If I’ve had an abortion, can I still be a surrogate?

• The main update confirms that having had an abortion does not disqualify someone from being a surrogate, provided it is not the most recent pregnancy.

• Amanda clarified the policy that surrogates can have had an abortion before but not as their latest pregnancy.

• Medical records must be collected to check for any complications such as significant blood loss.

• This ensures the surrogate’s health status is clear and safe for the process.

• The guidance supports expanding the surrogate candidate pool without compromising medical safety.

• The surrogate’s time off for medical appointments is managed through a combination of personal leave and compensation structured in the gestational carrier agreement.

• Surrogates must attend multiple appointments including medical screening, embryo transfer, monitoring, and OB visits throughout the pregnancy 

• Clear legal review of lost wage clauses is critical to avoid surprises during the surrogacy journey 

• The main point is that clients can work with Brightff.com families even if they already know their gestational carrier or intended parents.

• Jenn explained the Indy Match program allows independent matches while still providing full agency support from screening through birth.

• • The agency handles all medical screening for the carrier just like in the full-service program.

  • Support continues from the moment of matching until after the baby’s birth.

  • Monthly agency fees start only after medical records are approved by the clinic.

  • This approach reduces financial risk for intended parents if records are not approved.

Pumping as a surrogate is an incredibly generous and thoughtful gift to the baby and their (no longer intended – actual!) parents. Whether you're pumping for a short time postpartum or planning an extended pumping journey, here are some helpful tips and guidance specifically for surrogates.

Key questions to ask during a surrogacy match meeting for a strong partnership.

A breakdown of commonly overlooked costs in the surrogacy journey.

Children’s books can be a beautiful way to help young minds understand the story of surrogacy — whether they are the children of intended parents, surrogates, or family members with questions of their own.

A thoughtful conversation about post-birth emotions, boundaries, and healing for surrogates.

Choosing the right egg donor is a big deal. It’s about more than just matching physical traits; it’s about imagining a future, a family, and a life filled with joy. But with so many donor profiles to explore, it can feel a bit like dating, only with way more paperwork! So where do you start?

A clear explanation of why injections are part of the IVF process for gestational surrogates.

In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, Bright Futures Families team member Janelle shares whether potential gestational carriers can apply to become a surrogate through our surrogacy agency if they are currently breastfeeding their own children.

Travel rules are a standard part of a gestational carrier contract. These limits help keep the GC and baby safe, and they help avoid legal complications around where parentage orders can be filed. Here’s what to expect — and why these guidelines are in place.

Curious how often you’ll be traveling as a surrogate? Here’s what you can expect — and what usually stays local.

Confused about PBO filing? Here’s how your legal team determines the right state to establish parentage before delivery, and when during the journey it is done.

Unsure if both attorneys must be local? Here’s how legal representation works when lawyers are licensed in different states — and why GC-state knowledge matters.

Not sure what to do with leftover frozen embryos? You’re not alone. In this Ask a Surrogacy Expert video, we explain your options and help you navigate this important decision with confidence and care.

Variations in surrogacy agreements

We know that compensation is not the number one driver of your decision to become a surrogate, but that doesn’t mean you should be left in the dark as to how compensation works.