Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team — December 2025.
Surrogacy is one way to grow your family. You may consider surrogacy if you have experienced infertility, have a medical reason you cannot carry a pregnancy, are part of the LGBTQ+ community, or you are planning to have a child as a single parent. The process can feel complex, so this guide walks you through the basics.
What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where another person, called the gestational carrier, carries a pregnancy for you. The child is usually not genetically related to the carrier.
You will undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos using your own egg and sperm, or with the help of donor egg, donor sperm, or both. A fertility specialist will then transfer the embryo to the gestational carrier, who will carry the pregnancy.
Costs to expect
Surrogacy involves several fees. These may include:
- Agency services, matching, and screening
- Psychological evaluations
- Legal services
- Medical costs for you and the carrier, including IVF
- Compensation for the gestational carrier
- Insurance or surrogacy support services
The average total cost of surrogacy in the United States is $100,000 to $150,000. It’s important to note that costs vary widely based on individual circumstances, location, and the specific services needed.
Who is involved
Surrogacy includes a team of people who support different parts of the process.
Intended parent(s): You will parent and raise the child. You may be genetically related to the embryo.
Egg or sperm donor: You may use donor egg, donor sperm, or both. Donors can be known or anonymous.
Reproductive endocrinologist: This fertility specialist creates the embryos and performs the embryo transfer.
Attorneys: Each party has legal representation. Attorneys write the surrogacy contract and may manage escrow funds.
Surrogacy agency: An agency may support most of the process, including matching, screening, legal referrals, and emotional support.
Social workers or psychologists: They complete evaluations for the gestational carrier and the intended parent(s) and may offer ongoing support.
Gestational carrier: After screening and signing a contract, the gestational carrier receives a frozen embryo transfer. If pregnant, they receive routine prenatal care and stay in contact based on the agreement.
The surrogacy process: step by step
1. Create embryos through IVF
You will start at a fertility clinic to learn about IVF and begin the medical screening process. Tell your clinic that you plan to use a gestational carrier so they can complete the required testing.
Your Progyny Care Advocate (PCA) can answer questions about IVF and the screening process.
2. Choose a surrogacy agency or attorney
A surrogacy agency may manage matching, screening, counseling, case management, legal support, and referrals. Both you and the gestational carrier will complete psychological evaluations, and each party will have separate legal counsel.
Surrogacy laws differ by state. It’s helpful to work with someone who understands the laws where you live and where the birth will take place. Your fertility clinic may offer referrals.
You may also work directly with a surrogacy attorney, who will handle the legal contract. An attorney may not provide the additional services an agency offers.
You can ask the agency:
- What do your fees include, and what is the payment timeline?
- What insurance coverage is available for the gestational carrier?
- How do you screen candidates, and who completes the evaluations?
- How many intended parents or carriers have you matched in the last year?
- What is your matching process like?
When speaking with an attorney, you can ask:
- How long have you worked in surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology?
- In which states are you licensed?
- If the surrogacy happens in another state, which state has legal jurisdiction?
3. Match with a carrier and complete legal requirements
Your agency can help you find a gestational carrier. Once matched, you will sign a legal agreement and complete any state-specific requirements.
You may want to ask the carrier:
- What were your previous pregnancies like?
- Are you open to carrying one or more embryos?
- What is your comfort level with selective reduction or ending a pregnancy if there are serious complications?
- How would you like to stay in touch during the pregnancy and after birth?
4. Embryo transfer and pregnancy
After the contract is complete, the gestational carrier will take medication to prepare for the transfer. The reproductive endocrinologist will transfer a frozen embryo into their uterus. The procedure is brief and typically does not require anesthesia.
After transfer, there is a two-week wait to confirm pregnancy. If the pregnancy test is negative, another embryo may be transferred. Many journeys include more than one attempt. If pregnant, the gestational carrier receives routine prenatal care.
Surrogacy includes many steps and decisions, and having the right support can help you navigate the process with confidence.
If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your PCA for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult a lawyer for legal guidance.