents and sidesteps the legal and emotional complexities associated with traditional surrogacy.

In contrast, traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate using their own egg, making them the biological mother of the child. This can lead to intricate legal and emotional challenges, as the surrogate has a genetic link to the baby. Due to these complexities, our agency exclusively facilitates gestational surrogacy.

Gestational surrogates undergo IVF treatment to achieve pregnancy and are not genetically related to the child they carry. An embryo created by the intended parents is transferred into the surrogate's uterus by a fertility doctor. This is a low-impact procedure that doesn't require pain relief or anesthesia. Pregnancy is confirmed by blood test around 12 days after transfer.

The surrogacy process can be emotional and exhausting for the intended parents and surrogate, and there may be many difficult conversations. Understanding the challenges of coordinating independent surrogacy for everyone involved is essential, including the location and coordination of medical services, higher attorney fees, compensation distribution, and lack of third-party communication for unforseen challenges. Because of this, pursuing surrogacy without an agency is generally more challenging. 

It is quite common for partners to have a reaction to an endeavor with such a huge commitment associated with it. In many cases, partners may not understand all of what is involved in surrogacy or your aspirations to help complete another family. 

For Hatch, if surrogates are married, they are required to have the full support of their partner. 

Learn more about how to talk to your partner and family about becoming a surrogate ➜

There is a monetary allowance to meet with a counselor or mental health professional during and after the surrogacy.  We also hold support group meetings for surrogates and they are invited to our closed Facebook support group.

With our 30+ years of operation, we’ve established a reputation for creating best practices in the field and a network of the top fertility centers and medical clinics in the nation. As a surrogate at Hatch, you’ll receive full support from everyone, from knowledgeable, empathetic referred doctors to staff members—including those who have been surrogates themselves— available to answer any question. You’ll receive education, reminders, and support throughout your journey, and your coordinator is only one text away. The Hatch team is like a friend that listens, and a professional you trust. We genuinely care for your well-being, and you’ll receive the support you need when you need it. We have been known to go the extra mile for our surrogate family, from delivering needed medications in a true emergency to providing assurances at early hours in the morning when urgent concerns arise.

If you want to become a surrogate with Hatch, please fill out our online application. After your application has been received and reviewed, our surrogacy specialists will reach out with your next steps through the contact information provided.

Though we are based in Los Angeles, California, we work internationally! For surrogacy, you would be traveling to the IVF clinic that the intended parents you match with are using, not to our agency. *Please note your travel is covered for journey related reasons.

Yes, Hatch Fertility is highly trustworthy with over 30 years of experience in surrogacy and fertility services. We have a proven track record, a rigorous screening process for surrogates & donors, and offer comprehensive legal, medical, & emotional support. Our transparent communication and adherence to ethical practices ensure a reliable and safe surrogacy journey for both surrogates and intended parents.

We have the utmost respect for your beliefs, and it is important that you and your Intended Parents are in step for critical decisions like this. Unfortunately, we do not have any Intended Parents on our wait list who would be comfortable waiving their ability to make such an important medical decision regarding a child they will be raising. 

Terminations and reductions are extremely rare with more parents choosing to do single embryo transfers, and more parents using genetically-tested embryos both of which help to reduce risks (but do not eliminate them entirely).

Learn more about surrogacy terminations and reductions ➜

Yes, Hatch  encourages potential surrogates to reach out with any questions before starting the application process. Our team is available to provide information and help you understand what to expect from the surrogacy journey, ensuring you feel confident before applying. Feel free to contact us.

You can call our main line here anytime during the week: +1 818-791-1430.

Before applying, you may want to ask questions such as:

• What are the qualifications and requirements for surrogates?
• What kind of support will I receive throughout the process?
• How does compensation work, and what expenses are covered?
• What is the matching process like with intended parents?
• How long does the entire surrogacy process typically take?

Find this information from our agency about becoming a surrogate.

You should hear back if you qualified to become a surrogate in 1-2 business days after submitting your application.

These questions are included to shed light on an applicant's current relationship status to ensure a safe/supportive environment for the surrogate and baby. Applicants are not required to be in a relationship to be a surrogate, and many of the questions about your spouse/partner are not required if you are not comfortable answering them now.

Our screening process is designed to best prepare you for the journey ahead. After getting to know you through an initial screening call, your surrogate coordinator will take an in-depth review of your health history, personal background, and answer any questions you may have around this exciting time and educate you on what to expect throughout this journey.

In case of any complications, they need to have immediate access to medical care.  They need access to a LEVEL 2 NICU in the event that it is needed.  Surrogacy is about reducing risk and home births can come with complications.

Yes they need a OB clearance letter, a PAP and breast exam and it cannot be signed by a NP or midwife.

Intended parents often participate in the embryo transfer process in various ways. While some choose to be physically present, either flying or driving in for the occasion, others may join virtually through platforms like Zoom or FaceTime.

Medications can vary per clinic, however fertility medications for surrogacy usually consist of Progesterone, Estrogen, and occasional Lupron. Note each clinic has different requirements.

You must wait 6 months after a vaginal delivery or 1 year after a c-section prior to beginning your surrogacy journey. Though you can always apply sooner to get the process started.

Surrogate pay is calculated based on a variety of factors, including the surrogate’s state of residency, past surrogacy experience, lost wages, child care needs, and more. For first-time surrogates living in California, your base compensation will be no less than $66,100. However, for first-time surrogates outside of California, your base pay starts at $61,100, no matter what state you reside in to offset added travel costs for the intended parents. You will be provided with comprehensive compensation and benefits throughout your surrogacy journey at Hatch.
Learn about surrogate pay at hatch ➜

No, your journey will be fully covered by your intended parents. You will receive allowances to cover everyday expenses during the cycle and pregnancy. We do recommend keeping your receipts if you do have to pay any small out of pocket costs such as parking, to submit for reimbursement. This is not meant to be an out-of-pocket expense for you.

We don't give tax advice, you will need to speak with a tax rep in your state as to how to claim. Also, you will not receive a W2 from us and you are not an employee. Your payment comes from the intended parents escrow account.

Most agencies have a unique payment schedule where bonuses are included in the compensation package. With Hatch, you can expect to start receiving compensation as early as medical clearance from your chosen Intended Parent's IVF clinic. We offer one of the most competitive and comprehensive compensation packages in the field.

No. If you’re not sure if you have medical insurance coverage, Hatch refers to insurance experts who will investigate if your plan covers surrogacy. If your insurance plan does cover surrogacy, your intended parents will pay for your portion of the premium costs while using your policy for the surrogacy, as well as any copays, deductibles, and uncovered surrogacy medical expenses. If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry--your team at Hatch will work with an insurance expert to find a plan that covers you and your intended parents will cover any necessary costs.

Surrogacy law is complex and can differ from state to state in the US. For example, California is a highly surrogacy-friendly state, but others, such as Nebraska and Louisiana, are not. At Hatch, we only accept candidates from surrogacy friendly states and work with third party attorneys to ensure a smooth journey.

All surrogates are provided an attorney who specializes in surrogacy that they will have contact with throughout the surrogacy and Intended Parents pay for this. Intended Parents will have a separate attorney to represent them.

 We can only accept US citizens, people with permanent resident card, or people with a green card with at least 5-year expiration. 

We can work with surrogates who are US citizens or permanent residents whose residency is at least 2 years from expiring. If you do not have permanent residency while waiting for citizenship, we cannot work with you currently, sorry. We can also work with women who have their green card, if it is at least 2 years from expiring. 

You must stop breastfeeding only 2 months before becoming a surrogate, and that can occur during the screening process. 

Yes, many surrogates continue working during their surrogacy journey. However, it's important to discuss your job demands with your surrogate coordinator and medical team to ensure your work environment and responsibilities align with a healthy pregnancy. Depending on your job, there may be times during the pregnancy, particularly around medical appointments or after the embryo transfer, when you may need to take time off or limit strenuous activities.

Yes, but with some restrictions. During certain phases of the surrogacy process—especially before and after the embryo transfer—there are specific medical guidelines that will need to be followed, which include abstaining from sex for a certain period. Your fertility doctor will provide clear instructions regarding when it's safe to resume normal activities, including sexual relations, to ensure the best outcome for the pregnancy.

While there isn't a strict "surrogate diet," surrogates are encouraged to follow a healthy, balanced diet similar to one they'd follow during their own pregnancies. This includes eating nutritious, whole foods and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol, excessive caffeine, and raw or undercooked foods. Hatch Fertility offers guidance on prenatal nutrition, and you'll work with your medical team to ensure you’re supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Explaining surrogacy to your children can be a positive and educational experience. Many surrogates explain that they are helping another family who cannot have a baby on their own. You can emphasize that the baby isn't a part of your family, but you're helping it grow before returning it to its parents. Hatch Fertility provides resources and guidance to help surrogates talk to their children about this process in an age-appropriate way, making sure it's a supportive and understanding conversation. 

On average, it takes around three months for a surrogate to match with intended parents. The length of the process depends on the criteria of the surrogate and intended parents. Some matches are almost immediate, while others take time to curate and find exactly what everyone is looking for. 

Learn more about our surrogate matching process

Yes, absolutely! You and the intended parents will both have the opportunity to opt-in or opt-out of the surrogacy-intended parent match, and you will always have the opportunity to meet your intended parents via video conference before solidifying the match and can continue to meet in-person or virtually throughout the journey together. If you both feel good about the match and decide to proceed together, we encourage you to stay in open communication throughout the surrogacy process. The best part of being a surrogate is interacting with the parents and seeing their joy and excitement.

Note: We do not facilitate anonymous surrogacies.

With any pregnancy, there is a certain amount of physical, emotional, or mental risks. Fortunately, additional risks for negative effects are very rare for surrogates. Most women talk about how much they enjoyed the experience and want to do it again after completing a surrogacy journey.

During surrogacy and after, we offer an allowance for counselor sessions if you need it. In addition, we have monthly support groups and a Facebook group for community support.

Breastfeeding is discussed in the match call, up to both parties comfortability.  There is also the option of pumping and shipping the milk.

Your health is the most important part of the surrogacy journey. Because of this, you must meet certain requirements established by fertility experts including:

• Between the ages of 21-42
• Max BMI of 32
• Previous, uncomplicated and healthy pregnancies
• Good physical and mental health history

Laws for surrogacy vary from state to state, so your place of residency may also impact your eligibility. 

Learn more about our Surrogate Requirements & Qualifications

Yes, alcohol and/or drug abuse, even if it was in the past, disqualifies you from becoming a surrogate. 

Though we encourage you to reach out with questions about medical disqualifications, these medical conditions typically will disqualify you from becoming a surrogate:

• Cholestasis
• Endometriosis
• High blood pressure
• MS
• PCOS
• Preeclampsia in your most recent pregnancy
• HIV and Hepatitis
• Unicornuate or bicornuate uterus

We would encourage you to inquire with specifics about your mental health, but there are some disorders and mental health medications that would not allow you to become a surrogate:

• Bipolar 
• Sever panic disorder
• Unable or unwilling to stop anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medication during pregnancy

For the safety and health of the surrogate and child we do require a healthy pregnancy history. 

6 previous pregnancies is the maximum number we can accept.

You can have had 2 previous c-sections before becoming a surrogate.

We service Gestational Surrogacy meaning the surrogate does not use her own eggs and has no genetic relation to the child. In this scenario, many women can carry a healthy pregnancy up to age 42.

No, that would not be a disqualification! 

Yes! You can still apply and this would not be a disqualification! 

Yes! You can still apply to become a surrogate if you had gestational diabetes if it was diet controlled and not medicine controlled. If it were medicine controlled, that would be a disqualification.

Your most recent pregnancy needs to be at least 37 weeks, unless it was a twin pregnancy. However, we would still like to know more about the specifics, to really tell us if it would be a disqualification.

No, you can have up to 2 -- however we need to see how far along and if it was most recent pregnancy and other info, but normally, one miscarriage is not a disqualification.

We would need more information to determine that such as how long ago and what treatments were used. 

Unfortunately, no. You would need to stop the depo shots and have 2 regular periods, but you can absolutely be on birth control pills. If you are interested, feel free to complete our application to see if you qualify, before talking with your doctor about changing your medication.

You can be a surrogate after tubal ligation as it doesn't prevent a successful embryo implantation in the uterus for gestational surrogates.

No, you do not need to be vaccinated for COVID to become a surrogate!

Yes, you can still become a surrogate if you have HSV1 or HSV2 if you have not had breakout or used antivirals within 1 year of applying. 

You must be tobacco free for at least one year prior to becoming    a surrogate. However, if you smoked during a previous pregnancy, that would be an automatic disqualification.

This can vary based on medical history, but no major surgeries within one year.

Surrogates cannot be on any psychological medication during their most recent pregnancy and they cannot be currently dependent on any medication without willing to wean off of, except for Hypothyroidism. 

We have worked with multiple deaf surrogates in the past and can set up a call with you using a TTY system. You can use the same link to set up a call, but you should also fill out our surrogate application, if you have not already done so.

No, sorry, that would be a disqualification for surrogacy.