How the Surrogacy Process Works in the U.S. – A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

1. Initial Research & Decision-Making

Intended Parents (IPs) start by exploring family-building options. They review:
- Surrogacy types: Traditional (surrogate’s own egg) vs. Gestational (embryo from IPs/donors).
- Legal environment in their state or intended birth state.
- Financial expectations (total costs can range $140,000+).
Many IPs consult fertility specialists, surrogacy agencies, and legal experts before making decisions.
Key outcome: Decide on gestational surrogacy (most common and legally simpler).

2. Building Your Surrogacy Team

Select a reputable agency like EWI Family Global:
- Manages surrogate recruitment, screening, and case coordination.
- Supports IPs with education and logistical guidance.
Hire reproductive law attorneys for both IPs and surrogate to draft and review contracts.
Choose a fertility clinic experienced in IVF and third-party reproduction.
This team collaborates throughout the process to ensure legal and medical compliance.

3. Surrogate Recruitment & Screening

EWI Family Global presents carefully pre-screened surrogate candidates:
- Medical exams, psychological evaluations, background checks.
- Review of prior pregnancy outcomes, lifestyle, and motivation.
IPs interview and select the surrogate who aligns best with their values and preferences.
Surrogate signs a preliminary agreement to move forward with medical and legal screening.

4. Legal Contract Negotiation & Signing

Separate legal representation protects all parties’ interests.
Contracts cover:
- Surrogate’s compensation, reimbursement of expenses, and benefits.
- Medical treatment protocols and decision-making rights.
- Confidentiality agreements.
- Termination and refund policies (e.g., refund if surrogate withdraws before embryo transfer).
- Parental rights and custody transfer details.
Final contracts are signed before any medical procedures begin, ensuring clarity and protection.

5. Medical Preparation & IVF Process

Surrogate undergoes detailed medical clearance:
- Blood tests, ultrasounds, hormone level checks.
- Screening for infectious diseases.
IPs or donors undergo ovarian stimulation to retrieve eggs.
Eggs fertilized with sperm in the lab via IVF; embryos cultured and tested.
Surrogate takes hormone therapy to prepare uterus for implantation.

6. Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy Confirmation

Embryo(s) transferred to surrogate’s uterus in a clinic.
Follow-up includes blood tests ~10-14 days post-transfer to check for pregnancy.
Multiple IVF cycles possible if first is unsuccessful.
Once pregnancy confirmed, continued prenatal monitoring begins.

7. Pregnancy Monitoring & Ongoing Support

Surrogate receives regular prenatal care, coordinated between clinic and IPs’ medical advisors.
EWI Family Global provides:
- Regular updates to IPs.
- Emotional and psychological support for surrogate and IPs.
- Coordination of insurance and expense payments.
All parties maintain open communication while respecting boundaries and confidentiality.

8. Birth Planning & Legal Finalization

Birth plan created early including hospital choice and delivery logistics.
Pre-birth orders or parental orders filed in court where applicable:
- Secure legal parental rights for IPs before birth.
- Surrogate’s parental rights relinquished as per contract.
EWI Family Global coordinates legal and hospital processes to ensure smooth delivery day.

9. Birth & Custody Transfer

Baby is born under agreed hospital procedures.
IPs take custody immediately or as legally permitted.
Legal paperwork finalized to document parental rights.
Surrogate receives post-birth support, including physical recovery and counseling if desired.

10. Post-Birth Follow-Up

Why Choose EWI Family Global?

1. Rigorous Screening and Matching

Surrogates undergo multi-layered screening: medical, psychological, lifestyle, legal.
Matching process focuses on compatibility and mutual expectations to foster a positive relationship.

2. Experienced Legal and Medical Network

Partnerships with leading reproductive law firms specializing in surrogacy.
Access to top fertility clinics with advanced IVF technology and high success rates.

3. Comprehensive Case Management

Dedicated coordinators assigned to each IP and surrogate.
Personalized journey planning, regular check-ins, and transparent communication.
Crisis management and problem-solving expertise.

4. Transparent and Fair Compensation

5. Global Reach, Local Expertise

Serves international intended parents with full U.S.-based legal and medical support.
Familiar with cross-border legal requirements and travel arrangements.

6. Emotional Support and Counseling

Mental health professionals available for all parties.
Workshops and support groups to prepare for and navigate the emotional complexities of surrogacy.

7. Ethical Commitment