Are there any costs associated with being a surrogate?

All costs are covered by the intended parents. If you are working, you must be able to have flexibility in your job to attend various appointments. You may need to take a few days off just after the embryo transfer and of course have time off for any physician required bed-rest regarding the pregnancy.

What are the basic requirements to become a surrogate?

To be a surrogate with Treasure Valley Center for Surrogacy, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must enjoy being pregnant. • You must have had healthy pregnancies without complications. • You must be between 21 and 40 years old. • You must be currently raising your own child or children. • You must have supportive friends and family to care for your own child or children when you are attending   appointments. • If you are married, your spouse must also be supportive of your decision to be a surrogate. • You must be a non-smoker, non-drug user, and have a healthy lifestyle with a stable living environment. • You must be willing to take fertility medications, some by injection. • You must have a healthy height to weight ratio (a body mass index less than 35). • You cannot be on public assistance (welfare).

Do I get to choose the intended parents?

Yes. You will have a chance to meet the intended parents before deciding on becoming their gestational surrogate. The final decision is yours. You will never be pressured into an agreement at any time.

Will I have to travel and if so, for how long?

Traveling is a choice. If you prefer to attend a fertility clinic close to your home, we will match you with intended parents who would be willing to use that clinic. If you are willing to travel to another fertility clinic unaccompanied, you may be away for approximately 3 days to one week for the embryo transfer process.

Will I have to take medications?

Yes. The IVF process involves taking fertility and other medications.

How can I be assured that my expenses will be paid?

Prior to the embryo transfer, funds are placed in a separate escrow account and will be paid by the account holder to the surrogate.

What happens after the baby is born?

After the baby is born, the intended parents will take the baby home from the hospital. A few weeks later, there will be a legal procedure for the intended parents to establish legal custody.

Will I stay in touch with the parents after the baby is born?

Each surrogate-intended parent relationship is different. Some parents and surrogates will remain very close and keep in touch for a very long time while others keep in touch less often.

How do I apply to be a surrogate with Treasure Valley Center for Surrogacy?

The first step is to contact us for a phone appointment. If you meet the initial criteria for becoming a surrogate, then an application packet will be sent to you. Following completion of the packet, an in-person interview will be arranged for you and your husband/partner.

How long will it be until I am matched with intended parents?

After you have been accepted and fully screened by Treasure Valley Center for Surrogacy you could be matched immediately or it could take several months.

Once matched with intended parents, how long will it take before I am pregnant?

Becoming a surrogate requires a lot of dedication. Because IVF can take multiple attempts before it is successful, there is no way to predict how long it will take for you to become pregnant. Surrogacy is not for the faint of heart. You must be prepared for the emotional ups and downs that come with the process. It may be as quick as a few months or perhaps over a year.

What happens after I select a couple or individual?

After you choose to become a surrogate for a couple or individual, you will have to complete additional medical and psychological evaluations. Meanwhile you will be spending some time getting to know your intended parent(s) via phone conversations or in person. Once you have been completely cleared for surrogacy, you and the intended parent(s) will sign a legal contract. To begin the medical process, you will have an appointment with the fertility clinic to arrange for a schedule of medications and to plan for the embryo transfer procedure. After confirmation that the pregnancy is safely established, your care will be moved to a traditional obstetrician.