Finding the right surrogate can be one of the most important steps you’ll take in the entire surrogacy process. One of the best ways to find a surrogate is through a reputable surrogacy agency. These professionals have screened and approved surrogates to carry a pregnancy.

What goes into the process? How can you find the right match? We’re here with 11 FAQs to help you understand the process of finding a surrogate so that you can embark on your journey with confidence.

If you would like to browse potential surrogates, contact a surrogacy professional now to receive personalized help.

Finding a Surrogate [11 FAQs]

1.      What Is the Best Way To Find A Surrogate Mother?

One of the best ways to find a surrogate mother is by working with a surrogacy agency. Your surrogacy professional will work with you to determine your preferences. They will then identify potential matches from an extensive database of surrogates based on your surrogacy goals.

2.      How Quickly Can You Get a Surrogate?

The amount of time it takes to find a surrogate depends on your agency. Some of the best agencies heavily invest in advertisements and work with a large number of surrogates from across the country. This increases your chances of finding a perfect match in a short amount of time. 

3.      How Long Does It Take To Find a Surrogate?

The time it takes to find a match varies depending on the agency. Some agencies will find you a match within an average of 30-90 days while others may take longer. Surrogacy agencies that invest heavily in advertising and marketing are often able to find a match in the shortest amount of time.

4.      Why Does It Take So Long To Find a Surrogate?

Sometimes surrogacy agencies quote unrealistic wait times. They also aren’t consistently updating their intended parents list and this results in longer average wait times. To avoid long wait times, make sure the agency you work with is transparent about the time it takes to find a match and has a track record of success.

5.      Can I Find a Surrogate For Free?

The only way to find a surrogate for free is if a friend or family member agrees to become your surrogate at no cost, through what’s known as altruistic surrogacy. But keep in mind that surrogate compensation is to help cover all pregnancy-related expenses and to compensate the surrogate for their time, energy and sacrifices.

This ensures she has everything she needs to safely and successfully carry your baby.

6.      What Is the Average Fee for a Surrogate?

The average cost of surrogacy is between $100,000-$150,000 depending on the agency you work with. This price covers all the services provided by an agency including background checks, screenings, support, marketing, advertising and more. When you’re looking for agencies, make sure they’re upfront about their fees and what’s included.

7.      How Does Finding A Surrogate Work?

If you work with a surrogacy agency, they’ll present a list of prospective surrogate profiles after you’ve completed your surrogacy plan and satisfied all the agency requirements. They’ll also present your intended parent profile to surrogate candidates whose goals align with yours.

8.      What Is the Success Rate of Surrogacy?

The surrogacy success rates in the U.S. are as high as 75% and increase to 95% once the surrogate becomes pregnant. Success rates are impacted by the age of egg and the quality of sperm. A surrogate who’s been thoroughly screened can increase the chances of a higher success rate.

The fertility clinic you work with will play a part in the success rate of the medical process, whereas your surrogacy agency will ensure the success of your overall surrogacy journey by providing support, resources and services from start to finish.

9.      Does a Surrogate Baby Have the Mother’s DNA?

In gestational surrogacy, a baby will only inherit the DNA from the sperm source and the egg donor, not the surrogate mother. This form of surrogacy is the more common way to complete surrogacies today and is legally and emotionally less complicated.

10.  Is Paid Surrogacy Legal?

The surrogacy laws vary by state, but the only states that prohibit surrogacy compensation are Michigan, Nebraska and Louisiana. While the other states may have legal obstacles, they’re generally considered surrogacy-friendly states. Your surrogacy professional will help you navigate the intricacies of surrogacy laws in your state.

11.  How Can I Begin the Process of Finding a Surrogate?

One of the first steps you’ll take to find a surrogate is by contacting a surrogacy professional. They’ll get an idea of your situation and see if you qualify to pursue surrogacy through their agency. Once all requirements are met, they’ll begin the process of finding you a perfect match.