Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman, the gestational carrier, carries a pregnancy for intended parents using an embryo created through in vitro fertilization. The gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the child she carries. The embryo is created using either the intended mother’s eggs, a donor’s eggs, or the intended father’s sperm, or donor sperm.

A gestational carrier carries an embryo that is not genetically related to her. A traditional surrogate uses her own eggs, meaning she has a genetic connection to the child. Avenir Fertility works exclusively with gestational carriers, we do not facilitate traditional surrogacy arrangements.

General requirements include being between 21 and 40 years of age, having had at least one successful full-term pregnancy and delivery with no major complications, currently parenting at least one child living in your home, being in good physical and mental health, being a non-smoker living in a non-smoking household, having a BMI generally between 19 and 32, being financially stable and not reliant on government cash assistance, and being a legal resident or citizen of the United States or Mexico depending on the program. A full breakdown is available on our Surrogate Qualifications page.

Compensation varies based on location, program, and experience. Your full compensation package, including base pay and all allowances, is discussed openly during your application process before you commit to anything. A complete breakdown of every component is available on our Surrogate Compensation page.

All surrogates are required to have health insurance that covers surrogacy-related medical care. If your current insurance does not provide adequate coverage, we work with you to obtain a policy that does. The cost is covered by the intended parents.

It depends on your specific match and the clinic involved. Some surrogates travel for medical appointments, screenings, or procedures. All required travel is covered, including flights, hotels, meals, and mileage for local appointments. Your coordinator manages all logistics.

This is something that is discussed and agreed upon during the matching process. Our standard practice follows a single embryo transfer policy, which significantly reduces the likelihood of multiples. Any deviation from that standard requires medical recommendation from your treating physician and full agreement from all parties before it is considered.

Once matched and legally cleared, you will complete a full medical screening with the intended parents’ IVF clinic. If cleared, you will begin a medication protocol to prepare your body for the embryo transfer. Your coordinator manages communication between you and the clinic throughout the entire process so you always know what is happening and what comes next.

A failed transfer is always a possibility and something we prepare every surrogate for emotionally and practically. Your Gestational Carrier Agreement outlines exactly what happens in this circumstance, including compensation. Your coordinator and mental health support remain available to you throughout. We do not leave you to navigate that alone.

Every relationship is different and is shaped by the preferences of both parties during the matching process. Some surrogates and intended parents develop close, ongoing relationships. Others maintain more defined boundaries. What matters is that both parties are aligned before the match is confirmed, and your coordinator facilitates that conversation from the very beginning.

Every relationship is different and is shaped by the preferences of both parties during the matching process. Some surrogates and intended parents develop close, ongoing relationships. Others maintain more defined boundaries. What matters is that both parties are aligned before the match is confirmed, and your coordinator facilitates that conversation from the very beginning.

The first step is submitting your application. From there, you will have an initial consultation with one of our program directors, a real conversation, no pressure, no commitment. Everything you need to know about the process from that point is outlined on our How to Become a Surrogate page.

You can expect a dedicated coordinator who knows your journey, answers your questions directly, and advocates for you at every stage. You can expect licensed mental health support to be available throughout. You can expect full transparency on everything, compensation, timelines, medical processes, and legal steps. And you can expect to be treated as a person, not a file.