Question 1

How long does the entire surrogacy journey typically take?

Accepted Answer

Most intended parent journeys take about 12 to 18 months from the initial consultation to your baby's birth. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including whether you already have embryos ready, how quickly a suitable surrogate match is found, and how smoothly the medical process progresses.

Question 2

When can the trust (escrow) account be closed?

Accepted Answer

The trust account remains open until all surrogacy-related bills, including delayed hospital invoices, are paid. This typically happens 6–12 months after delivery, with any remaining funds refunded to you.

Question 3

What if the first embryo transfer doesn't result in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Most surrogacy contracts include up to three embryo transfer attempts. If the first transfer is unsuccessful, and both parties wish to continue—and the IVF physician agrees it's medically appropriate—another transfer can be scheduled. The doctor may recommend additional evaluations before the next attempt.

Question 4

What is a pre-birth order and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A pre-birth order is a legal document issued during the later stage of pregnancy that establishes the intended parents as the legal parents of the child before birth. This allows your names to be placed directly on the birth certificate and eliminates the need for post-birth adoption or custody procedures.

Question 5

Do we need separate lawyers for intended parents and surrogate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To ensure fairness and legal protection for both parties, intended parents and surrogates must be represented by independent legal counsel. Ivy Surrogacy connects you with experienced reproductive attorneys.

Question 6

Can we choose our own attorney for the surrogacy process?

Accepted Answer

Yes, intended parents are welcome to choose their own legal representation. However, it's essential that your attorney has substantial experience in surrogacy and reproductive law. If you don't have a surrogacy attorney already, we're happy to refer you to one of our trusted legal partners.

Question 7

How do you support international intended parents with legal documentation?

Accepted Answer

For international intended parents, we ensure that all pre-birth legal documents—such as the surrogacy contract, signed originals, and parentage orders—are fully prepared and properly executed before your baby is born. We'll guide you through each step of the post-birth documentation process.

Question 8

Can we help choose the surrogate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You'll receive a curated selection of surrogate profiles that match your preferences, such as location, lifestyle, communication style, and surrogacy experience. We'll arrange a video meeting between you and the surrogate before finalizing the match.

Question 9

How are surrogates evaluated before being accepted into the program?

Accepted Answer

Surrogate evaluation is a two-phase process. Before matching: detailed consultation, OB/delivery history review, criminal background checks. After matching: your IVF clinic conducts formal medical records review, full medical screening, and psychological evaluation by a licensed mental health professional.

Question 10

Can we request a surrogate with prior surrogacy experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many intended parents prefer working with experienced surrogates. However, experienced surrogates are in high demand and relatively rare. If you choose to wait for one, the matching process may take longer than average.

Question 11

How long does it usually take to be matched with a surrogate?

Accepted Answer

Matching typically takes 1 to 3 months, but the exact timeframe depends on your preferences. Factors like the surrogate's location, lifestyle, willingness to carry twins, or prior experience can all impact how quickly a match can be made.

Question 12

Do surrogates go through criminal background checks?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All potential surrogates must pass a comprehensive background screening that includes criminal history, driving records, and child abuse registries. This ensures a safe and responsible environment for your future child.

Question 13

Are surrogacy costs fixed or flexible?

Accepted Answer

Some costs are fixed, such as agency fees and surrogate base compensation. Others—like medical costs, transfer attempts, or unexpected procedures—may vary. We provide real-time updates to help you stay on budget.

Question 14

How are payments scheduled throughout the surrogacy process?

Accepted Answer

Payments are structured across 4 installments: (1) Initial payment when signing retainer, (2) Agency fee after surrogate passes screenings, (3) Additional payment around 8th week of pregnancy, (4) Final payment later if applicable. All funds are managed through a licensed escrow provider.

Question 15

What happens financially if we need to rematch with another surrogate?

Accepted Answer

If the surrogate is medically disqualified or withdraws, we do not charge any rematch fee. If you decide to rematch for personal reasons while the surrogate remains cleared, a $10,000 rematch fee will apply. Each new match involves fresh screenings and a new legal contract.

Question 16

Can we use employee fertility benefits (Carrot, Progyny, etc.) for surrogacy?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Ivy Surrogacy works with many intended parents whose employers offer fertility benefits. We're happy to assist with documentation and coordinate directly with your plan administrator.

Question 17

What screenings do surrogates go through?

Accepted Answer

All surrogates undergo comprehensive medical exams including uterine assessment, hormone levels, STD testing, drug screening, and psychological evaluation to ensure their physical and emotional readiness.

Question 18

What role does the fertility clinic play during surrogacy?

Accepted Answer

The clinic handles embryo creation, surrogate's medical screening, embryo transfer, and monitoring through the first trimester. Around 10 weeks of pregnancy, the surrogate transitions to her local OB-GYN for routine prenatal care.

Question 19

Can we use frozen embryos stored overseas for U.S. surrogacy?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Embryos from some countries (Japan, Hong Kong, UK) can be transported to the U.S., while others (mainland China, Thailand) cannot due to export restrictions. Sperm and egg providers must have completed FDA-compliant infectious disease screenings before embryo creation.

Question 20

Can we use an egg donor or sperm donor during the surrogacy process?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. Many intended parents choose to use donor eggs, sperm, or both. Since state laws vary regarding donors, let us know early so we can provide tailored guidance for surrogate selection.

Question 21

Is PGT-A genetic testing required?

Accepted Answer

PGT-A is not required by Ivy Surrogacy, but it's becoming increasingly common in IVF practices. Some clinics transfer only PGT-A tested embryos. Transferring untested embryos may come with lower success rates and could require additional transfers.

Question 22

How is the delivery planned for intended parents?

Accepted Answer

Birth planning begins around two months before the due date. We'll discuss whether you'll be present at delivery or if a Power of Attorney is needed. Our team guides you on legal documents, what to prepare, and post-birth documentation including birth certificate and travel documents.

Question 23

What support will we receive throughout the surrogacy journey?

Accepted Answer

Ivy Surrogacy assigns a dedicated case manager to each family. Your case manager handles coordination, communication, scheduling, and emotional support—from start to finish. We're here for you every step of the way.

Question 24

Are we allowed to be in the delivery room when the baby is born?

Accepted Answer

Most hospitals welcome the intended parents into the delivery room if both parties agree. This allows you to witness the birth of your child and begin bonding immediately. We help coordinate this plan in advance.

Question 25

What happens if the baby requires NICU care?

Accepted Answer

If NICU care is needed, the baby remains in the hospital under your legal custody. For local parents, your own insurance may cover NICU expenses. For international parents, our team assists with newborn insurance coverage and hospital communication.

Question 26

Can we stay near the surrogate's hospital close to the due date?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we recommend it. Many intended parents travel 1–2 weeks before the estimated due date. We can suggest local accommodations and help coordinate timing and logistics.

Question 27

How do we obtain the baby's birth certificate and passport?

Accepted Answer

Once your legal parentage is confirmed, we'll guide you through the birth certificate application. For international families, we provide step-by-step support for passport applications and consular procedures.

FAQ for Intended Parents

Process & Legal

Choosing Surrogates

Cost & Payments

IVF & Medical

Birth & Support

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