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Surrogate’s FAQs

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Surrogacy FAQs

Clear answers to the questions women ask most—without repeating the full process or requirements.

For detailed qualifications, see Become a Surrogate.
For step-by-step timing, visit Surrogacy Process.

On This Page


Who can become a surrogate?

You should be a healthy mother between 21 and 40 with at least one uncomplicated full-term birth. We also look for a stable home life, reliable transportation, financial stability (not applying due to hardship), and a commitment to a healthy pregnancy lifestyle.

See the full checklist on our Become a Surrogate page.


How much do surrogates get paid and timeline?

You set your own compensation and expense requirements; however, we provide a guide. Higher compensation is often based on factors such as having surrogacy-friendly insurance; no lost wages; successful experienced surrogate. Our surrogates typically earn $60k-$80k+

Pre-Pregnancy Fees:

  • Bonus for successful completion of medical and psych screening,
  • Contract signing with intended parents bonus,
  • Medication start fee (Lupron),
  • Embryo transfer fee.

Pregnancy Compensation:

  • Base Compensation – paid each month following confirmation of fetal heartbeat
  • Monthly Allowance – paid each month following confirmation of fetal heartbeat
  • Maternity Clothing – paid starting 12th week of gestation
  • Multiples Fee – paid starting 16th week of gestation
  • Invasive Procedures Fee
  • Plus Many More Categories of Payments

Expense Payments:

  • Lost wages based on documentation of wages
  • Travel by car paid at .71/mile
  • Travel by air, train arranged and paid by AFS
  • Hotel arranged and paid by AFS
  • Childcare that is outside of regular childcare arrangements are paid
  • Overnight pet care paid for your furry babies if overnight care required (up to $60/night for max 7 overnight stays)

Here at Advocates for Surrogacy we are very conscientious about expenses. We pay you prior to the expense so you will have the funds in hand and not you are not expected to front any surrogacy related costs.

Once you enter into an agreement with intended parents after successful screening, all monies due you under the terms of your agreement must be deposited in an escrow
account with a escrow company not affiliated with AFS. This is for your protection.


How long does the surrogacy process take?

Many journeys run about 16–24 months from application to delivery. Matching can be as quick as a few weeks depending on preferences and clinic scheduling. A step-by-step timeline is on our Surrogacy Process page.

Do I choose the intended parents?

Yes. You review profiles, meet by video, and only move forward if you say “yes.” The match advances when everyone agrees it’s the right fit.

What about legal protection?

You’ll have your own independent attorney (paid by the intended parents) to review and negotiate your contract. Escrow is funded and insurance verified before medical steps begin. The agreement covers compensation, decision-making, travel, bed rest, multiples, and more.

Will I have support during pregnancy?

Yes—our founder and head advocates are available 24/7 by phone, text, and email. You’ll also have monthly counseling check-ins and a personalized hospital plan so delivery day feels calm and organized.

What if I don’t have insurance?

We review your policy during screening. If it doesn’t cover surrogacy, the intended parents will purchase a surrogacy-friendly plan. (Medicaid cannot be used for surrogacy.)

How many embryos are transferred?

Most clinics recommend a single embryo transfer to reduce risk. Your physician’s guidance and your legal contract will outline the plan.

What happens after delivery?

We complete a postpartum check-in, close out escrow per the contract, and keep you connected with ongoing resources and community if you’d like.


See if you qualify
Have a question? Contact us


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What People Are Saying

  • “Here’s the thing, I thought we could save money by handling the surrogacy ourselves, but the truth is that we tried and we lost time and almost got ourselves into a mess. Our fertility clinic recommended we try an agency and gave us a few recommendations. Advocates for Surrogacy was on the list. We called, we never looked back. Candace and the team were amazing from the time we began matching with a surrogate which was a totally different experience from when we were trying to do that ourselves to handling the contract, to the medical process all the way to the delivery of our beautiful daughter.”

    — B and Z

  • “Candace is great. We must have met with her 3 or 4 times and she was always patient and provided all the answers we needed and when we finally signed up we felt comfortable and at ease. We had called several other agencies before finding Advocates for Surrogacy and the experience was very different. We received information and had a chance to speak with the director but it was obvious that we were expected to make a decision based on information and one meeting. We just didn’t think that was enough for the emotional and financial commitment that surrogacy requires.”

    — Sheila T.

  • “Our surrogacy journey was not easy. We had some false starts with surrogates and then our surrogate had 2 miscarriages but through it all Candace was there to help us get through the rough patches and helped us to stay the course. Candace would always check in with me regularly after the miscarriages and I really appreciated that. Our surrogate also had the same experience with Candace continually checking in with her. All I can say is that surrogacy can have some bumps but having Candace beside us made all the difference. We never lost our faith and confidence and in the end our dreams of having a child came true times two!”

    — M&M

  • “I’ve had 4 surrogate journeys. Candace is great to work with. She is caring and understanding. I had a wonderful experience with Advocates for Surrogacy and would go through them anytime. Thanks Candace for another unforgettable journey.”

    — P.D.

  • “Advocates for Surrogacy was our lifesaver. My cousin agreed to be our surrogate but we did not have the finances for IVF after several failed attempts on our own. I started to look at international programs and stumbled upon Advocates for Surrogacy’s Guatemala IVF Program. It was our answer. Even with the travel costs, it was a major savings. The doctors at the clinic were great and really took time to explain everything. Candace’s team in Guatemala were great. We were picked up at the airport, taken to the clinic and never felt we were on our own.”

    — Tara K.

  • “I just completed my 5th surrogacy journey and my first with Advocates for Surrogacy. I was with another agency for 1st and 3rd journeys and did 2nd and 4th independently. My 1st and 3rd were so so and not much support from agency. 2nd independent was good but I had some problems with bills getting paid on time. My 2nd independent journey was a total mess so I definitely don’t recommend going independent even with experience. I can honestly say that working with Candace was great. She went to bat for me when I needed it and was always there.”

    — C.T.