Thinking About Becoming a Surrogate? How to Have a Safe, Supported Journey

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Candace O'Brien

Thinking About Becoming a Surrogate? How to Ensure a Safe and Supported Journey

Becoming a gestational surrogate is one of the most generous and life-changing decisions a woman can make. You’re helping intended parents achieve their dream of a family — and that’s a gift beyond measure.

But your willingness to help isn’t the only thing that matters. To have a truly positive experience, you need a surrogacy journey that is safe, secure, and supported from start to finish.

That’s where Advocates for Surrogacy comes in. We are a team of women helping women — and when you work with us, you’ll work directly with our founder and head advocate, not a rotating cast of staff members. This means you have a knowledgeable, empowered decision-maker by your side every step of the way.

1. Direct Access to Experience and Authority

At many agencies, you might start your journey speaking to a very experienced representative — only to be handed off to a staff member who keeps “office hours” and doesn’t have the authority to solve problems quickly.

Advocates for Surrogacy is different. You’ll work one-on-one with our founder, who has years of hands-on surrogacy coordination experience and the authority to make decisions in real time. When an issue arises — day or night — you’ll have direct access to someone who can act, not just take a message.

2. Legal Protection from the Start

A safe surrogacy journey starts with airtight legal safeguards:

Your own independent attorney, paid for by the intended parents
A clear, comprehensive surrogacy agreement
Compliance with state surrogacy laws to ensure your rights are enforceable

We connect you with experienced surrogacy attorneys and oversee the process to make sure your interests are fully protected.

3. Thorough Screening for Everyone

You deserve to feel completely confident in your match. That’s why we ensure:

Comprehensive medical screening
Psychological evaluations for surrogates and intended parents
Background checks for intended parents

We only move forward when everyone involved meets our high standards — creating a foundation of trust and safety.

4. Fair, Transparent, and Secure Compensation

You should never have to worry about whether you’ll be paid as promised. That means:

All funds placed in a licensed, third-party escrow account before medical procedures begin — never held directly by the intended parents
Guaranteed base compensation
Reimbursement for pregnancy-related expenses
Coverage for lost wages, childcare, and other agreed-upon costs

A word of caution: Some intended parents or agencies may try to skip escrow to “save money” or manage funds themselves. This puts you at serious financial risk. We never allow it.

5. Complete, Ethical Insurance Coverage

Medical care can be expensive — and you should never be left with bills for a pregnancy you carried for someone else. A secure surrogacy journey includes:

Health insurance that fully covers pregnancy and delivery
Life insurance for added peace of mind
Expert insurance review to confirm you’re fully protected

Important: Using Medicaid for a surrogacy pregnancy is not only unethical but can be illegal in many states. It can create legal complications for you and the intended parents. We work only with insurance plans that are appropriate and fully compliant.

🚩 Red Flags to Avoid as a Surrogate

(Protect Yourself and Your Surrogacy Journey)

No Licensed Third-Party Escrow for Your Funds — Without escrow, your compensation could be delayed or withheld. Always insist on licensed escrow before medical procedures begin.
Pressure to Use Medicaid for Surrogacy — This can be illegal and cause serious legal consequences. Always have compliant private or supplemental insurance.
No Independent Legal Representation — Never share an attorney with the intended parents. Your legal counsel should be yours alone.
Unclear or Vague Compensation Terms — If amounts, payment dates, and covered expenses aren’t spelled out in writing, you’re at risk.
Lack of Proper Medical and Psychological Screening — Skipping screenings can endanger your health and lead to bad matches.
Limited or No Ongoing Support — If you can’t reach your coordinator outside business hours, you may be left without help when you need it most.

✅ Advocates for Surrogacy Promise: We never cut corners on escrow, insurance, legal protections, or support. We are a team of women helping women, and you’ll work directly with our founder and head advocate — from your first call to delivery day.

6. Matches That Feel Right

A safe journey is built on the right relationship. We take the time to match you with intended parents who share your values, respect your boundaries, and communicate in a way that feels comfortable.

Why Women Choose Advocates for Surrogacy

Women Helping Women: Our team understands your journey on a deeply personal level.
Founder-Led Guidance: You work directly with the head advocate — not passed from staff to staff.
Around-the-Clock Availability: We’re here when you need us, not just 9 to 5.
Strict Ethical Standards: No Medicaid pregnancies, no skipped escrow, and no cutting corners on your safety.
Proven Track Record: Years of successful, positive surrogate experiences.

When you join Advocates for Surrogacy, you’re not just becoming part of a process — you’re joining a team of women dedicated to protecting, guiding, and celebrating you every step of the way.