Frequently Asked Questions

Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (the surrogate) carries and delivers a child for another person or couple (the intended parents). In gestational surrogacy (the most common type), the surrogate has no genetic relationship to the child - the embryo is created using the intended parents' or donors' genetic material.

Surrogacy costs vary significantly depending on the country and agency:

• USA: $120,000 - $200,000+
• Ukraine: €50,000 - €70,000
• Georgia: €45,000 - €65,000
• Cyprus: €70,000 - €90,000

Costs typically include medical procedures (IVF), agency fees, surrogate compensation, legal fees, insurance, and travel expenses.

Surrogacy legality varies by country and even by state/region:

• Legal with regulation: USA (most states), Ukraine, Georgia, Canada (altruistic only), UK (altruistic only)
• Prohibited: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China
• Legal gray area: Many countries have no specific laws

Always consult with a surrogacy attorney familiar with your home country's laws and the country where you plan to pursue surrogacy.

The complete surrogacy journey typically takes 15-24 months from start to birth:

• Agency selection and application: 1-2 months
• Surrogate matching: 1-6 months
• Medical and legal preparation: 2-4 months
• Embryo transfer and pregnancy: 9-10 months
• Birth and legal finalization: 1-3 months

Success rates vary by agency and clinic, but top agencies report:

• Pregnancy rate per embryo transfer: 60-80%
• Live birth rate per cycle: 50-75%
• Overall success rate (with multiple attempts): 90-99%

Success rates depend on factors like embryo quality, surrogate health, and clinic expertise.

Yes! Many agencies specialize in helping LGBTQ+ couples and single parents. However, legality varies by country. Countries friendly to LGBTQ+ surrogacy include:

• USA (most states)
• Canada
• UK (altruistic)
• Some other countries with specific conditions

Note: Some countries like Ukraine and Georgia restrict surrogacy to heterosexual married couples only.

Surrogates undergo comprehensive medical and psychological screening:

• Complete medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests (infectious diseases, blood type, hormones)
• Uterine evaluation (ultrasound, hysteroscopy)
• Psychological evaluation
• Drug and nicotine screening
• Background checks

Legal protections vary by jurisdiction but typically include:

• Surrogacy contracts outlining rights and responsibilities
• Pre-birth or post-birth parentage orders
• Insurance policies covering medical complications
• Escrow accounts for financial transparency

Always work with experienced surrogacy attorneys in both the surrogacy country and your home country.

Consider these factors when selecting an agency:

• Success rates and track record
• Transparency in pricing and processes
• Quality of support services (legal, medical, emotional)
• Client reviews and testimonials
• Years of experience and number of journeys completed
• Specialization (LGBTQ+, international IPs, etc.)

Use our rankings to compare agencies based on verified data.

Yes, most agencies facilitate meetings between intended parents and surrogates. This can be:

• In-person meetings
• Video calls
• Regular updates throughout pregnancy
• Presence at key medical appointments and birth (if desired)

The level of contact is typically agreed upon by both parties during the matching process.