Surrogacy FAQs

General

Why should I choose Physician’s Surrogacy at Reproductive Sciences Medical Center instead of other agencies or independent Surrogacy?

Physician’s Surrogacy at RSMC is not just an agency. We are physician-owned and operated and fully-integrated with a IVF medical center.
Our clinic and coordination staff all work together to provide you with a seamless experience, from your application to the embryo transfer.
With our integrated model, we have developed process efficiencies that help streamline a complicated process and ultimately improve clinical outcomes. We are accountable throughout the entire process.
We have a medical team with over 150+ combined years of industry-specific experience.
Our state of the art facility and fully-accredited lab meet the most stringent standards, and upon walking in the door, reflect quality and professionalism.

What is a gestational surrogate?

A gestational surrogate is a woman who becomes pregnant using an embryo created by the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pregnancy may be achieved using the mother’s eggs and the father’s sperm. Donor eggs or donor sperm can also be used. There will be no genetic relation to the surrogate.

Can I be a surrogate if I don’t have health insurance?

Yes. If you do not have health insurance, a surrogate-specific medical plan may be purchased for you by the intended parents for the duration of your pregnancy. Bills are handled through cash-pay by our medical billing department.

Can I be a surrogate if I am a single parent?

Yes. We believe single mothers are just as capable of being surrogates as a woman who is married. If you are single, it is very important that you have some type of support system in place prior to committing to any surrogate program.

Once I am pregnant, what responsibilities will I have?

Our surrogate mothers need to live a healthy lifestyle and take care of the life that is growing inside of them. During this process, we ask you to stay in regular communication with us and inform us of any appointments or pregnancy-related questions.

Is surrogacy legal in my state?

If you are uncertain about the laws in your state regarding surrogacy, please call our office to speak with an expert.

Will I be biologically related to the baby I am carrying?

No, you will NOT be biologically related to the baby that you are carrying for the Intended Parents. As a Gestational Surrogate, your eggs will NOT be used. It will be the eggs of either the Intended Mother or the Egg Donor that is being used.

Will the birth certificate have my and/or my husband’s names on it?

Your name and your husband/spouse’s name will NOT be on the birth certificate. The Intended Parents will be the ones who will have full parental rights to the baby and it will be their names that appears on the birth certificate.

How much contact occurs during the journey?

The amount of contact varies case by case. Contact is determined by the Surrogate Mother and the Intended Parent(s)’ preferences identified during the match. Some cultures are a little more closed off than others; however, the relationship and communication develops as the journey progresses.

Process

What is the process to become a Surrogate, in the medical aspect?

The first initial step will be a medical screening at RSMC. The screening will consist of a pelvic exam, ultrasound, blood work, cultures for sexually transmitted diseases, and toxic substances. If applicable, you will be given lab orders for you partner to have blood work done for STDs and toxic substances.

How long does it take until I am matched?

It varies depending on each case. The length of the process depends are your availability and your responsiveness. After your initial application, we will call you and walk you through the surrogacy process and answer any questions you may have. You will then be sent our compensation package and other documents. Once these documents are returned, it typically takes on on-site Intended Parent team less than two weeks to find a match.

Now that I have applied, how long does it take until the embryo is transferred?

It is usually about 2-6 months until the embryo is transferred. We will bring you in for a medical screening and set up a psychological evaluation. Once you agree to your match, you will enter into the legal contracts phase (where you will be provided with your own legal counsel). The clinic will begin a cycle calendar for you, and instruct you to begin hormone injections.

Do I get to choose the Intended Parent(s) I will be working with?

Yes, you will. During your second intake interview, we will go over your preferences. This will enable us to match you with Intended Parents based on your preferences. Once the Intended Parent(s) review you profile and shares an interest in working with you, we coordinate a call or video chat. After speaking/meeting, both parties will notify us if they wish to work together. Once both parties agree, it will be considered a match.

Is there anything required of my spouse/partner?

During the initial screening process, we will require a background check of anyone over the age of 18 that lives in your household. If you are married, both you and your spouse will need to sign the acceptance agreement and will be included in your legal contract. During the medical screening process, your partner/spouse will be required to provide a blood and urine sample. You partner will play a significant role as part of your support team during your surrogacy journey.

Can I start the process if I’m on birth control?

Yes. Birth control does not prevent you from being a surrogate. Our Surrogate Case Managers will be able to go over the process during your phone interview.

Can I start the process if I’m breast feeding?

Unfortunately, we require Surrogates to be done with breastfeeding for at least one month before beginning the surrogacy process.

Who pays for me to travel? Especially if I don’t live in California near the surrogacy agency or the intended parents?

The intended parents that you are matched with will pay any traveling expenses related to your surrogacy.

Will I have to travel to San Diego every time I go see the fertility doctors?

No, most of the traveling will be required during the initial stages of your journey. Once you are near the end of your first trimester, our physician will release you to your local OB. If you are not nearby, we will reimburse you for your traveling expenses.

Medical

What are the health risks as a Surrogate Mother?

A normal pregnancy and a surrogate pregnancy are very similar. There are no additional risks with a surrogate pregnancy. Please consult with your OB if you have questions.

I had my tubes tied. Can I still serve as a gestational surrogate?

Yes you can! The fallopian tubes are not used, instead, the embryo(s) are placed directly into the Surrogate’s uterus during the embryo transfer phase.

Will I be taking injections?

Injections are required in order to prepare your uterus for the embryo transfer. Our medical team will provide a calendar with a clear timetable and dosages. Typically, injections are required through the first trimester. Our support team is always here to answer any questions you may have.

Can I go to my own OB once I am pregnant?

Yes, provided your OB accepts the health insurance plan being utilized for the pregnancy. Many surrogates return to the physician that delivered their own children.

What if I am still overweight from my last pregnancy?

Being overweight does not necessarily disqualify you from being a surrogate. The IVF physician that performs your medical evaluation will make this determination. If you are considered to be obese, you may not qualify. If this is a concern for you, please call our office and speak with a representative.

Where will I be receiving my medical care during my pregnancy and where will I be delivering the baby?

After the first trimester, you will be released to your own local OB. They will oversee your medical care for the remainder of your pregnancy. If you need a new OB, we can provide a list of recommendations. You will be able to deliver at the hospital of your choice.

Compensation

What is the compensation package? How much am I getting paid?

Once you complete your online application, a surrogate coordinator will contact you to discuss the surrogacy journey in more detail and provide you with a more detailed explanation of our compensation package.

Our compensation structure ensures our surrogates are paid an absolute, fixed amount. We want prospective surrogates to be educated on all facets of the journey and also know that their unique situation will translate to a clear, financial end result. We want prospective surrogates to be educated on all facets of the journey and also know that their unique situation will translate to a clear, financial end result.

What constitutes employed vs unemployed?

To be considered employed, you must have a gross annual income of $15,000. Employment is verified by pay stubs and/or a tax return.

Why are employed surrogates compensated at a higher rate than unemployed?

Surrogates who are employed may be entitled to lost wages thru the state. Since we realize this may be a factor, we

have decided to include a stipend for lost wages at the outset. We believe whether it’s needed or not, the money will be there and we leave it up to you how to best allocate those funds. Should you need to file with the EDD, we leave that to your discretion.

Why does compensation vary from state to state?

For local surrogates, travel and other expenses are much less for the intended parents based on proximity to our southern California location. Additionally, as does cost of living, average surrogacy compensation also varies greatly from state to state.

What are the advantages of this type of compensation structure?

This compensation structure fosters a groundbreaking concept in which all parties mutually benefit.

For Surrogates:

Our surrogates are paid more with a fixed compensation package than with a line item package.

Surrogates are paid more up front during the beginning of their journey. In most cases, our surrogates can earn 4-5k+ even before confirmation of pregnancy (COP)

Less tedious paperwork: we eliminate the need for submitting miscellaneous expenses such as childcare, mileage, pay stubs and instead entrust you with the reimbursement of your expenses.

For Intended Parents:

Straightforward compensation – they know up front what they will be paying and can plan accordingly.

Takes into consideration the additional expenses incurred such as travel and monitoring expenses in different regions.

Will I miss work?

We try to work around your work schedule, however, you will be required to complete your medical screening, pre-transfer testing, and embryo transfer in California which may cause you to take time off from work. During the initial stages of the IVF process you will also be required to complete bloodwork and have ultrasounds which can be done locally, but, may also cause you to miss work. Once you are confirmed pregnant you will be released by the IVF physician and will be able to see your OB in your area and schedule appointments per their recommendation.

Does this cost me anything?

No. Medical expenses, surrogate benefits, legal fees, and travel expenses are all handled by the Intended Parents.

How are finances handled?

All funds related to your surrogacy will be held in a trust account that is managed by or an experienced escrow company, so that all monies due for your surrogate fees and reimbursement of related expenses are timely paid. All financial matters will be handled by the surrogacy agency, removing this component from your relationship with the intended parents.

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