The Surrogacy Program at ISC

Qualifying for Our Surrogacy Program

Although ISC receives many applications from potential surrogates, only the most qualified applicants make it through our careful screening process. When we screen a prospective surrogate, we learn about her:

• Current health
• Past experiences with pregnancy
• General lifestyle
• Location

As part of surrogacy programs, we interview surrogates via video conference or in-person.

After screening, we approve about 40% of surrogate applicants.

Most of our surrogates live in surrogacy-friendly states such as California, but we do consider applications from people living in other states. We work hard to ensure that our gestational carrier program has the highest likelihood of success for intended parents and surrogates. Please feel free to reach out to learn more about what it takes to Become a Surrogate Mother as well as the various surrogacy steps involved.

ISC Provides International Surrogacy Services

As an international surrogacy agency, ISC helps to match intended parents from all over the world with our qualified, caring surrogates. We understand that many countries add roadblocks to the process of building a family through surrogacy, and surrogacy programs must find ways to accommodate.

With our experience and expertise handling various aspects of the surrogacy process, we can help you navigate the experience from start to finish. Among surrogacy programs, you can count on us for caring, considerate, expert guidance every step of the way.

Start Finding a Surrogate Today!

When you search for surrogacy programs near me, you deserve to find an agency that prioritizes the needs of intended parents and surrogates. Contact us to learn more about our surrogate matching services, or to start the process today!

More About Surrogacy Programs

Surrogacy programs offer a beautiful path to parenthood for those facing challenges in starting a family. Managed by specialized agencies, these fertility care programs connect intended parents with surrogates – either a gestational carrier or a traditional surrogate mother – who carry a child on their behalf. As awareness and medical advancements grow, surrogacy has become a popular choice for people from diverse backgrounds, including individuals dealing with male infertility, same-sex couples and those unable to carry a pregnancy due to a medical condition.

Choosing the right surrogacy agency is the first step. A reputable agency guides both intended parents and surrogates through each stage, offering support, clear protocols and legal safeguards. With this support, surrogacy programs can provide a reassuring and uplifting journey, guiding intended parents and surrogates toward the shared joy of welcoming a new child into the family.

Understanding Different Types of Surrogacy

There are two primary types of surrogacy: gestational and traditional. In gestational surrogacy, the gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the baby, as the embryo is created using the intended parents’ gametes or some combination of an egg donor and donor sperm before being implanted into the gestational surrogate’s uterus. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is used, making her the biological mother. This distinction plays a significant role in the emotional and legal aspects of the process. For example, traditional surrogacy can involve more complex legalities because of the biological connection and is not offered through many agencies.

Most intended parents lean toward gestational surrogacy because it simplifies the legal process and there’s typically less emotional attachment to the child, which can make transitions smoother after birth. Ultimately, the pros and cons of each depend on the needs and preferences of the intended parents and surrogates. For those exploring surrogacy, understanding these differences is essential for making an informed decision in line with their family-building goals.

Legal Aspects of Surrogacy Programs

The legal considerations in surrogacy can vary greatly depending on where you live, making it essential for intended parents and surrogates to seek specialized legal advice. While some U.S. states are known for being surrogacy-friendly, others have restrictive laws. If you’re exploring surrogacy services for international parents, be aware that international surrogacy comes with its own set of legal challenges, as laws abroad can be very different from those in the international intended parents’ home country.

A clear and well-drafted surrogacy contract is vital to protecting everyone involved. This agreement typically outlines each party’s rights and responsibilities, compensation details, medical arrangements and more. By working with an attorney who understands reproductive law, intended parents and surrogates can feel confident that their rights are upheld. Many surrogacy programs – including ISC – provide access to legal resources to make the legal aspects of the surrogacy process more accessible and comprehensive.

Choosing a Surrogacy Agency

As mentioned above, choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions in the surrogacy process. A reputable agency provides not only logistical support but also the emotional and medical resources needed for a smooth experience. When evaluating surrogacy agencies, consider factors such as experience, success rates and the range of support services offered. Reading reviews and testimonials from other families can offer valuable insights into an agency’s credibility and reputation. These reviews reveal real experiences, helping intended parents and surrogates understand what to expect and which agencies align with their values.

The right surrogacy agency is more than just a fertility services provider; it’s a trusted partner that guides both intended parents and surrogates through each step of the process. Whether you’re an intended parent looking to Find a Surrogate or considering joining a surrogate mother program, the right agency can make all the difference.

Cost and Financing of Surrogacy

Surrogacy involves several costs, covering everything from surrogate compensation to medical and legal expenses. Surrogate compensation varies depending on experience and location and usually includes base pay along with additional coverage for things like maternity clothes, travel and health insurance. Medical expenses – such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, regular check-ups and fertility procedures – make up a significant part of the cost as well. There are also agency fees which typically include matching intended parents with a surrogate, coordinating the surrogacy process and providing ongoing support.

The total cost of surrogacy can vary based on a few key factors, such as the type of surrogacy chosen (gestational surrogacy tends to be more expensive due to IVF procedures) and the agency you select. There are also the legal requirements in your area to consider as these vary widely by state and country, potentially adding extra surrogacy costs, especially if certain protections are required.

To help intended parents manage these expenses, many agencies offer financial guidance and support. There are several options to explore, like personal loans, grants and even crowdfunding, which can help make surrogacy more accessible to families of all backgrounds. Financial counselors at reputable agencies can help you navigate these options to find the right fit for your family. By understanding these factors and planning ahead, intended parents can feel more prepared and make the journey to parenthood a bit easier and more affordable.

Surrogacy Success Rates and Outcomes

Success rates in surrogate mother programs hinge on multiple factors, including the health of the surrogate, the quality of the embryo and the use of a fertility treatment like IVF. Gestational surrogacy – where the surrogate mother carries an embryo created through IVF from the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes – generally has higher success rates due to the precision and control provided by IVF technology.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures – which includes IVF – have been instrumental in helping many families achieve pregnancy. In 2021, over 238,000 patients underwent ART cycles, resulting in more than 91,000 live births across the U.S. (CDC ART Data). This data underscores the crucial role of IVF and ART in creating viable embryos for surrogacy, contributing significantly to successful outcomes for intended parents.

Personal success stories and professional case studies on surrogate parenting can also provide both reassurance and inspiration. Such real-life narratives and industry research highlight that with careful planning and professional support, surrogacy can pave the way for fulfilling family-building dreams, helping intended parents overcome barriers and bring a new life into the world.

Support Systems for Surrogates and Intended Parents

Strong support systems are vital for both surrogates and intended parents. Many agencies have resources like counseling, medical care and emotional support tailored for surrogates, helping them manage the unique physical and emotional aspects of carrying a child for another family.

Intended parents can access similar support, with counseling and networks that help them cope with fertility challenges and the emotional side of surrogacy. Support groups also offer a valuable community, where surrogates and intended parents can share experiences and find encouragement. These connections provide comfort and resilience, making the experience more manageable and fulfilling for all involved.

Building Families with Surrogacy: A Path of Hope

Surrogacy programs provide a well-rounded approach to helping individuals and couples realize their dreams of parenthood. By offering structured support and professional guidance, these programs make it possible to navigate the complexities of surrogacy with confidence. Careful planning, helpful resources and emotional support are essential for a positive surrogacy journey, covering both the practical and emotional parts of creating a family.

Looking ahead, advancements in medical technology, shifts in legal frameworks and evolving societal attitudes are likely to positively shape the future of surrogacy. These developments hold the promise of making surrogacy an even more accessible and supportive path for families worldwide, further reinforcing the strength and adaptability of surrogacy as a family-building option.