Surrogacy Step-by-Step: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your Journey
Hello and welcome,
If you're reading this, you are likely considering surrogacy as a path to parenthood. Whether you are an intended parent exploring the process for the first time or a surrogate looking to help a family grow, understanding the journey ahead is crucial.
Surrogacy is a deeply personal and transformative experience, but it can also feel complex. Questions often arise:
How does surrogacy work?
What are the legal requirements?
How do I find the right surrogate or intended parents?
At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we guide intended parents and surrogates through every stage, ensuring a smooth, ethical, and well-supported process.
This guide will break down the surrogacy process step by step, helping you navigate the journey with confidence.
Step 1: Understanding Surrogacy and Choosing the Right Path
Before starting, it is important to understand the two types of surrogacy:
Gestational Surrogacy (Most Common)
The surrogate carries an embryo that is not genetically related to her.
The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material.
This method is legally and ethically more straightforward in most regions.
Traditional Surrogacy (Less Common)
The surrogate uses her own egg, making her the biological mother.
Conception is achieved through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF with sperm from the intended father or a donor.
This type of surrogacy has more legal and emotional complexities.
Most intended parents choose gestational surrogacy because it provides clearer legal protections. If you are uncertain about the best option for you, consulting a surrogacy professional can help.
Step 2: Choosing a Surrogacy Agency vs. Independent Surrogacy
One of the most important decisions is whether to work with a surrogacy agency or pursue independent surrogacy (also called private surrogacy).
Why Work With an Agency?
A reputable surrogacy agency, such as EDSI, provides:
Thorough screening and matching of surrogates and intended parents
Full legal and financial guidance
Emotional and psychological support throughout the process
Some intended parents explore independent surrogacy to reduce costs, but this can be risky without professional oversight. A surrogacy agency ensures that all medical, legal, and financial aspects are managed correctly.
Step 3: The Surrogate Matching Process
Finding the right surrogate is one of the most emotional and meaningful steps of the journey.
At EDSI, the surrogate matching process is designed to align intended parents and surrogates based on:
Shared expectations for communication and involvement
Medical and psychological compatibility
Legal and ethical considerations
Once matched, both parties meet to discuss expectations before moving forward with legal agreements.
Step 4: Legal Agreements and Protections
Surrogacy laws vary by country and state. It is essential to work with an experienced reproductive attorney to create a legally binding contract that protects all parties.
Key Elements of a Surrogacy Contract:
Parental rights and legal recognition of the intended parents
Surrogate’s medical responsibilities and prenatal care expectations
Financial compensation and expense coverage (managed through an independent escrow service)
Agreements on medical decisions, including selective reduction or pregnancy termination in rare cases
A legally sound contract ensures a clear and protected journey for both the intended parents and the surrogate.
Step 5: The Medical Process – IVF and Embryo Transfer
Once legal agreements are finalized, the IVF and embryo transfer process begins.
How the Medical Process Works:
Egg retrieval and fertilization take place in an IVF clinic.
The healthiest embryo is selected for transfer.
The embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus.
A pregnancy test confirms success approximately two weeks after transfer.
Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives prenatal care, and intended parents may attend medical appointments either in person or virtually.
Step 6: Birth and Finalizing Parental Rights
As the due date approaches, a birth plan is created to ensure all details are arranged in advance. This includes hospital preferences, intended parent involvement in the delivery room, and newborn care expectations.
After birth, the intended parents are legally recognized, and their names are placed on the birth certificate based on pre-birth or post-birth legal agreements.
Final Thoughts: Is Surrogacy Right for You?
Surrogacy is a remarkable journey, but it requires careful planning and the right support. Whether you are an intended parent hoping to grow your family or a surrogate ready to help others achieve their dream of parenthood, understanding the process is the first step.
At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we are committed to guiding you through every aspect of this journey with care, professionalism, and ethical integrity.
If you are considering surrogacy, I encourage you to reach out. Reply to this newsletter or visit EDSI to learn more.
What are your thoughts on surrogacy? Feel free to share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments.
Until next time,
Parham Zar, Managing Director of Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI)