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🔑 Key Takeaways
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Both gay and heterosexual single men can legally and safely become fathers through surrogacy in the United States.
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Surrogacy costs for single fathers typically range from $210,000 to $280,000+, divided among IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy program expenses.
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The overall process takes about two years from consultation to birth if everything goes smoothly.
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Single fathers can use frozen donor eggs to save time and cost — or opt for fresh donation cycles for personalized matching.
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Ivy Surrogacy offers full support — from egg donor selection and surrogate matching to legal coordination and post-birth documentation.
Introduction: Redefining Fatherhood Through Surrogacy
In today’s world, more men — both gay and heterosexual single men — are choosing to become fathers independently. Thanks to modern reproductive technologies and supportive U.S. surrogacy laws, single men can now have biological children safely and ethically through surrogacy.
At Ivy Surrogacy, we’ve guided many single fathers through this life-changing journey. Parenthood isn’t defined by relationship status — it’s defined by love, commitment, and the courage to begin.
Is Surrogacy Legal for Single Men in the U.S.?
Yes. Single men can legally become parents through gestational surrogacy in the United States. Surrogacy-friendly states such as California, Nevada, Oregon, Illinois, etc. have clear laws that recognize intended fathers as the child’s legal parent from birth.
Ivy Surrogacy collaborates with leading attorneys to ensure all legal steps — including pre-birth orders and birth certificates — are handled with precision. For international single fathers, this legal security and professionalism make the U.S. the most trusted destination for surrogacy.
Why Many Single Fathers Choose Surrogacy
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Biological Connection: Surrogacy allows single men to have a child genetically related to them.
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Certainty and Control: You can be involved in selecting your egg donor, choosing your surrogate, and following every milestone in the pregnancy.
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Stable and Secure Process: With the right agency, the surrogacy journey is well-structured, transparent, and emotionally supported.
“Becoming a dad through surrogacy was the most empowering decision I’ve ever made,” shared one Ivy Surrogacy client. “It’s not just about biology — it’s about love, intention, and guidance.”
Step-by-Step Surrogacy Process for Single Fathers
The surrogacy journey for single fathers involves two major stages: the egg donation and embryo creation phase, and the surrogacy and pregnancy phase.
🧬 Step 1: Egg Donation and Embryo Creation
The first step is selecting an egg donor and creating embryos through IVF.
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Choose an Egg Donor
Ivy Surrogacy provides access to diverse, thoroughly screened donors — including Asian, Ivy League, and proven donors. You can review detailed donor profiles with education, personality, and health background. -
Fresh vs. Frozen Donor Eggs
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Frozen donor eggs (from egg banks) shorten timelines by several months since the eggs are already retrieved and stored.
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Fresh donation cycles offer more embryos and greater control over donor selection but require additional coordination.
(Related read: Fresh vs. Frozen Donor Eggs: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Family)
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IVF and Embryo Creation
Once your donor is selected, your sperm is used for fertilization in the IVF lab. Most single fathers obtain several high-quality embryos after PGT-A testing for chromosomal health.
💡 Tip: If you’re living outside the U.S., you can freeze and ship your sperm to the U.S. for IVF (see related links in FAQ below).
🤰 Step 2: The Surrogacy Process
(Learn more: Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents)
Once your embryos are ready, the surrogacy phase begins.
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Surrogate Matching
Ivy Surrogacy matches you with a surrogate whose personality, lifestyle, and communication preferences align with yours.-
Most surrogates are open to working with single fathers, though a small number may prefer traditional couples — that’s completely normal.
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Some states have restrictive surrogacy laws, and we’ll help you avoid those when choosing a surrogate.
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Medical Screening → Legal Contract → Embryo Transfer
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Medical Screening: The surrogate undergoes physical, psychological, and infectious-disease testing before any contract is signed.
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Legal Contract: Independent attorneys then finalize agreements to protect all parties.
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Embryo Transfer: After medical clearance and legal approval, one of your embryos is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
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Pregnancy & Birth
Ivy Surrogacy oversees medical coordination, emotional support, and transparent updates throughout the pregnancy. After delivery, you’ll be listed as the baby’s legal parent on the birth certificate.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost for Single Fathers?
Total Estimated Cost: $210,000 – $280,000+
Surrogacy for single fathers involves three primary cost categories: IVF clinic, egg donation, and surrogacy program.
1. IVF Clinic Costs (~$40,000)
Includes:
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IVF cycle and embryo creation
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Egg donor medical screening
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Surrogate medical screening
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FDA infectious disease testing for both intended father and egg donor
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PGT-A genetic testing
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Embryo freezing and storage
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Medication fees
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Embryo transfer procedure
Every IVF clinic has slightly different pricing structures, and total costs can vary based on protocols, medication brands, and monitoring frequency.
2. Egg Donation Costs ($25,000 or More)
(Related read: Egg Donation Breakdown: Understanding Every Cost Involved)
Includes:
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Donor compensation ($10,000 – $30,000 or higher for Ivy League or proven donors)
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Agency fee for donor recruitment, coordination, and support
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Legal contracts
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Donor’s travel expenses
Frozen donor eggs can reduce costs and time, while fresh donations offer higher embryo yield.
3. Surrogacy Program Costs ($140,000 – $160,000+)
(Related read: Surrogacy Cost Breakdown: Understanding Each Component)
Includes:
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Surrogate base compensation ($60,000 – $80,000 based on experience and state)
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Agency fees, background checks, psychological evaluation
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Legal fees and insurance coverage
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Pregnancy care, travel expenses, and escrow management
Ivy Surrogacy collects the agency fee only after the surrogate passes both medical and psychological screenings, ensuring full transparency.
💰 Total Estimated Cost Summary
| Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| IVF Clinic | ~$40,000 |
| Egg Donation | $25,000 or more |
| Surrogacy Program | $140,000 – $160,000+ |
| Total | $210,000 – $280,000+ |
Actual costs vary depending on clinic, donor type, insurance, the surrogate’s state, and whether the process proceeds smoothly.
💡 What Might Affect the Total Cost?
While the average range for single father surrogacy is $210,000–$280,000+, certain factors may increase or decrease your total expenses:
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Egg Donor Compensation: Experienced or Ivy League donors command higher rates than first-time donors.
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Surrogate Rematch: If a surrogate fails medical screening, matching a new candidate may add extra coordination and legal fees.
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Multiple Embryo Transfers: Some intended fathers may need more than one embryo transfer to achieve pregnancy.
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Neonatal Care or Insurance: Medical or insurance expenses for the newborn (such as NICU care) are not included in the surrogacy budget.
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Legal or International Documentation: International intended fathers may incur additional fees for travel or parental documentation.
Ivy Surrogacy provides a detailed, transparent cost sheet during consultation, helping every single father plan with confidence.
Choosing the Right Egg Donor and Surrogate
Selecting the right donor and surrogate is crucial for a successful journey.
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Egg Donors: Choose based on genetics, appearance, educational background, and medical history.
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Surrogates: Selected according to personality, past pregnancy experience, and communication style. Most are motivated by compassion and the desire to help others build families.
⚖️ Legal Tip: Avoid selecting surrogates from states with restrictive surrogacy laws — Ivy Surrogacy will guide you to states where parental rights are fully protected.
Further Reading:
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Experienced vs. First-Time Surrogates: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Journey
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How to Select an Egg Donor? Six Things You Should Know Before Choosing an Egg Donor
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How to Choose a Sperm or Egg Donor Based on Genetic Screening
Legal and Emotional Support During the Journey
Becoming a single father can feel overwhelming — but you’ll never be alone. Ivy Surrogacy provides:
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Legal coordination to ensure you’re recognized as the sole legal parent.
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Emotional support and counseling throughout the process.
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Post-birth assistance with documentation, travel, and newborn arrangements.
Real Story: A Single Father’s Journey to Parenthood
Michael, a 42-year-old entrepreneur from Los Angeles, had always dreamed of being a dad. After working with Ivy Surrogacy, he selected a caring donor and a surrogate who shared his enthusiasm.
After nine months, his son was born healthy and strong.
“I was nervous at first,” Michael said. “But Ivy Surrogacy handled everything — the law, the science, and the emotions. They helped me become a father in every sense of the word.”
Common Questions About Single Father Surrogacy (FAQ)
1. Can a single man legally become a parent through surrogacy?
Yes. In states like California, Nevada, Oregon, and others, single men can legally become parents through gestational surrogacy.
2. Do single fathers need to use an egg donor?
Yes. Single men must use donor eggs to create embryos via IVF.
3. What are the total costs for single father surrogacy?
Typically $210,000 – $280,000+, covering IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy expenses.
4. How long does the surrogacy process take?
If everything goes smoothly, the process from consultation to birth usually takes about two years.
5. Can international single men pursue surrogacy in the U.S.?
Absolutely. Ivy Surrogacy supports international clients with visa, travel, and legal coordination.
6. How do parental rights work after the baby’s birth?
Legal contracts and pre-birth orders ensure the father’s name appears directly on the birth certificate.
7. Is single father surrogacy risky?
The overall process is medically very safe, with high cumulative success rates due to the use of healthy egg donors and screened surrogates. However, like any pregnancy, challenges such as failed embryo transfers or pregnancy complications can occur. Our team is experienced in navigating these situations to support you throughout the journey.
8. What if I don’t have a U.S. visa? Can I still proceed?
Yes. You can freeze your sperm abroad and ship it to the U.S. for IVF and embryo creation. Learn more in:
After your baby is born, Ivy Surrogacy can assist you in authorizing a trusted caregiver to bring your child home safely.
Conclusion: Love Defines a Family
You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” or “perfect partner” to start your family. You just need the love and courage to take the first step.
At Ivy Surrogacy, we specialize in guiding single fathers — both U.S. and international — through every phase of their journey to fatherhood.
Contact us today to receive personalized guidance designed for your unique path. Together, we’ll help turn your dream of becoming a father into reality.