Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents
How Surrogacy Works with Guided Surrogacy Solutions
For intended parents, the surrogacy process includes prescreening, matching with a gestational surrogate, coordination with the IVF clinic, legal agreements, medical coordination, and ongoing support through pregnancy and delivery.
Our Pennsylvania surrogacy agency manages every one of these steps so you can focus on what matters most: growing your family. We keep our intended parent waitlist limited to twenty families at a time so we can offer truly personalized support throughout your journey.
Stage 1: Prescreening
Before matching begins, both you and your gestational surrogate go through a thorough prescreening process. Here’s what that looks like on your side.
Initial Consultation & Profile Creation
Your journey begins with a consultation where we get to know you, answer your questions, and walk you through what to expect. From there, we’ll work with you to create a profile that helps us find the right surrogate match.
Background Checks & Psychoeducational Consult
All intended parents complete a criminal background check and a psychoeducational consult with a licensed mental health professional who specializes in third-party reproduction. This step helps prepare you emotionally for the surrogacy process and what lies ahead.
Third-Party Education & Referrals
While you wait for your match, we’ll connect you with trusted third-party professionals including reproductive attorneys, escrow agents, and insurance specialists. This way, once you’re matched, everything is in place to move forward without delay.
Pre-Screened Surrogates
On the surrogate side, every person in our program completes a rigorous prescreening process before she’s eligible for matching. This includes a medical record review, OB clearance, psychosocial screening, background checks, and an insurance review. You can learn more about our full surrogate requirements on our surrogate-facing pages.
Stage 2: Matching
Once prescreening is complete on both sides, the matching process begins.
Profile Exchange & Match Meeting
You’ll receive a surrogate profile for review. If there’s mutual interest, we arrange a match meeting so you can connect, ask questions, and make sure the relationship feels right for everyone.
Medical Screening at Your IVF Clinic
After the IVF clinic approves your surrogate’s medical records, she will travel to your fertility clinic for a comprehensive medical evaluation to confirm she’s ready to proceed with a transfer.
Legal Clearance
Before any medical procedures begin, both you and your surrogate will work with your own independent attorneys to finalize a gestational surrogacy agreement that protects everyone involved.
Escrow Funding
Before IVF medications begin, your escrow account must be fully funded. This ensures all surrogate compensation and expenses are secured and ready to be disbursed throughout the journey.
IVF Medications & Embryo Transfer
Your surrogate will begin a medication protocol to prepare for the embryo transfer, which is a straightforward outpatient procedure at your fertility clinic.
Pregnancy & Delivery
From the first positive pregnancy test through delivery, our team is with you and your surrogate every step of the way. To help you feel confident, every intended parent gets a free hospital prep and newborn care course.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?
Having a clear picture of surrogacy costs before you begin is essential. From agency fees and legal expenses to surrogate compensation and clinic costs, there are several components to plan for. We provide a transparent breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
For a detailed look at estimated costs, visit our surrogacy cost breakdown for intended parents.
Navigating Surrogacy Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is considered a very legally supportive state for gestational surrogacy, though outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances. That’s why we make sure both you and your surrogate are each represented by your own independent attorneys.
All surrogate compensation is held in an independent escrow account managed by a neutral third party, so funds are protected and distributed according to the terms of your legal agreement.
We’re happy to connect you with experienced reproductive attorneys in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey.
What Our Intended Parents Are Saying
Intended Parents’ Surrogacy Process FAQs
For more answers, visit our full intended parent FAQ page.
How long does the surrogacy process take?
Timelines vary based on matching and medical factors, but many intended parents are matched within one to three months of completing prescreening. From match to delivery, the process typically takes 12 to 18 months.
Do I need to live in Pennsylvania to work with Guided Surrogacy Solutions?
No. We work with intended parents and surrogates throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey.
Will I have my own attorney?
Yes. Every intended parent works with their own independent attorney to finalize the gestational surrogacy agreement. Your surrogate will also have their own separate legal representation.
Can I choose my surrogate?
Yes. The matching process is designed so that both sides feel confident and comfortable before moving forward together.
Ready to Start Your Surrogacy Journey?
If you’re ready to take the next step, please complete the Intended Parent Intake Form. We support intended parents and surrogates across Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, and our team is here to answer your questions.