Our agency also respects you, your family and the choices you have made. We are not here to judge anyone -only to help add to and enhance happy families.

As you work with Shared Conception, you will journey through a life-changing experience -an experience you will never forget!

There are many reasons a woman chooses to become a surrogate and they are all valid and very personal ones. Having listened to so many surrogates, Shared Conception has determined the most popular reason is that these unique women are sympathetic towards those couples unable to conceive or carry their own children. Often they have seen the devastation infertility causes with a family member or close friend first hand, and feel compelled to do something to help. These women also honestly enjoy the experience of being pregnant and particularly enjoy low-risk pregnancies.

Initial screening and matching – from weeks to months (difficult to predict)
Medical and psychological testing – 2 to 3 months
Embryo transfer cycle – 1 to 2 months
Pregnancy – 9 months

• Overall good health without any major health concerns or any psychiatric illness.
• Financially secure.
• Birthed at least one child that she is currently raising and experienced uncomplicated pregnancies.
• Be between the ages of 21-42.
• Be in a happy, stable living environment and have the full support of her spouse or partner (if applicable).
• Non-smoker and not be exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Must not use illegal drugs.
• Have a height-to-weight ratio (BMI) under 32
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.A.
• Responsibly take all medications (oral, patches, injections, etc.) as instructed.
• Have a reliable mode of transportation.
• Enjoy being pregnant and have a sincere desire to help others create or add to their family.

After meeting these initial requirements, Shared Conception proceeds with the screening phase.

• Multiple detailed interviews.
• Completion of a comprehensive application that includes medical and psychological questions.
• Full and thorough review of all available medical records by a medical professional.
• Successful completion of Criminal and Department of Motor vehicle background check.
• Virtual or in-person home visit.

The IVF clinic sets the age limit and some go to 40 and some go to 42 or 45.

The fact that you are even researching surrogacy says a lot about your eligibility. Most surrogates have already given birth to their own child or multiple kids. They are usually fun-loving, with a heart that is more precious than gold!

Surrogates are either involved in long-term, stable relationships or single, unattached women who feel just as passionate about birthing a baby for a deserving couple. These ladies have enjoyed low-risk, healthy pregnancies. Altruistic motives are a huge component of a woman’s surrogate decisions. Although they typically receive some form of compensation, for many, that is not the driving force for choosing this path.

Of course, a potential surrogate is fully aware of any mental and physical repercussions that may occur. They DO NOT form a maternal attachment to the baby/babies they carry and are able and willing to follow an intense medical protocol while in a stable and supportive environment.

All surrogates in Shared Conception’s program have the full support of their husband or partner. If they are single, they must have a stable support person in place that can assist them in a time of an emergency. That support infrastructure is needed and necessary for all surrogates who participate in our program.

ABSOLUTELY. Shared Conception has intended parents who similarly disagree with selective reduction or abortion, so we can certainly custom-match you. Also, please note that abortion is illegal in some states.

We will guide you in reviewing your health insurance policy for surrogacy exclusions. If there are no such exclusions and you agree, then your policy will be used to pay for pregnancy and delivery-related expenses. The intended parents pay for all expenses related to medical procedures, co-pays, deductibles and any other expenses related to your pregnancy.

Shared Conception needs your social security number to conduct a criminal history which is a requirement for participating in our surrogacy program.

Shared Conception can suggest fee amounts, but ultimately, it is your decision. Typically, our first-time surrogates receive approximately $50,000 as their base fee and experienced surrogates make more depending on how many journeys they have completed. Of course, this number could change based on whether you have health insurance or if that needs to be purchased by the intended parents. Additional fees may include birthing multiples, having a c-section, maternity clothing, travel, etc.

A member of the Shared Conception staff will call you within 1-2 business days. You can also review the Surrogate Mother Process page to peruse the next steps.

Shared Conception works with a diverse group of individuals including married couples, same sex couples, single parents, international couples, International singles and people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Dynamics also vary as some Intended Parents want to add to their families and others are having their first child.

As Shared Conception custom-matches you with the intended parents, the length of time can greatly vary. Some Surrogates are matched within in a few days or weeks, and others in a few months. Honestly, sometimes, it can take longer. A custom and thoughtful match depends on many factors, including personalities, location, fees, insurance coverage, willingness to terminate if there are chromosomal defects (certain states only), and the list goes on and on. Although we realize you are eager to get started on your surrogacy journey, we strive to ensure the best possible match based on both parties’ desires and needs.

What kind of contact with the intended parents should I expect during my surrogacy?
Shared Conception will ensure that the level of interaction between you and the intended parents is acceptable and comfortable for everyone BEFORE entering into a contract together. That way, all expectations are managed.

Surrogacy payments are disbursed according to your contract with the intended parents. Usually, it is divided up into equal amounts in monthly payments once the confirmation of a heartbeat is heard (around 6-7 weeks into the pregnancy) and then paid monthly after that. If you are carrying multiples, your multiples fee is divided up and paid to you over the last six months. It is also important to note that between 30-32 weeks (as determined in your contract), the pregnancy is considered a viable pregnancy, and if you deliver before 40 weeks, then you are given a lump sum of the remaining balance. The remainder of the miscellaneous fees are distributed at various times throughout the pregnancy and will be discussed in your screening.

Payments of monies are a sensitive topic that obviously must be addressed. Thus, Shared Conception can help coordinate all financial matters, removing this component from your relationship with the intended parents. An independent escrow company holds all funds related to your surrogacy in a managed trust account, ensuring all monies are paid in a timely manner.

If you live in a different city from the intended parents, you will need to make two trips to their city of residence. The first trip, more than likely, will be for the initial medical screening and typically lasts 1-2 days. The second trip is for the transfer and lasts approximately 1-4 days. The intended parents pay for all travel fees as stated in your surrogacy agreement.

Yes, as long as your OB accepts the health plan you’re using for the surrogate pregnancy. If there is extra care required, such as a multiple pregnancy, you, the intended parents and your physician will decide if you need to see a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor or high risk-OB.

Some clinics require no bed rest after a transfer and some require anywhere from one to three days.

The IVF clinic will give you specific details but usually they ask you to abstain for a couple of weeks before a transfer and a couple of weeks after a transfer.

An In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) pregnancy requires earlier attention than your past pregnancies.

In Texas, when certain guidelines set by the law are met, the intended mother and intended father’s names are placed on the child’s original birth certificate and no adoption is required. Please see the Surrogacy in Texas page for specifics.