Expand Your Family Through Surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy involves one woman who both carries the pregnancy and also supplies the egg used to conceive the baby.

On the other hand, a gestational carrier carries the pregnancy, but does not supply the egg. Through IVF, the intended parents’ own sperm and donor egg (or donor sperm and donor egg) are combined and transferred into the gestational carrier’s uterus.

You can search for an egg donor and a gestational carrier (often referred to as a surrogate) at the same time.

Usually, it takes less time to find an egg donor and create your embryos. If you match with a gestational carrier first, you may need to pay to keep her on hold while you select a donor and your embryos are created.

Gestational carriers (GCs) have their physical and mental health thoroughly reviewed. Women are tested for gynecologic health associated with the uterus, as well as infectious diseases.

Psychological counseling with Illume Fertility's mental health professionals is completed to make sure the gestational carrier fully understands the process.

Once you are near signing with your gestational carrier, a background check and home study may be required.

The cost of working with a gestational carrier varies greatly. However, you can typically expect to pay $48,000-$140,000+ for surrogacy with IVF in the United States.

You can choose a donor you know! Some intended parents already have an egg donor in mind, such as a sister, cousin or a good friend.

This donor’s medical profile will be presented to our medical and support team to determine her suitability as a donor. Screening will be performed as it is with unknown donors.

Yes, you can choose to use a friend or relative as your gestational carrier. If you use an unknown surrogate, there are multiple agencies available to assist you through the process.

Women who qualify to be surrogates/gestational carriers are those who have had a previous uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. They must also be medically and emotionally healthy, and demonstrate financial stability.

It is required that all parties meet with an attorney, as well as one of our mental health professionals, to ensure awareness of this responsibility.