Become a Surrogate FAQ

Becoming a Surrogate FAQ

If you are thinking of becoming a Surrogate, you probably have many questions! Our Surrogate FAQs offer answers to many common questions that potential Surrogates often ask. You can also apply to become a Surrogate or contact us if you need more information and would like to speak to our Surrogacy Program Director.

Can I be a Surrogate if I have depression?

Due to the physical and emotional effort surrogacy requires, unfortunately you will not qualify for surrogacy program if you currently have a depression diagnosis. If it was a situational diagnosis in your past, it is still possible for you to qualify to become a surrogate.

Can I be a Surrogate if i've never had a child?

Unfortunately, no. In order to qualify as a surrogate with Pinnacle Surrogacy, you need to have had given birth to and raised at least one child.

Is the baby genetically related to me if I am a Surrogate?

No. Since we only work with gestational carriers, the embryo that we transfer to your uterus is created from the intended parent(s)’ or donor eggs and sperm. This means that the baby is genetically related to the parent(s) or the donors they used and not the surrogate.

Is being a Surrogate risky?

Surrogate pregnancy carries the same risks as carrying your own pregnancy.

Can I be a Surrogate if i've had a miscarriage?

Yes, absolutely. Miscarriage will not disqualify you from becoming a Surrogate, as long as it has not been a recurrent issue.

If I have had an abortion, can I be a Surrogate?

Yes, absolutely. Having had an abortion does not disqualify you from becoming a surrogate with us at Pinnacle Surrogacy.

What medications do I need to take if I am a Surrogate?

Every surrogacy process is different and all our surrogates have individual protocols in terms of medication and doses they take to prepare for IVF embryo transfer and pregnancy. However, you can expect to be provided with the following medications: birth control pills, lupron, estrace and progesterone.

Can I be a Surrogate if i had a C-section?

Yes, absolutely. You can qualify to become a surrogate if you have had no more than 3 C-sections so far; we’ll need to ensure that a potential C-section during your future surrogacy process would not put you over our 4 C-sections limit.

How Much Are Surrogates Paid?

Surrogate’s compensation package, that includes base pay, additional payments, and benefits, always depends on individual circumstances and her surrogacy journey.

Some of the factors that can influence the overall package are i.e., if a surrogate carries more than one baby, or has more than one embryo transfer. We explain this in more detail on our surrogate’s compensation page.

There is a minimum package that first time Surrogates can expect to receive, and it is $60,000 for those based In California, and $50,000 for surrogates based in the rest of the United States. Previous surrogates’ base pay is considerably higher. Rest assured that Pinnacle Surrogacy not only offers one of the most competitive compensation packages in the US, but a support that is second to none.

How much do Surrogates get paid in California?

In California, first-time surrogates have a base compensation of $50,000 and an expected complete compensation package including other payments and benefits of $60,000. Second time, proven surrogates in California have a base pay of $55,000.

‍ The surrogate pay and total compensation package depends on many factors and situations that we explain in detail here: Surrogate Compensation breakdown.

Do I need to pay for anything to be a Surrogate?

No, we cover the cost of everything pertaining to your surrogacy journey. You may occasionally need to pay for a cost upfront (i.e. a co-pay at a doctor’s office) and we reimburse you upon receiving your receipt for your expense.

How much do you get paid as a Surrogate?

Surrogate compensation depends on individual journeys and circumstances but, as a starting point, first time surrogates based in California can expect a package of at least $60,000, and in all other states, $50,000. Repeat surrogates’ pay is considerably higher.

At Pinnacle Surrogacy we care about our surrogates. We understand the sacrifices you make to give another family the chance to grow.

Our surrogate pay and benefits packages are designed to show our gratitude and to make the experience of surrogacy as comfortable as possible.

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Do you get paid to be a Surrogate?

Yes, absolutely. There are many factors that influence the level of surrogate compensation. Learn more on our Compensation page.

Do I need to have medical insurance to be a Surrogate Mother?

No, in order to become a Surrogate, you do not have to have medical insurance, since we can obtain a policy for you. If you do have an insurance policy, we will have it reviewed for use as a Surrogate and offer complimentary insurance in case there are items that your policy may not cover in the surrogacy process.

Whose name goes on the birth certificate for a baby born through surrogacy?

In most of the surrogacy-friendly states we work with, an attorney files a pre-birth order with a court before the baby’s birth. The court then sends a declaration of parentage to the hospital, and the hospital then places the intended parents’ names on the birth certificate. There can be some exceptions to this process due to varying state-specific laws and international policies. We are always happy to connect you with an attorney who can counsel you on applicable laws for your situation.

Can I choose the Intended Parents if I am a Surrogate?

You do have a say in the Intended Parents you work with. Once you are medically and psychologically cleared to become a Surrogate with us, we’ll match you with one of the intended parent(s) we work with. We will provide you with an Intended Parent(s) profile where you will find out more about who they are, what they are looking for, and what their expectations and hopes are during the surrogacy process and beyond. If you feel it is someone you can share your surrogacy journey with, we’ll share your profile with them and arrange a match meeting. Surrogacy match meetings can be face to face, however as we also work with many international patients, it most often is a FaceTime or a phone call meeting.

I don’t live in California or Florida, can still become a surrogate?

Absolutely! Although our physical offices and clinics are currently located in California and Florida, we work with surrogates who live in all the states where surrogacy is legal, and we have successfully completed the surrogacy process with our surrogates based in Washington state, Oregon, Nevada, Georgia, just to name a few! When you travel to one of our clinics to complete the initial medical screening, we will cover all your costs associated with travel, including gas, flights, accommodation, and meal allowance. When it’s time to travel for an embryo transfer, we’ll cover all the expenses for both you and your companion. What’s more, we’ll do our best so that you can stay under care of your OB/GYN near your home throughout your surrogate pregnancy.These categories are fully explained in our fee schedule and our team will be happy to describe them further as you explore surrogacy.

If there is a medical complication during surrogate pregnancy, who makes the decision for the baby?

The intended parents typically make decisions regarding the baby after consultation with medical specialists. The surrogate legal agreement and state laws may specify situations where the surrogate makes decisions regarding the baby.

How long does it take to become a Surrogate?

It takes about 8 weeks to screen to become a Surrogate, depending on where you are currently at in your cycle. Once fully medically and psychologically cleared for surrogacy, we’ll match you with Intended Parent(s) and plan your surrogacy journey.

How many times can you be a Surrogate?

This really depends on how many pregnancies you have carried already; typically we will allow no more than 5 pregnancies in total. If you have carried and delivered between 1 and 4 pregnancies so far, we can still consider you to become a Surrogate with us here at Pinnacle Surrogacy.

How do I get pregnant if I am a Surrogate?

In gestational surrogacy journeys, Surrogates become pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF). We’ll create the embryo ready for implantation from the intended parent(s)’ or donor’s egg and sperm. You will take medications for a few weeks before the transfer to prepare your body to be receptive to an embryo being transferred to your uterus.

What is the relationship between the intended parents and gestational carrier during and after the pregnancy?

Both parties can decide the nature of the relationship during and after the pregnancy. For example, we work to match intended parents who want limited contact with a surrogate who seeks the same degree of interaction. After birth, there is no ongoing legal relationship, and both parties can make decisions on whether to stay in contact or not.

How Can I Qualify To be a surrogate?

In order to qualify as a Surrogate here at Pinnacle Surrogacy, you will need to meet the following basic criteria:

had a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery of at least one child
not more than 5 births in total, or more than 3 C-sections so far
no psychiatric history
financially stable (no government assistance)
non smoker with no drug/alcohol use
be willing to reduce for medical reasons at Intended Parents’ discretion

We explain Surrogate qualifications in detail on our dedicated page too, follow this link to learn more: Surrogate Qualifications