Top Questions Intended Parents Ask About Surrogacy — Answered

Starting a surrogacy journey is exciting, emotional, and often filled with unknowns. It’s normal for intended parents to wonder how the process works, what to expect medically and legally, and how to choose the right surrogate and agency.

At Physician’s Surrogacy—the only OB-managed surrogacy agency in the U.S.—our mission is to give you clarity and confidence from the very beginning. Below, we answer the top questions intended parents ask about surrogacy, combining medical expertise with clear, compassionate guidance.

Key Takeaways:

• Gestational surrogacy uses IVF, and the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.
• Thorough medical, psychological, and social screening helps ensure surrogates are fully ready for a healthy pregnancy.
• Most U.S. journeys fall between $140,000 and $180,000, shaped by medical care, legal steps, insurance, and agency support.
• Legal protections matter—including a gestational carrier agreement and a Pre- or Post-Birth Order that secures your parental rights.
• You stay closely involved during pregnancy through regular updates, key appointments, and clear communication plans.
• OB-GYN guidance throughout the process gives intended parents a more structured, medically informed surrogacy experience.

What Is Surrogacy and How Does It Work?

Surrogacy is a family-building method where a gestational carrier (surrogate) carries a baby for intended parents through IVF.

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby. The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended mother’s or donor’s egg and the intended father’s or donor’s sperm. The intended parents assume full parental responsibility from birth.

National IVF data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers insight into treatment outcomes and success rates; you can explore the latest figures from all reporting clinics here.

How Do You Find and Match with a Surrogate?

Finding the right surrogate is one of the most important decisions intended parents make. Many intended parents choose to work with a surrogacy agency to help coordinate screening, matching, and communication. 

Before a surrogate is introduced to intended parents, she typically undergoes comprehensive medical, psychological, and social evaluations.

These evaluations help confirm that a candidate is medically ready for pregnancy and fully understands the commitment involved. Once cleared, her profile may be presented for matching.

As you move toward the matching phase, it’s helpful to review the key questions to ask your prospective surrogate to ensure alignment and compatibility.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?

Surrogacy costs vary widely, but many U.S. journeys fall within a general range of $140,000 to $180,000. 

These costs are shaped by factors such as surrogate compensation, medical needs, legal requirements, insurance considerations, the intended parents’ IVF plan, and more:

Cost Component	What It Includes	Why It Matters
Medical Care	IVF procedures, embryo transfer, monitoring, medications	Covers clinical steps to achieve and maintain pregnancy
Surrogate Compensation & Support	Base compensation, monthly allowance, maternity-related needs	Ensures the surrogate is supported throughout the journey
Legal Services	Gestational carrier agreement, parental rights, court filings	Protects intended parents and ensures legal clarity
Insurance & Related Expenses	Medical insurance, supplemental policies, out-of-pocket limits	Helps manage pregnancy-related healthcare costs
Agency Services	Screening, matching, coordination, case management	Supports communication, logistics, and milestone tracking

Because every journey is medically and personally unique, Physician’s Surrogacy provides a personalized, transparent cost breakdown during consultation—rather than generalized itemized numbers that don’t reflect your specific situation.

To help you budget confidently, we also offer guidance on preparing financially for surrogacy, including considerations for insurance, savings, and planning timelines.

What Are the Legal Requirements?

Surrogacy laws vary significantly across states and countries, making legal guidance essential. Your journey typically includes:

• A gestational carrier agreement
• Establishing parental rights
• Pre-Birth or Post-Birth Orders (depending on your state)
• Hospital and delivery coordination
• Post-birth documentation and discharge planning

Ethical and legal best practices for gestational surrogacy are guided by nationally recognized frameworks, including the ASRM guidelines on gestational surrogacy, which outline protections for intended parents and surrogates.

Physician’s Surrogacy partners with reproductive law experts to ensure your rights are protected at every step. Our physician-led structure ensures the legal, medical, and psychological sides of the journey remain aligned.

How Are Intended Parents Involved During Pregnancy?

Intended parents remain actively informed and involved throughout the pregnancy. Agencies and clinical teams provide updates after appointments, including ultrasound findings and milestone reports. Many intended parents choose to attend key visits virtually or in person.

Some agencies also offer additional prenatal testing options, such as Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), which can provide early insights into fetal health and development. 

How often you communicate with the surrogate is typically discussed during matching and outlined in the legal agreement, allowing both sides to set expectations in advance.

Is Surrogacy Emotionally Difficult?

Surrogacy can bring a blend of optimism, relief, and understandable uncertainty, especially for intended parents who have previously faced infertility or loss.

Many find that having structured communication, consistent updates, and clear expectations helps the experience feel steadier and more predictable. 

Emotional clarity can also come from understanding why surrogacy aligns with your family-building goals, which we discuss in our guide on why some intended parents choose surrogacy as their path to parenthood. 

Over time, most families describe the journey as meaningful and deeply rewarding, particularly once they feel supported at each step.

What Happens After the Baby Is Born?

Immediately after birth, the baby is placed with the intended parents. Hospitals and agencies typically prepare for this in advance so the transition is smooth and emotionally supportive for everyone involved.

A Pre-Birth or Post-Birth Order establishes legal parentage, allowing the intended parents’ names to appear directly on the birth certificate. 

For international families, agencies often assist with the documentation and coordination needed for newborn travel, as well as offering optional in-hospital support during the stay.

FAQs: Quick Answers for Intended Parents

What is surrogacy in simple terms?
Surrogacy allows a gestational carrier to carry a baby for intended parents using IVF, with no genetic link between the surrogate and the child.

How does surrogacy work for intended parents?
You create embryos through IVF, match with a medically screened surrogate, complete legal agreements, and receive ongoing pregnancy updates.

How do I choose the right surrogate?
Choose an agency that performs comprehensive medical, psychological, and legal screening—preferably one led by OB-GYNs.

Is surrogacy safe?
Yes. Surrogates undergo extensive physician-led screening and prenatal monitoring to ensure a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Can LGBTQ+ families pursue surrogacy?
Absolutely. Surrogacy is accessible to all family structures, including same-sex couples, single intended parents, and trans parents.

How much does surrogacy cost?
Costs vary. Intended parents receive a personalized financial overview during consultation.

How involved am I during the pregnancy?
You’ll receive updates, attend key appointments, and collaborate on the birth plan.

What happens after birth?
Your baby is placed with you immediately, and legal parentage is confirmed per state law.

Begin Your Surrogacy Journey with Confidence

Surrogacy becomes easier to navigate when the process is supported by clinical insight rather than guesswork. 

At Physician’s Surrogacy, OB-GYNs help shape the key medical steps, from early screening to ongoing monitoring, so intended parents receive guidance rooted in real clinical practice. This structure brings clarity to a journey that can otherwise feel complex or uncertain. 

To review how this structured approach applies to your circumstances, you’re welcome to schedule a consultation whenever you’re ready.