If you are thinking of becoming a surrogate, you probably have many questions! We have answers. Our Surrogate FAQ section answers the questions that we receive from prospective surrogates. If you have a question that we haven't answered here, please contact us or start an application if you're ready to take the first step.
A. Intended Parents choose surrogacy because of their strong desire to have a family with a genetic link and because they are unable to carry a child on their own. Some women have physical abnormalities or health conditions that make carrying a child risky or impossible. Some women have unique professional circumstances (ei: models, actors, performers, etc.) that lead them to surrogacy. Same-sex male couples turn to surrogacy as they would be unable to carry a child themselves. In all of these situations, the intended parent(s) require the assistance of a surrogate in order to fulfill their dreams of parenthood.
A. Becoming a surrogate means providing a gift of unparalleled compassion for those experiencing infertility. Most women become surrogates in order to help others create a family and fulfill a dream parenthood. While surrogates will typically "love being pregnant" and have had easy pregnancies and deliveries in the past, compensation for time and effort is essential. In gratitude for the gift they are providing, the intended parents financially compensate surrogates with a lucrative care package. Surrogacy compensation allows women the opportunity to do things that they otherwise may find difficult. Common examples of things that become possible for a surrogate include launching her own business, putting a down payment on a new home, paying off debt, traveling the world, or the ability to stay home with her young children.
A. Absolutely! Tubal ligation (aka having your tubes tied) will not affect your ability to be a surrogate.
Yes. But you will have to wait until you stop breastfeeding to start any medication for the transfer of the embryo to your womb. In the meantime, we can start the matching and legal process. We will determine a timetable based on when you will stop breastfeeding your child.
A. Yes, but there is a limit to the number of c/section deliveries before the physician will decide it is unsafe to have more c/ sections or consider a v- back delivery. Usually around 3 c/ sections the physician will decide it is unsafe to have more
A. It depends. Which antidepressant you take, and the severity of your depression or anxiety based on a judgement by a mental-health professional will determine your suitability to surrogacy. Your mental health is of utmost importance, and if a mental-health professional feels you will be at risk with surrogacy, they will not allow you to participate. Your hormones will fluctuate and the surrogacy itself can cause emotional stress. Your past history and the situation(s) that lead up to your treatment will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A. We will take this case by case, but as a generality we are unable to accept applicants who have experienced postpartum depression. Depending on the severity of the depression, this is a risky situation to the surrogate mom and we don't want to put you at any risk. If your symptoms were mild and you have a safe environment in your home today, we may consider moving forward with your surrogacy, based on the opinion of medical professionals.
A. Yes definitely. Surrogates are financially compensated for their gift to the intended parents and to society. Please see Surrogate Compensation for specific information.
A. No. If you do not have medical insurance coverage for surrogacy, we'll find a plan that will cover you. Your intended parents will pay any costs associated with the surrogacy process.
A. Neither The Stork Society nor the Intended Parent(s) will issue a W-2 or 1099. Surrogates are not considered employees of The Stork Society. With that in mind, we recommend having your surrogacy compensation reviewed by a tax professional.
A. Surrogates are encouraged to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle during pregnancy. Restrictions on physical activity will vary depending on your doctor’s advice, the requests of the Intended Parents you are matched with, and the stage of the pregnancy you are in. Be prepared to modify workouts to accommodate the pregnancy and follow any instructions set forth by your physician.
A. No. We only coordinate Gestational Surrogacy which means the embryo is created by a donor’s egg or the intended mother’s egg.
A. State laws governing surrogacy agreements vary by state. Most states are surrogacy friendly. Unfortunately, we cannot work with surrogates from Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Wyoming, or anywhere outside of the U.S.A.
