Surrogacy FAQ

Surrogacy is a family-building process in which a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another individual or couple, known as the intended parent(s). After the baby is born, the intended parents become the child's legal parents in accordance with applicable laws and legal agreements.

Today, the vast majority of surrogacy arrangements in the United States are gestational surrogacy, where the gestational carrier has no genetic relationship to the baby. The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents' or donors' egg and sperm before being transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus.

Surrogacy provides a path to parenthood for many people, including those experiencing infertility, women who cannot safely carry a pregnancy, same-sex male couples, single parents, cancer survivors, and others who need the help of a gestational carrier to build their family.

A successful surrogacy journey involves a team of experienced professionals, including a surrogacy agency, fertility specialists, reproductive attorneys, an independent escrow company, and the gestational carrier. Together, they help manage the medical, legal, financial, and emotional aspects of the journey while supporting everyone involved.

While every surrogacy journey is unique, they're all built on trust, communication, and a shared goal: helping intended parents welcome a healthy baby into the world.

For more information, read our guide, How Gestational Surrogacy Works from IVF to Birth.

Gestational surrogacy is a type of surrogacy in which a woman, known as a gestational carrier, carries and gives birth to a baby for the intended parent(s). The gestational carrier has no genetic relationship to the baby.

The pregnancy begins through in vitro fertilization (IVF). An embryo is created using the intended parents' egg and sperm or donor eggs and/or sperm. The embryo is then transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus, where she carries the pregnancy until delivery.

Because the gestational carrier is not genetically related to the baby, parentage is established through legal agreements and, when applicable, court orders that recognize the intended parent(s) as the child's legal parents.

Gestational surrogacy is the most common form of surrogacy practiced in the United States and is widely accepted by fertility clinics and reproductive attorneys because it provides clear medical, legal, and ethical distinctions between the gestational carrier and the intended parents.

For more information, read our guide, How Gestational Surrogacy Works from IVF to Birth.

The primary difference between gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy is whether the surrogate is genetically related to the baby.

In gestational surrogacy, the gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the child. An embryo created through IVF using the intended parents' or donors' egg and sperm is transferred to her uterus. This is the most common type of surrogacy in the United States and the only type facilitated by Shining Light Baby.

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg, making her the baby's biological mother. Pregnancy is typically achieved through artificial insemination rather than IVF. Because the surrogate is genetically related to the child, traditional surrogacy involves additional legal, ethical, and emotional complexities and is rarely practiced today.

For these reasons, most fertility clinics, reproductive attorneys, and surrogacy agencies exclusively work with gestational surrogacy. This approach provides greater clarity for everyone involved and helps establish intended parentage through well-defined legal processes.

For more information, read our guide, Types of Surrogacy Explained.

Surrogacy is a carefully coordinated process that brings together intended parents, a gestational carrier, medical professionals, legal experts, and a surrogacy agency to help build a family.

While every journey is unique, the process generally follows these steps:

1. Choose a surrogacy agency to help coordinate the journey and provide guidance throughout the process.
2. Create embryos through IVF using the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm.
3. Match with a gestational carrier based on shared preferences, communication styles, and goals.
4. Complete medical and psychological screening to ensure everyone is prepared for the journey.
5. Finalize legal contracts outlining the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties before any medical procedures begin.
6. Transfer an embryo to the gestational carrier through IVF.
7. Support the pregnancy with regular medical care, communication, and milestone updates.
8. Welcome the baby, with the intended parents assuming legal parentage according to the laws of the state where the birth takes place.

Although the process involves several important steps, an experienced surrogacy agency helps coordinate each phase, making the journey as organized and supportive as possible for everyone involved.

For more information, read our guide, Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Surrogacy Process.

People choose surrogacy for many different reasons, but they all share the same goal: building or growing their family when carrying a pregnancy is not possible or safe.

Surrogacy may be an option for:

• Individuals or couples experiencing infertility.
• Women with medical conditions that make pregnancy too risky.
• People who have had multiple pregnancy losses or unsuccessful IVF treatments.
• Cancer survivors and others whose medical treatments affected their fertility.
• Same-sex male couples who want to have a biological child.
• Single men and women who wish to become parents.
• Individuals born without a uterus or those who have had a hysterectomy.

Every family's story is different, and there is no single reason someone chooses surrogacy. For many intended parents, it offers the opportunity to have a biological child while remaining actively involved throughout the pregnancy and birth.

Regardless of their background, intended parents benefit from working with experienced professionals who can guide them through the medical, legal, financial, and emotional aspects of the surrogacy journey.

For more information, read our guide, How to Begin Your Surrogacy Journey as an Intended Parent.

Surrogacy is an option for many people who are unable to carry a pregnancy or who need the help of a gestational carrier to build their family.

Intended parents may include:

• Married or unmarried couples.
• Single individuals.
• LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
• People experiencing infertility.
• Women with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe.
• Cancer survivors and others whose fertility has been affected by medical treatment.
• Individuals using donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos.

There is no one-size-fits-all path to parenthood. Each surrogacy journey is unique, and the medical recommendations, legal requirements, and fertility treatments will vary based on your individual circumstances.

If you're considering surrogacy, speaking with an experienced agency early in the process can help you understand your options, timeline, and the steps involved, even if you haven't yet created embryos or selected a fertility clinic.

For more information, read our guide, How to Begin Your Surrogacy Journey as an Intended Parent.

Yes, surrogacy is legal in many parts of the United States, but the laws vary from state to state. Some states have comprehensive laws that support gestational surrogacy, while others have limited legislation or restrictions. A few states still prohibit or significantly restrict compensated surrogacy.

Because surrogacy laws differ, it's important to work with an experienced reproductive attorney who understands the laws in the state where your journey will take place. Legal professionals help prepare the necessary contracts, establish parental rights, and ensure the process complies with state requirements.

For intended parents, understanding the legal landscape is an important part of planning a successful surrogacy journey. The good news is that there are many surrogacy-friendly states with well-established legal processes that make family building through gestational surrogacy possible.

Even if you live in a state with restrictive laws, you may still be able to pursue surrogacy by working with a gestational carrier who resides and delivers in a surrogacy-friendly state. Your agency and legal team can help determine the best approach based on your individual circumstances.

For more information, read our guide, States Where Paid Surrogacy Is Still Illegal and Why.

The surrogacy process typically takes 12 to 24 months, although every journey is different. The timeline depends on several factors, including embryo availability, the time it takes to match with a gestational carrier, medical screening, legal contracts, and the success of the embryo transfer.

A typical timeline includes:

• Creating embryos, if needed.
• Matching with a gestational carrier.
• Medical and psychological screening.
• Legal contract completion.
• Embryo transfer.
• Pregnancy and delivery.

If the first embryo transfer is unsuccessful or unexpected medical or legal delays occur, the overall timeline may be longer. While these situations can be disappointing, they are a normal part of many surrogacy journeys and do not necessarily mean the journey will be unsuccessful.

Working with an experienced surrogacy agency can help minimize unnecessary delays by coordinating each step, keeping communication on track, and ensuring all required milestones are completed as efficiently as possible.

For more information, read our guide, Understanding the Surrogacy Timeline: Why Patience Matters.

Matching a gestational carrier with intended parents is about much more than medical qualifications. A successful match is built on shared expectations, compatible communication styles, and a mutual understanding of the journey ahead.

Before a match is made, both the gestational carrier and the intended parents complete detailed profiles outlining their preferences, values, and goals. These may include topics such as communication during the pregnancy, travel expectations, views on selective reduction or termination, breastfeeding and pumping, involvement during medical appointments, and the level of contact they hope to have after the birth.

Once a potential match is identified, both parties have the opportunity to review each other's profiles. If there is mutual interest, they participate in a match meeting to get to know one another, ask questions, and determine whether they feel comfortable moving forward together.

There is no "perfect" match, but the goal is to find a partnership built on trust, respect, and open communication. Taking the time to make a thoughtful match often leads to a more positive experience for everyone involved.

For more information, read our guide, Understanding the Matching Process for Intended Parents.

Not every embryo transfer results in a pregnancy, even when high-quality embryos are used. While this can be disappointing, it is a normal part of the IVF process and does not mean your surrogacy journey is over.

If a transfer is unsuccessful, your fertility doctor will review the cycle and determine the best next steps. Depending on your circumstances, this may include transferring another embryo, adjusting the treatment protocol, or recommending additional testing before trying again.

Throughout this process, your gestational carrier, fertility clinic, and surrogacy agency continue working together to support the journey. Open communication and careful planning help ensure everyone understands the next steps and feels prepared to move forward.

Many intended parents experience one or more setbacks before achieving a successful pregnancy. With patience, support, and an experienced team, many go on to welcome a healthy baby.

For more information, read our guide, Coping With Setbacks in Your Surrogacy Journey: A Guide for Intended Parents.

Before an embryo transfer can take place, every gestational carrier completes a comprehensive medical evaluation at the intended parents' fertility clinic. This screening helps determine whether she can safely carry a pregnancy and whether she meets the clinic's medical requirements.

Occasionally, a gestational carrier may not medically qualify or may decide not to move forward after additional evaluation. While this can be disappointing, it is an important safeguard that protects the health of the gestational carrier and helps give the intended parents the best possible chance of a successful pregnancy.

If this happens, your surrogacy agency will work with you to identify another qualified gestational carrier. At Shining Light Baby, if a matched gestational carrier does not receive medical clearance or withdraws before pregnancy, we will begin the rematch process without charging an additional agency fee.

Although a rematch may extend your timeline, careful medical screening is one of the most important steps in building a safe and successful surrogacy journey.

For more information, read our guide, Becoming a Gestational Carrier: The Surrogate Screening Process.

While most surrogacy journeys are planned with the goal of a singleton pregnancy, twins can sometimes occur, even when a single embryo is transferred. In rare cases, an embryo may naturally split after transfer, resulting in identical twins. Twins may also occur if more than one embryo is transferred, although single embryo transfer is now the standard recommendation for most surrogacy journeys.

A twin pregnancy is considered higher risk than a singleton pregnancy and requires closer monitoring throughout the pregnancy. The gestational carrier may have more frequent prenatal appointments, additional ultrasounds, and a greater likelihood of activity restrictions, bed rest, or preterm delivery.

Before the embryo transfer, the intended parents and gestational carrier discuss their preferences regarding the number of embryos to transfer and review the potential risks associated with multiple pregnancies. These topics are also addressed in the legal agreement so everyone understands the plan before treatment begins.

Although carrying twins can present additional challenges, many twin surrogacy pregnancies result in the healthy delivery of two babies with the support of an experienced medical team.

For more information, read our guide, Do Surrogates Get Paid More for Twins?.

After the baby is born, the intended parents begin caring for their child while the gestational carrier starts her physical and emotional recovery. Although the pregnancy has ended, there are still a few important steps for everyone involved.

Depending on the state where the baby is born, legal documents such as a pre-birth or post-birth parentage order help establish the intended parents as the baby's legal parents. The hospital follows the birth plan created before delivery to ensure everyone understands their roles and expectations.

The gestational carrier receives postpartum medical care and attends follow-up appointments with her healthcare provider. Some gestational carriers choose to pump breast milk or provide colostrum for the baby if it was discussed and agreed upon in advance, while others do not. Every journey is different, and these decisions are made together before delivery.

The relationship between the intended parents and gestational carrier also varies. Some stay in close contact for years, while others exchange occasional updates or choose to remain connected through the agency. There is no right or wrong approach, as long as everyone's expectations are respected.

For many families, the birth marks the end of the surrogacy journey and the beginning of a lifelong chapter as parents.

Gestational carriers are healthy women who choose to help another person or couple build their family by carrying a pregnancy on their behalf. They are not genetically related to the baby they carry and have already experienced at least one healthy pregnancy of their own.

While qualifications vary slightly between agencies and fertility clinics, most gestational carriers must:

• Be between the required age range established by the agency and fertility clinic.
• Have had at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy without significant complications.
• Be raising at least one child.
• Be physically and emotionally healthy.
• Have a healthy body mass index (BMI) that meets medical guidelines.
• Be a non-smoker and free from illegal drug use.
• Pass comprehensive medical, psychological, and background screenings.

Choosing to become a gestational carrier is a significant commitment. It requires time, communication, and a genuine desire to help someone else become a parent. Throughout the journey, gestational carriers receive guidance and support from their agency, fertility clinic, legal team, and healthcare providers.

For more information, read our guide, Guide to the Surrogacy Application Process for First-Time Surrogates.

To help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy, gestational carriers must meet specific medical, lifestyle, and personal qualifications. These requirements are established by fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies to protect both the gestational carrier and the intended parents.

Although qualifications can vary, most gestational carriers should:

• Have delivered at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy and be raising at least one child.
• Be in good physical and emotional health.
• Meet the fertility clinic's BMI guidelines.
• Be a non-smoker and free from illegal drug use.
• Have no significant pregnancy complications or medical conditions that would make pregnancy unsafe.
• Be financially stable and not relying on surrogacy compensation as a primary source of income.
• Have a reliable support system, including support from a spouse or partner if applicable.
• Be willing to complete medical, psychological, and background screenings.
• Be able to attend medical appointments and follow the treatment plan throughout the journey.

Meeting the basic qualifications is only the first step. Every applicant undergoes a thorough evaluation to determine whether surrogacy is a safe and appropriate choice based on her individual medical history and personal circumstances.

For more information, read our guide, 5 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Surrogate, and What Could Disqualify Me From Being a Surrogate?.

Before being approved for a surrogacy journey, every gestational carrier completes a comprehensive screening process designed to ensure she is physically, emotionally, and medically prepared for pregnancy. This thorough evaluation also gives intended parents confidence that their gestational carrier has been carefully vetted.

The screening process typically includes:

• A detailed review of medical and pregnancy history.
• Collection of medical records from previous pregnancies and deliveries.
• A psychological evaluation to assess emotional readiness.
• Criminal background checks for the gestational carrier and, when applicable, her spouse or partner.
• A home assessment and discussion of her support system.
• A comprehensive medical evaluation and laboratory testing at the intended parents' fertility clinic.
• Education about the surrogacy process, expectations, and potential risks.

Only applicants who successfully complete each stage of the screening process are approved to move forward with matching. Even after matching, the fertility clinic performs its own medical evaluation before an embryo transfer is scheduled.

This extensive screening process helps protect the health of the gestational carrier while giving intended parents the best possible opportunity for a safe and successful journey.

For more information, read our guides, Becoming a Gestational Carrier: The Surrogate Screening Process.

No. In gestational surrogacy, the gestational carrier is not genetically related to the baby she carries.

The pregnancy begins through IVF, where an embryo is created using the intended parents' egg and sperm or donor eggs and/or donor sperm. That embryo is then transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus. Because she does not provide the egg, she has no biological or genetic connection to the child.

This is one of the biggest differences between gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg and is therefore genetically related to the baby. Today, nearly all surrogacy journeys in the United States are gestational surrogacy because it provides clear medical, legal, and emotional distinctions between the gestational carrier and the intended parents.

Understanding this distinction helps address one of the most common misconceptions about surrogacy and gives intended parents confidence that their child is genetically related according to the embryos created through their fertility treatment.

For more information, read our guide, What Are the Different Types of Surrogacy?.

This is one of the most common questions people ask about surrogacy. While gestational carriers often develop a bond with the pregnancy, that bond is very different from feeling that the baby is their own.

From the beginning of the journey, gestational carriers understand they are carrying a baby for the intended parents. They do not view themselves as becoming the child's parent. Instead, many describe their role as helping another family achieve their dream of having a child.

Most gestational carriers say the most rewarding moment of the journey is watching the intended parents meet their baby for the first time. Seeing their excitement, joy, and relief reinforces the purpose of the journey and reminds them why they chose to become a gestational carrier.

Like any meaningful experience, surrogacy can bring a range of emotions after delivery. That is why emotional support, open communication, and postpartum care are important parts of every surrogacy journey. With the right support system in place, most gestational carriers feel a deep sense of fulfillment knowing they helped create a family.

For more information, read our guide, Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Surrogacy.

No. In a gestational surrogacy arrangement, the gestational carrier does not have parental rights to the baby she carries.

Before the medical process begins, the intended parents and gestational carrier sign comprehensive legal agreements that clearly define each person's rights, responsibilities, and expectations. In many states, additional legal steps, such as a pre-birth or post-birth parentage order, establish the intended parents as the child's legal parents.

It's also important to remember that in gestational surrogacy, the gestational carrier is not genetically related to the baby. She carries the pregnancy on behalf of the intended parents with the understanding that the child is theirs from the very beginning.

Reputable surrogacy agencies, fertility clinics, and reproductive attorneys follow established legal and ethical practices that help protect everyone involved and provide a clear path to parenthood.

For more information, read our guide, The Importance of a Strong Surrogacy Contract for Intended Parents and Gestational Carriers.

Compensation for gestational carriers varies based on several factors, including their experience, where they live, and the specific details of their surrogacy journey. First-time gestational carriers typically receive a base compensation package, while experienced gestational carriers may qualify for higher compensation.

In addition to base compensation, gestational carriers are typically reimbursed for approved pregnancy-related expenses and may receive additional payments for certain circumstances, such as invasive medical procedures, carrying multiples, lost wages, travel, maternity clothing, and other expenses outlined in their legal agreement.

Compensation is not intended to be a salary or a primary source of income. Instead, it recognizes the time, commitment, physical demands, and sacrifices involved in helping another family have a child. Reputable agencies also ensure that compensation is managed through an independent escrow account, providing transparency and financial protection for everyone involved.

Because every journey is unique, the total compensation package can vary significantly. Your agency can explain what is included and help you understand the benefits available based on your individual circumstances.

For more information, read our guide, What Every Surrogate Should Know About Surrogacy Compensation.

Yes. Some gestational carriers choose to pump breast milk after delivery for the intended parents, while others do not. This is a personal decision that should be discussed during the matching process so everyone's expectations are clear before the journey begins.

In most surrogacy arrangements, the baby does not breastfeed directly from the gestational carrier. Instead, if she chooses to provide breast milk, she pumps and the milk is safely stored and transported to the intended parents.

Some gestational carriers provide breast milk for just a few days so the baby can receive colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients that support a newborn's immune system. Others may continue pumping for several weeks or even months after delivery. The length of time depends on the gestational carrier's comfort, recovery, and the agreement made with the intended parents.

Because pumping requires time, physical effort, and ongoing commitment after birth, it is important for intended parents and gestational carriers to discuss feeding plans well before delivery. A clear birth plan helps ensure the hospital staff understands everyone's wishes and that any breast milk or colostrum is handled according to the agreed-upon plan.

For more information, read our guide, Breast Milk Options in Surrogacy for Intended Parents and Gestational Carriers.

When carefully planned and medically supervised, surrogacy is considered a safe way to build a family. Gestational carriers undergo extensive medical, psychological, and background screenings before they are approved for a journey, and they receive ongoing prenatal care throughout the pregnancy.

Like any pregnancy, surrogacy carries some risks, including miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and the possibility of a Cesarean delivery. However, fertility clinics carefully evaluate each gestational carrier's medical history to reduce these risks whenever possible.

Throughout the journey, the gestational carrier is supported by her obstetrician, fertility clinic, surrogacy agency, and other healthcare professionals who monitor both her health and the baby's development.

For more information, read our guide, How Gestaional Surrogacy Works.

A miscarriage is one of the most difficult experiences that can occur during a surrogacy journey. While uncommon, it is a known risk with any pregnancy, including those achieved through IVF.

If a miscarriage occurs, the gestational carrier receives appropriate medical care while the fertility clinic evaluates the circumstances surrounding the loss. Once everyone has had time to heal physically and emotionally, the intended parents and their medical team discuss the next steps, which may include another embryo transfer if additional embryos are available.

Surrogacy agencies also provide emotional support and help maintain open communication between the intended parents and the gestational carrier during this challenging time. Although a miscarriage can delay the journey, many intended parents go on to achieve a successful pregnancy.

For more information, read our guide, Coping With Setbacks in Your Surrogacy Journey: A Guide for Intended Parents.

Surrogacy is a complex medical and legal process that involves many professionals working together over the course of a year or more. The total cost reflects the services, expertise, and protections needed to help ensure a safe and successful journey for everyone involved.

Surrogacy costs typically include agency coordination, gestational carrier compensation, fertility treatments, legal services, medical screening, psychological evaluations, independent escrow management, insurance, travel, and other pregnancy-related expenses.

While the investment is significant, each part of the process is designed to protect the intended parents, the gestational carrier, and the baby throughout the journey.

For more information, read our guide, The Role of a Surrogacy Agency and Why the Cost Is Worth It.

The names that appear on the birth certificate depend on the laws of the state where the baby is born and the legal steps completed before or after delivery.

In many surrogacy-friendly states, the intended parents are listed directly on the original birth certificate through a pre-birth parentage order. In other states, additional legal steps may be required after the birth before the birth certificate is issued or updated.

Your reproductive attorney will guide you through the legal requirements and ensure the appropriate documents are completed so your parental rights are recognized.

For more information, read our guide, What Is a Pre-Birth Order in Surrogacy? Do I Need One?.

A pre-birth order is a court order issued before a baby is born that legally recognizes the intended parent or parents as the child's legal parents. In states where pre-birth orders are available, this legal document helps ensure the intended parents can make medical decisions for their baby immediately after birth and that their names appear on the birth certificate when permitted by state law.

Not every state allows pre-birth orders, and the legal process varies depending on where the gestational carrier delivers. Your reproductive attorney will determine whether a pre-birth order is available and guide you through the necessary legal steps.

A pre-birth order is one of the many legal protections that helps make the transition to parenthood smoother for intended parents.

For more information, read our guide, What Is a Pre-Birth Order in Surrogacy? Do I Need One?.

For gestational surrogacy, yes. IVF is required because the embryo must be created outside the body before it can be transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus.

The embryo may be created using the intended parents' eggs and sperm, donor eggs, donor sperm, or a combination of both. Once the embryo has developed, it is transferred to the gestational carrier through a medical procedure performed at a fertility clinic.

Traditional surrogacy, which is rarely practiced today, does not always require IVF because the surrogate's own egg is used. Shining Light Baby only works with gestational surrogacy.

For more information, read our guide, How Gestational Surrogacy Works.

Before and after the embryo transfer, gestational carriers take medications that prepare the uterus for pregnancy and help support early embryo implantation. These medications often include estrogen and progesterone, although the exact protocol varies based on the fertility clinic and the individual's medical history.

Some medications are taken by mouth, while others may be given through injections, patches, or vaginal suppositories. Most fertility medications are temporary and are gradually discontinued once the pregnancy reaches a stage where the placenta is producing the hormones needed to support the pregnancy.

Your fertility clinic will provide detailed instructions, monitor progress throughout the cycle, and adjust medications as needed.

For more information, read our guide, IVF Medications for Surrogates.

In many cases, yes. Most hospitals welcome intended parents to be present during labor and delivery whenever possible, although hospital policies, the gestational carrier's wishes, and medical circumstances are always taken into consideration.

Before delivery, everyone works together to create a birth plan outlining expectations for labor, delivery, skin-to-skin contact, time with the baby, visitors, and communication. Having these conversations well in advance helps ensure everyone feels prepared and respected.

The goal is to create a positive birth experience that supports both the gestational carrier and the intended parents while keeping the health and safety of the mother and baby the top priority.

Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your family-building journey. An experienced agency provides guidance, coordinates every stage of the process, and serves as your primary source of support from matching through delivery.

When comparing agencies, consider factors such as:

• Experience and reputation.
• Surrogate screening standards.
• Communication and responsiveness.
• Transparency about fees and services.
• Matching philosophy and timelines.
• Ongoing support for intended parents and gestational carriers.
• Relationships with experienced fertility clinics and reproductive attorneys.

Don't hesitate to ask questions about the agency's process, success stories, support services, and what is included in their program fees. Choosing an agency that aligns with your goals and values can make a significant difference in your overall experience.

For more information, read our guides, Red Flags to Look For in a Surrogacy Agency, and Does Location Matter When Choosing a Surrogacy Agency?.

Gestational surrogacy offers high success rates, but there is no single percentage that applies to every journey. The likelihood of success depends on several factors, including the quality of the embryo, the age of the person who provided the egg, the health of the gestational carrier, and the experience of the fertility clinic.

Recent research has found that live birth rates following embryo transfer in gestational surrogacy are generally between 50% and 58% per embryo transfer when using modern IVF practices, with success largely influenced by embryo quality and donor age.

If the first embryo transfer is unsuccessful, many intended parents have additional embryos available and go on to achieve a successful pregnancy with a later transfer. Your fertility specialist can provide a more personalized estimate based on your embryo quality, age, and medical history.

While no fertility treatment can guarantee a pregnancy, working with an experienced fertility clinic, a thoroughly screened gestational carrier, and a reputable surrogacy agency helps maximize the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and live birth.

For more information, read our guide, Understanding the Surrogacy Timeline: Why Patience Matters.