Frequently Asked Questions
What is surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is when a loving and healthy woman helps another family by carrying their baby, created through IVF using the intended parents’ embryo. The surrogate has no genetic link to the child — she’s giving the extraordinary gift of pregnancy to those who can’t experience it themselves. It’s a beautiful act of teamwork, trust, and love that changes lives on both sides.
Why do we need a surrogate?
Due to a rare reproductive defect, I can not have a safe pregnancy. Despite 4 painful surgeries and difficult recoveries, we were not able to get the results we needed to support a healthy pregnancy.
Is the baby related to me?
No — in gestational surrogacy, the baby is not biologically related to the surrogate. The embryo was created using our egg and sperm and then will be transferred to our surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate’s role is to carry and nurture the pregnancy, not to provide genetic material.
Who does the baby legally belong to?
The baby will be our child. We will be there during delivery to welcome our baby into the world with you. This is the normal, caring process in surrogacy — one that will let our surrogate simply take joy and pride in the special part she’s played in bringing our dream to life, without needing to continue caring for the baby.
Is surrogacy safe?
Yes — surrogacy is considered a safe process. Surrogates receive excellent medical care throughout, beginning with thorough health screenings and continuing with attentive prenatal and delivery support. Fertility specialists and obstetricians work closely together to monitor every stage, ensuring both the surrogate and the baby stay healthy. The risks involved are similar to what you’d expect from a typical pregnancy when carrying your own baby. Most surrogates describe the experience as deeply rewarding and say they felt well cared for and supported the entire way.
Is surrogacy legal?
Yes — surrogacy is completely legal and very well established across much of the United States, including states like California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Colorado. These states have clear laws, supportive courts, and experienced professionals who make the process smooth, secure, and widely trusted.
How long is the process?
With us, the total surrogacy process should take around 13 months from start to finish, including the nine months of pregnancy. Because we already have embryos, doctors, and legal support in place, our process will move much faster than going through an agency — which typically takes between 18-24 months. With us, you can expect a smooth, streamlined experience that focuses on personal connection rather than red tape.
Why are you pursuing surrogacy independently rather than working with an agency?
We decided to pursue an independent surrogate journey because we’d rather put our resources toward supporting our surrogate directly, not paying huge agency fees. It also makes the process move faster and more personal — fewer layers and bureaucracy and more real connection. We want this to feel like a partnership built on trust and shared purpose, not a transaction filtered through an agency.
What support will I receive?
You’ll have complete support every step of the way — medically, legally, emotionally, and financially. You’ll work with top doctors and fertility specialists who ensure the best possible care and a safe, healthy pregnancy. You’ll also have expert legal guidance from attorneys who specialize in surrogacy, so everything is handled clearly, fairly, and with your protection in mind.
All medical costs, travel, and pregnancy-related expenses are fully covered, and we’ll stay in close contact throughout the journey — checking in, listening, and making sure you feel valued and supported. Our goal is for you to feel completely cared for from the first conversation through delivery, with the very best professionals and genuine personal support by your side the entire way.
What sort of relationship are you hoping for with your surrogate?
We hope to share a warm, genuine connection built on trust, kindness, and shared joy. We’d love to be part of the journey with you every step of the way — celebrating each milestone, offering support, and staying meaningfully connected along the way. Our wish is for this to feel like a true partnership where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
After the baby arrives, we’d love to stay in touch and share updates as life unfolds — in whatever way feels most natural to the connection we’ve built. If it is what you wish for, we’d love for you to experience the joy and witness the milestones of the beautiful baby you helped bring into the world. This experience means so much to us, and we’re deeply grateful to walk it together.
More questions?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more. I’ll happily talk with you about our hopes for the journey and answer all of your questions.
I’m excited to meet you!
Warmly,
Kay