Surrogacy Process
What to expect when you become a gestational surrogate with Guided Surrogacy Solutions
Thinking about becoming a surrogate in Pennsylvania? Whether you’re in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or anywhere across the state, Guided Surrogacy Solutions is here to guide you through every step of the journey.
We are also licensed in the state of New York and work with surrogates and intended parents in Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, and New Jersey, so no matter where you are in the region, you’ll have our knowledgeable, caring team by your side.
What is a gestational surrogate?
A gestational surrogate is a woman who carries a pregnancy for another person or couple. The pregnancy is created through IVF using the intended parents’ embryo, which means there is no biological connection between the surrogate and the baby she carries.
It’s one of the most meaningful things one person can do for another.
What does the surrogacy process look like?
The journey unfolds in two stages: Prescreening and Matching. Here’s what happens at each step.
Stage 1: Prescreening
Application & Consult
You’ll complete our surrogate application, then talk with our team. It’s a relaxed conversation where we get to know you, answer questions, and help you figure out if surrogacy is the right fit.
Medical Record Review / OB Clearance
We’ll review your pregnancy and delivery history, with input from your OB, to confirm that you meet the medical baseline for surrogacy.
Background Check
A comprehensive background screening is completed for all household members. This keeps the process transparent and safe for everyone involved.
Psychosocial Clearance
You’ll meet with a licensed mental health professional who specializes in third-party reproduction. Your partner will be included in this step, as their support is a critical part.
Insurance Review
Our insurance specialist will carefully review your health insurance plan to assess surrogacy coverage and identify any gaps. If additional coverage is needed, the intended parents you match with will purchase a policy to cover surrogacy-related care.
Stage 2: Matching
Profile Exchange / Match Meeting
Once prescreening is complete, you’ll receive a profile of potential intended parents that meet your matching preferences. If there’s mutual interest, we’ll arrange a match meeting for both sides to connect and ask questions.
Medical Screening at IVF Clinic
You’ll travel to the intended parents’ fertility clinic for a medical evaluation to confirm you’re physically cleared for an embryo transfer.
Legal Clearance
Before any medical procedures, you and the intended parents will work with your own independent attorneys specializing in surrogacy law. We’ll help you find the right counsel for your state, and the intended parents cover all legal costs.
IVF Medications & Embryo Transfer
You’ll begin a medication protocol to prepare for the transfer. The embryo transfer itself is a straightforward outpatient procedure.
Pregnancy & Delivery
From your first positive pregnancy test through delivery day, our team coordinates the important steps along the way, including your Pre-Birth Order, Birth Plan, and working with your hospital to prepare for delivery.
Postpartum
Our support doesn’t end at delivery. We’ll assist with postpartum appointments, emotional support, breast milk pumping, and processing any remaining bills through escrow.
What are the surrogate requirements?
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, here’s what we look for. These requirements are based on guidelines from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and help ensure a safe, healthy process for everyone involved.
- You enjoy being pregnant and have had uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries.
- You have completed your own family and aren’t planning future pregnancies.
- You have had no more than five live births and no more than two miscarriages.
- You are between the ages of 21 and 43.
- Applicants 40 and older may need additional clearances.
- Your BMI is under 35.
- You are nicotine and drug free.
- You are financially stable and do not receive government assistance such as cash assistance, welfare, public housing, or Section 8.
Surrogacy Exclusions
Automatic Disqualifications
More Information Needed
Pregnancy History
Automatic Disqualifications
- Pre-eclampsia
- Insulin-Dependent Gestational Diabetes
- Post-partum hemorrhage requiring a transfusion
- Uterine abruption
- More than 5 live births
- More than 2 miscarriages
- More than 3 c-sections
More Information Needed
- Shoulder Dystocia
- Fetal Growth Restriction
- Diet Controlled Gestational Diabetes
- Cholestasis
- High Blood Pressure
- Thrombocytopenia
- Less than 2 miscarriages
Infectious Disease
Automatic Disqualifications
- HIV
- Hepatitis B or C
More Information Needed
- Previously treated Sexually Transmitted Disease
Mental Health
Automatic Disqualifications
- Bipolar Disorder
- Suicidal Idealization
- Previous Mental Health Admission
- Substance Abuse
More Information Needed
- Anxiety
- Current or Previous anti-anxiety/depression medication
- Post-Partum Anxiety/Depression
Gyne
Automatic Disqualifications
- Ademyenosis
- Uterine Anomaly
- Endometriosis
More Information Needed
- Previous Polyp removal
- Abnormal Pap
- Positive HPV
- Tubal Ligation
Medical Conditions
Automatic Disqualifications
- Epilepsy
- Blood Clotting Disorders
- Lupus
More Information Needed
- Hoshimotos
- Hyperthyroidism
- Asthma
- History of Migraines
- Kidney Stones
- Gastric Sleeve
- Living Organ Donor
Lifestyle
Automatic Disqualifications
- Felony
- Government Assistance (Food Stamps, Welfare, Public Housing)
- Domestic Violence
More Information Needed
- Previous bankruptcy
- Misdemeanor over 7 years
- Marital Separation
How Much Do Surrogates Make?
Surrogates at Guided Surrogacy Solutions can expect a starting base compensation of $60,000, received in installments throughout the pregnancy. But base compensation is just the beginning.
Your full package also includes a monthly allowance, milestone payments, maternity clothes allowance and lost wages for you and your support person, life insurance, and covered counseling, among other benefits.
Finding the right balance between your personal motivations and your compensation is important, and we’re here to help you understand exactly what to expect.
Why Choose Guided Surrogacy Solutions?
We know choosing the right surrogacy agency is a big decision. Here’s what sets us apart.
You’ll receive a compensation package designed to reflect the significance of what you’re doing, plus access to personal support.
Our team will connect you with intended parents who genuinely respect and appreciate the selflessness of surrogacy. We strictly follow ethical practices, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’ll have your own independent attorney and escrow agent.
You’ll also receive life insurance upon matching with intended parents and ongoing mental health support to help you process your thoughts and emotions.
You’ll have the opportunity to connect with a wonderful community of fellow surrogates, meet new friends, and bond with others who have been through the process before.
What about Pennsylvania surrogacy laws?
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 every surrogate is represented by her own independent attorney, someone who works solely on her behalf.
All surrogate compensation is held in an independent escrow account managed by a neutral third party, so your 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, Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, and New Jersey for this process.
Common Questions About Becoming a Surrogate
For more answers, visit our full Surrogate FAQ page.
How long does the process take from application to delivery?
Most surrogates complete the prescreening stage within one to three months. From there, timelines vary based on matching and medical factors, but many surrogates deliver within 12 to 18 months of starting their application.
Do I need to live in Pennsylvania to work with Guided Surrogacy Solutions?
Not at all. In addition to our clients throughout Pennsylvania, we are licensed in the state of New York and work with surrogates and intended parents in Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, and New Jersey.
Reach out and we can talk through whether we’re the right fit for you.
Will I have my own attorney?
Yes. Every surrogate works with her own independent attorney throughout the legal process. Legal fees are covered as part of your compensation package.
What kind of support will I have during my pregnancy?
You’ll have a dedicated surrogate case manager, access to monthly support group calls, and ongoing counseling from a licensed mental health professional. Our team is also available to you whenever questions or concerns come up.
What happens after the baby is born?
Support doesn’t end at delivery. Your surrogate case manager and counseling access remain available postpartum to help you process the experience and transition.
What Our Surrogates Are Saying
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, we’d love to hear from you. Guided Surrogacy Solutions supports surrogates and intended parents across Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, and we’re here to answer your questions every step of the way.
Still have questions? Visit our Surrogate FAQ or contact our team. We’re happy to help.