How to Become a Surrogate
We’re thrilled you’ve found us. We’re able to help intended parents start a family only because women like you step forward to consider surrogacy. Surrogates bring hope to couples who’ve struggled with the loss and disappointment of infertility and make parenthood an option for same-sex couples and singles. Should you qualify for our surrogacy program, we’re committed to supporting and protecting your health, finances and family throughout this extraordinary journey.
Why Become A Surrogate
Committing to being a surrogate takes courage and a big dose of selflessness. You’re pregnant again, sharing the experience with the intended parents, and after delivery, the baby goes home with them. Along the way, all kinds of wonderful things are possible for you, the surrogate.
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An undeniable joy and pride come with carrying a child for a person or couple unable to carry their own. It’s a selfless act, perhaps the greatest act of giving that you’ll ever perform, and that’s empowering.
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A rich and rewarding bond between you and the intended parents forms when you match. That bond deepens as the months go by. Most intended parents want to share in your experience of being pregnant. They watch from the sidelines, mesmerized, filled with questions, eager to be a part of something they’ve dreamed of.
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Every stage of the pregnancy brings new excitement for the intended parents. Imagine their gratitude as the wish to have their own baby is granted, thanks to you. Your willingness to be a carrier creates a bond of gratitude they’ll never forget. The experience gives you greater awareness and compassion around what it’s like not to be able to carry your own child.
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You are compensated fairly as a surrogate. Payments are generally structured across the pregnancy. The compensation is formalized in discussions with both parties, their legal counsel and Bright Futures Families.
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As a surrogate, your pregnancy-related medical costs are covered by the intended parents. This coverage begins with the IVF process and continues through at least six weeks post-partum. The intended parents are not responsible for any medical costs unrelated to the pregnancy.
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Though pregnancy comes with its ups and downs, many surrogates truly enjoy being pregnant again. Women who felt great during an earlier pregnancy look forward to that same sense of well-being, and to sharing the experience with their family.
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As a surrogate, you’re introduced to a community of women for whom surrogacy was a beautiful and rewarding process. Their interest in the kindhearted ideals of surrogacy supports and enriches your experience.
Gestational Carrier Clearance Process
Surrogate Application Process
Do You Qualify To Become A Surrogate
- 21-39 years of age
- Resides in the U.S.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) 19-31
- Has a support network
- Does not use illegal drugs, smoke, vape, or consume cannabis products, or abuse alcohol
- Does not participate in certain government aid programs
- Has not undergone the Essure of Adiana procedure
- Has given birth at least once and is currently raising that child
- Financially stable
- Healthy reproductive history
Surrogate Application Process
Fill Out Intake Form
If Qualified
BFF staff will contact you within 48 business hours to talk about becoming a surrogate.
Not Qualified
Thank you for your kind heart and interest in becoming a surrogate. Unfortunately, not all meet the requirements.
Surrogate Application Process
Steps In The Application Process
The becoming a surrogacy process may seem overwhelming at first, but we guide you through every step with care and expertise. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect from start to finish.
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1Submit your application and review the benefit package – get started with the initial paperwork and learn what's included in your compensation and benefits.
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2Provide photos and government-issued IDs – share recent photos along with valid identification.
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3Complete background check authorization forms – sign and return the forms needed to run your background check.
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4Send in your insurance documentation – submit a copy of your insurance card and your insurance coverage booklet.
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5Share recent medical records and pay stubs – including your OB form, most recent Pap and annual exam results, and current pay stubs.
Surrogate Application Process
We will gather all pregnancy and birth-related medical records to ensure safety.
If Qualified
Medical records approved after a consultation with an MFM.
Not Qualified
IVF clinics look for a history of uncomplicated pregnancies and births. Thank you for your time and kindness — it truly means a lot.
Surrogate Application Process
Getting Ready For The Surrogacy Journey
- Psychological Evaluation — A supportive step to help make sure you feel emotionally ready for the journey ahead.
- Background Checks — A standard step that helps keep everyone safe and protected throughout the process.
- Personal Interview — With BFF intake coordinator.
- Health Insurance Review
SURROGATE APPLICATION PROCESS
IT’S TIME TO BE MATCHED WITH INTENDED PARENTS
This is a big milestone. After your screenings and reviews are complete, Bright Future Families begins looking for intended parents who feel like the right fit for your journey.
A MATCH THAT FEELS RIGHT
You and the intended parents both get time to learn about each other, ask questions, and decide if moving forward together feels comfortable.
Your Surrogate Journey
Each gestation carrier's journey is unique. This timeline is meant to provide a high-level overview of what you can expect during your experience as a gestational surrogate.
Matching Process
Profiles Exchanged
We create and present profiles. Everyone has the chance to say yes or no to continuing the process with this potential match.
Match Meeting
We arrange a match meeting—one of us from Bright Futures Families will be there with you! If everyone says yes to moving forward, you’re matched with intended parents.
Clinic Screening & Legal
Medical Screening
You visit the IVF clinic for a full medical examination. Sometimes your partner may have to attend as well.
Legal Agreement
An independent attorney, paid for by the parents, walks you through your legal contract. This agreement protects you and confirms the baby will legally be theirs. It also includes your compensation plan and birth preferences. *You will be represented by an experienced ART attorney of your choice licensed in the state in which you live and are giving birth.
Embryo Transfer Cycle
Embryo Transfer
Once the legal agreement is complete, you begin medication and undergo the embryo transfer at the IVF clinic.
Pregnancy Support
Our team and your doctors support you every step of the way. We’re always here for you!
Parentage & Birth
Legal Parentage Order
Your intended parents, with your help, secure a Pre-Birth Parentage Order. You’re responsible only for carrying—not raising—the child.
Birth & Celebration
The baby is born! Everyone celebrates the family you’ve helped create. We’re here to support you even after delivery.
Postpartum Support
Supportive Transition
The process wraps up with a supportive transition—ongoing OB care and emotional support after the birth. Escrow will pay final fees, lost wages, medical costs, and any breast milk pumping expenses before closing no earlier than a year post-delivery.
Matching Process
Profiles Exchanged
We create and present profiles. Everyone has the chance to say yes or no to continuing the process with this potential match.
Match Meeting
We arrange a match meeting—one of us from Bright Futures Families will be there with you! If everyone says yes to moving forward, you’re matched with intended parents.
Clinic Screening & Legal
Medical Screening
You visit the IVF clinic for a full medical examination. Sometimes your partner may have to attend as well.
Legal Agreement
An independent attorney, paid for by the parents, walks you through your legal contract. This agreement protects you and confirms the baby will legally be theirs.
Embryo Transfer Cycle
Embryo Transfer
Once the legal agreement is complete, you begin medication and undergo the embryo transfer at the IVF clinic.
Pregnancy Support
Our team and your doctors support you every step of the way. We’re always here for you!
Parentage & Birth
Legal Parentage Order
Your intended parents, with your help, secure a Pre-Birth Parentage Order. You’re responsible only for carrying—not raising—the child.
Birth & Celebration
The baby is born! Everyone celebrates the family you’ve helped create. We’re here to support you even after delivery.
Postpartum Support
Supportive Transition
The process wraps up with a supportive transition—ongoing OB care and emotional support after the birth.
What Will I Get Paid to be a Surrogate?
You and your intended parents, with legal counsel, agree to your compensation plan. While there is no one plan that covers all situations, you can expect compensation that generally follows these general guidelines.
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Pre-Birth Child Support
Starting Compensation: $50,000 (experienced GS’s may command higher compensation)
Monthly Expense Allowance: $300 per month for approximately 14 months Total: ~ $4,200
Maternity Clothing: $1,000 (for multiples pregnancy $1.250)
Medical Screening Completion Fee: $500.
Medication Start Fee: $1,000.
Embryo Transfer Fee: $1,500
Additional Procedure Fees (e.g. in utero testing, mock or dropped cycle) ~2,000-$7,000+
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Housekeeping Allowance: ~$2,500
Gestational Carrier Lost Wages: ACTUAL
Gestational Carrier’s Partner Lost Wages (May be capped: ACTUAL
Childcare During Doctor Ordered Best Rest (May be capped): ACTUAL
Doula and/or Wellness package: ~$5,500
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Surrogate Independent Attorney: ~$2,000-$4,000
Life Insurance for Surrogate: ~$900+
Travel and Lodging Expenses (if GC lives 50+ miles from the IVF Clinic): ACTUAL
Companion Travel and Lodging Expenses (if required): ACTUAL
Psych./Social Worker Support: ~$1250
Out of Pocket Medical Expenses: ACTUAL
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Multiple Pregnancy: $15,000
Mock or Dropped Cycle: $500
Caesarean Section: $5,000
Ready To become a surrogate?
Take the first step today
Ready to take the first step toward becoming a surrogate?Inquire Now to start your journey. Here, you’ll find our quick and secure application form, along with helpful information on what to expect next. If you meet the basic requirements and feel called to help grow a family, we’d love to hear from you.