FAQs for Surrogates

How do I become a surrogate?

If you are the sort of compassionate person who is willing to make such the remarkable commitment of helping a couple build a family, we would like to hear from you! Not everyone is accepted into the program, and there is a comprehensive screening process. Once we know you are interested, we will begin that process. The application takes about 10 minutes, and it’s easy to apply right from your phone. You will be contacted within 1-2 business day to inform you of the next steps.

What are the qualifications

In order to ensure your surrogacy goes smoothly for everyone involved, we have high standards for our surrogates and intended parents. You must live in a surrogacy-friendly state (you can view our Surrogacy Law Map) and meet the following basic requirements.

• Must be committed to Surrogacy Program and to Intended Parents
• Delivered at least one healthy child
• Uncomplicated prior pregnancies
• No use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs
• Clear criminal background check
• U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
• Between the ages of 21 and 38

To look at the complete list of requirements for surrogates, click HERE.

How much does a surrogate earn?

The prospect of becoming a Surrogate and helping others to create a family is a rewarding experience that takes a generous heart. We advocate to ensure you are fairly compensated for the energy and investment you are committing to throughout the entire journey.

• Basic Surrogate Compensation (1st time Surrogate) – $30,000 – $43,000
• Experienced Surrogate – additional $5,000 for each surrogate pregnancy
• Multiple Pregnancy (Twins) – Additional $5,000 + Base Compensation

We will determine what level compensation you qualify for based on experience and other factors. We know that timely payments are essential for you, your family, and for the healthy development of the growing baby, so payments are directly deposited in accordance to your legal contract.

How long is the surrogacy process?

There are many factors affect the overall time of the process. Typically matching takes 1-3 months. New Beginnings frequently matches surrogates with Intended Parents within 10-15 days after medical record approval. Medical screening, including a psychological evaluation and legal consultations takes less than a month. The embryo transfer cycle is usually done within 1-2 months after the contract has been finalized. Finally, there are the long awaited 9 months of pregnancy.

Where would I deliver the baby?

You will deliver the baby in your home state and the hospital of your choice.

Will I get to keep my OB?

Absolutely. Our Surrogates are allowed to work with their regular OB after they have been released from their fertility center’s care. However, we are flexible and some Intended Parents may request an alternate OB based on location, hospital facility’s quality of care, or for legal purposes having to do with establishing parental rights. Our services are tailored to your individual needs.

Is it dangerous to become a surrogate?

Like any other pregnancy, surrogate pregnancies involve the same medical risks of carrying a child and giving birth. These can include nausea from morning sickness, weight gain, swelling, back pain, heartburn and other uncomfortable side effects. Some more serious side effects are conditions that can develop during the pregnancy like gestational diabetes, hypertension or potential damage to your reproductive organs. As with any pregnancy, there is also the risk of a surrogacy miscarriage or preterm labor. Our highly trained staff will do everything possible to prevent any risks to your health during the surrogacy process. To reduce these, it is important to keep in close contact with your doctor, take the proper medication, get the right amount of rest, and follow their recommendations precisely.

Do I have to live in New Jersey where your Agency is located?

No. You do not have to live in New Jersey to be a Surrogate with our Agency. You can live in any of the Surrogate Friendly states from which we recruit. If you are unsure about whether your state is good for Surrogacy, please contact us:

• Phone (toll free): 855-241-2644
• Email: info@nbsurrogacy.com

Can I become a surrogate in my state?

Because surrogacy laws and surrogacy regulations change frequently, please be sure to check your specific state’s official government page for the most up-to-date surrogacy legislation. You can view our Surrogacy Law Map HERE to see the surrogacy laws in your state of residence.

Can I choose the intended parents I work with?

Yes! We will arrange a conference call between you and intended parents who believe you are the right person to carry their baby. After the call, we will speak with you separately. We hope it will be a perfect match, but if you have any reservations, we will match you with different intended parents, until you feel you have found the right match

Can I refuse to abort?

We will only match you with intended parents who feel exactly the same way as you do about abortion and selective reduction. The surrogacy contract will reflect the terms as agreed upon. Once the contract is signed, both you and the intended parents are bound by the contract.

Do you offer insurance?

If your insurance does not cover the pregnancy, we will help the intended parents arrange with a company that provides surrogacy insurance, or major medical insurance that will cover the pregnancy. If it looks like your insurance will cover the pregnancy, we will help the parents arrange “back up” insurance, just in case.  Every surrogate will receive life insurance. All insurance is paid for by the intended parents.

Do I get a stipend?

Starting with confirmation of pregnancy, you will receive a monthly stipend, in addition to your compensation, to cover travel to local monitoring appointments and doctor visits, over the counter medicines, pads, and other items. Reimbursement for larger expenses, such as travel to the fertility center, child care, lost wages, and maternity clothing, will be covered in your contract.

Do I get more for twins?

You can look above at compensation for an idea of what we offer to experienced surrogates and surrogates giving birth to multiple babies. This will vary depending on various factors, as well as the needs of the surrogate and intended parents. This will be discussed thoroughly and written into the contract prior to moving forward.

How do I find the best surrogacy agency to work with?

The surrogacy agency you choose to work with is just as important as your match! Choosing one that will fit your needs, treat, match, and compensate you well are all important factors to consider. Some questions to ask the surrogacy agency and responses to consider when finding the perfect agency to trust with this important decision include: how the agency selects surrogates, legal services/resources the agency provides, transparency and forthrightness of the agency and its entire staff, clarity and simplicity of all processes and payments involved, and of utmost importance is the support that will be provided to all parties involved.

What is the difference between gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy?

Gestational Surrogacy is the most common and is where a couple (the Intended Parents) use their own eggs and sperm to create embryos through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Donor eggs or sperm may also be used. One or more of the embryos is then transferred into the Gestational Surrogate (also referred to as the Gestational Carrier) who then carries the child or children to full term. The surrogate will have no genetic relationship to the baby. This is the surrogacy that New Beginnings provides. Traditional Surrogacy is performed through artificial insemination, utilizing the surrogate’s own eggs, thus giving the surrogate a genetic connection to the child or children they are carrying for the Intended Parents. This form of surrogacy carries greater legal risks than Gestational Surrogacy, especially for the Intended Parents. New Beginnings only facilitates Gestational Surrogacy.    

What happens during screening?

This is your first visit to the fertility clinic where you and your husband/partner will have medical & psychological screening. This is where we will get to meet you, face to face, for the first time.

Your schedule may vary slightly, but below is a list of tests to expect and meetings you will have:

• Vitals signs (height/weight).
• Hormone testing (blood work).
• PAP Smear (if not up to date).
• Trans-vaginal ultrasound.
• Infectious disease screening for you and your partner (blood work and urine).
• Meeting with 3rd Party Medical Coordinator to discuss cycle management.
• Psychological Evaluation for you and your partner.
• Meet with a Surrogacy Coordinator at New Beginnings to discuss next steps.

Who will cover the cost of my surrogate pregnancy?

All expenses are paid by the Intended Parents. The Intended Parents will be responsible for all costs and expenses associated with your surrogate pregnancy. Please take a look at our Surrogate Compensation page for a list of compensation that you may receive.