Intended Parents FAQ

Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple, known as the Intended Parent(s). The pregnancy is created through IVF, using an embryo made from the Intended Parent(s)’ or donors’ egg and sperm. Because the surrogate’s own egg is not used, she has no genetic relationship to the baby. Throughout the journey, the surrogate works closely with the Intended Parent(s), fertility clinic, and surrogacy team to help bring their dream of parenthood to life.

Intended parents come from many different backgrounds and family structures. They may be individuals or couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy, same-sex couples, or single parents who are ready to build or grow their family through surrogacy. Marital status, sexual orientation, or gender does not define who can become an intended parent. What matters most is the desire and commitment to welcome a child and provide a loving, supportive home.

Gestational surrogacy is permitted in many U.S. states, but laws and legal requirements vary significantly by state and may change over time. Some states have well-established laws that support gestational surrogacy, while others may have additional restrictions or specific legal requirements. The applicable legal circumstances are reviewed by qualified reproductive law attorneys before the parties move forward with the legal process. Independent attorneys guide each party through the legal process to help protect each party’s legal interests and establish parental rights according to applicable state law.

The IVF timeline can vary depending on the individual treatment plan and whether embryos have already been created. For Intended Parents creating embryos, the process typically includes about 3 weeks of preparation and stimulation leading up to egg retrieval, followed by approximately 5–7 days for the embryos to develop. The embryos then undergo genetic testing, which usually takes an additional 7–10 days. For many surrogacy journeys, the process from matching to embryo transfer can be completed within a few months. This allows time for medical screening, psychological evaluation, legal agreements, and transfer preparation. The exact timing depends on the fertility clinic and each individual case.

Yes. You may be able to use your own eggs, depending on your individual circumstances. Your fertility specialist will evaluate factors such as your age, ovarian reserve, and overall reproductive health, and recommend the most appropriate option for embryo creation. If using your own eggs is not recommended or possible, donor eggs may be considered. The eggs are fertilized through IVF, and the embryos are cultured in the laboratory as they develop toward the blastocyst stage. Embryos that reach the appropriate stage may then undergo genetic testing when recommended or elected before an embryo is selected for transfer.

Surrogates go through a comprehensive screening process to assess whether they meet applicable medical, psychological, and program eligibility criteria. This typically includes a review of medical and pregnancy history, medical records, lab testing, and an evaluation by the fertility clinic. Surrogates also complete a psychological evaluation and background screening as part of the process. These screenings help protect the health and well-being of the surrogate and support a safe and well-managed surrogacy journey.

In most cases, the IVF process takes place at the Intended Parent(s)’ chosen fertility clinic. If embryos have already been created and stored at a clinic, the surrogate will typically complete her medical screening and embryo transfer with that clinic as well. At Acorn Surrogacy Center, our team coordinates closely with the fertility clinic, Intended Parent(s), and surrogate throughout the process to help manage appointments, records, medications, travel arrangements when needed, and transfer preparation.

Intended Parents are generally welcome to continue working with the fertility clinic of their choice, subject to the clinic’s policies and the requirements of the surrogacy arrangement. If embryos are already stored at a clinic, the ASC team will work with the clinic to arrange the surrogate’s medical screening and embryo transfer. If you have not selected a fertility clinic yet, we may provide recommendations based on your needs and help you understand the next steps.

In most properly structured gestational surrogacy arrangements, the Intended Parent(s) pursue legal recognition of parentage through the process required by the applicable state. The exact procedure may involve a pre-birth or post-birth parentage order and depends on the jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Independent reproductive law attorneys represent the parties and guide the parentage process.

Parental rights are established through the legal process required by the applicable state. Before embryo transfer, the Intended Parent(s) and surrogate enter into a surrogacy agreement and complete legal clearance. During the pregnancy, the attorneys handle the required parentage process, which may include obtaining a pre-birth order or preparing for a post-birth order, depending on state law. After the baby is born, the legal and hospital documentation is completed so that the Intended Parent(s) are properly recognized as the child’s legal parent(s), including the applicable birth certificate process.

At ASC, our team helps coordinate the legal process by connecting the Intended Parent(s) and surrogate with separate attorneys experienced in reproductive and surrogacy law. Each attorney independently represents and advises their own client. We also assist with communication, provide relevant case information and documents, and help coordinate the timing of legal steps with the fertility clinic and the parties. The attorneys are responsible for the surrogacy agreement, legal advice, and the required parentage process.

The total cost of a surrogacy journey varies depending on each Intended Parent’s individual circumstances. Costs may include agency services, surrogate compensation and benefits, medical and IVF expenses, legal services, insurance, psychological support, escrow, and other journey related expenses. ASC provides a clear and transparent fee schedule to help Intended Parents understand the expected costs at each stage of the process. Our team will also review the financial details with you before moving forward and keep you informed throughout the journey.

Financing options may be available to help Intended Parents manage the costs of their surrogacy journey. We may be able to provide information about third-party financing providers that offer fertility or surrogacy-related financing. Any financing is provided directly by the lender and is subject to the lender’s own terms, approval, and eligibility requirements.

Yes. ASC provides a detailed fee schedule outlining anticipated expenses, including agency services, surrogate compensation and benefits, legal services, insurance, escrow, and other journey-related costs. Our team reviews the fees with you and keeps you informed of upcoming financial milestones throughout the process, helping Intended Parents plan for upcoming expenses.

At ASC, we are committed to providing a clear and transparent fee structure so Intended Parents understand the anticipated costs of their surrogacy journey from the beginning. Our fee schedule outlines the major expected costs, including agency fees and anticipated third-party expenses. Because every journey is different, additional costs may arise due to medical, legal, insurance, travel, or other individual circumstances. If this happens, our team will communicate the changes clearly and keep you informed throughout the process.

Yes. At ASC, we proudly work with Intended Parents from around the world and provide support throughout the surrogacy journey. Our team helps coordinate the process across different time zones, including surrogate matching, fertility clinic communication, legal services, escrow, insurance, and ongoing case management. We also help international Intended Parents prepare for important milestones such as travel for the birth and the legal parentage process. Our goal is to make the journey as organized and well-coordinated as possible, even when you are thousands of miles away.

For international Intended Parents, bringing your baby home involves completing the necessary legal and travel documentation after birth. Requirements vary depending on your home country and may include the baby’s birth certificate, passport, citizenship documents, and other travel requirements. The ASC team can help connect you with the appropriate legal and other professionals who can guide you through these steps. We will also help coordinate the surrogacy journey and prepare you for the important steps surrounding your baby’s birth and return home.

At ASC, we work with Intended Parents from many different countries and understand that language and cultural differences can be an important part of the surrogacy journey. Our team provides multilingual support and helps facilitate clear communication between Intended Parents, surrogates, clinics, attorneys, and other professionals involved in the process. When additional language assistance is needed, translation or interpretation services can also be coordinated. Our goal is to help everyone feel informed, understood, and comfortable throughout the journey.