As a surrogate, what are the steps to expect along the journey?

Steps from the Beginning to the End

1.1 Matching and Screening (3-6 months)

• Surrogate must have given birth to at least one child and have no criminal record. Once matched with the intended parents, the surrogate needs to conduct psychological screening (such as MMPI scales), drug and alcohol testing.
• Medical institutions need to check their pregnancy history and exclude high-risk diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

1.2 Legal process (2-4 months)

• Legal Contract Review, Signing and Notarization:

Clarify both the surrogates and the intended parents right and obligations, specify the compensation amount ($55，000-$100,000), and agreement in special circumstance, such as selective deduction and etc. 

1.3 Medical Process (12-14 Months)

• IVF cycle and Embryo Transfer Procedure:

• Pregnancy management:

After 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, surrogates “graduate” from the IVF clinic and transit to her OB then she needs to undergo regular prenatal check ups, including NT, NIPT, glucose testing and etc. to ensure the health of the fetus.

1.4 Delivery and Follow up Procedures

• Delivery schedule:

The client may choose a delivery hospital and participate in the decision-making process for the delivery room.

Immediately conduct DNA testing on newborns after birth to confirm their biological relationship.

Legal documents:

The court issued a "Birth Order" confirming that the client is a legal parent.

Apply for a US passport and a Chinese travel document (if returning to China).