​Answers for Intended Parents

​We are honored and committed to helping Intended Parents each and every step of the way to fulfilling their lifelong dreams of becoming parents, while providing assurance during their memorable journey.

How does the process work?
​Surrogacy is a comprehensive process that is difficult to summarize in just a sentence or two. We have outlined the 9 Steps of how surrogacy works in detail. Our description includes everything you to get started regarding: The Matching Process, Pre-Screening/Review Process, Trust Account Establishment, Contracts, Full Funding of Trust Account, Pharmacy Arrangements, Cycle Begins, Pregnancy Confirmation and Monitoring, Parental Rights Establishment, and Birth!   Should your journey include the need for an egg donor, we are very familiar with the process and will be happy to facilitate finding you an excellent match.
​What type of surrogacy agreements are arranged?
Without exception, all concerned parties must concur for a Surrogacy Agreement to occur. There are two types of agreements between Surrogate and Intended Parents: Open/Known and Semi-Open.

Open/Known Agreements
Confidential and identifying information for both the Intended Parents and Surrogate will be released. A personal meeting may also occur between Intended Parents and Surrogate with your Golden State Surrogacy Coordinator present as the facilitator. All parties agree and feel very comfortable with in-person contact between them from the time of your child’s birth onward.

Semi-Open Agreements
Confidential and identifying information will not be provided to either the Intended Parents or the Surrogate. Both parties may agree to meet in a private setting with your Surrogacy Coordinator present as the facilitator. Based on the wishes of all parties, there may be provisions made for contact between your child and your surrogate at a specified age, and in the method that makes you feel the most comfortable and secure. Whatever form this contact takes, it is typically not in person and is most likely to be facilitated by a mutually agreed upon third-party, such as Surrogacy Journeys.
​Who are surrogates? How are surrogates screened?
Surrogates are women of all different backgrounds who want to help other prospective parents add to their families. While their situations can vary significantly, all surrogates must meet certain requirements before they can be matched with intended parents. A comfortable, trusting relationship between intended parents and surrogate is essential, so we do our best to ensure all surrogates are properly vetted and qualified.

Requirements for surrogates include:
  • Be within a specified age range
  • Have a healthy BMI
  • Abstain from smoking and drug use
  • Have previously carried at least one healthy pregnancy with no major complications
  • Receive no governmental assistance
  • Be able to travel to and from appointments
  • Have no felony convictions
  • Submit medical and drug history information
  • Complete background checks and an in-home assessment
  • Complete a psychological evaluation and medical workup
Is GSS a licensed Surrogate Agency?
There are no specific licensing requirements other than a state business licenses. However, we are proud members of many leading organizations in reproductive health. Surrogacy Journeys has built close relationships with top fertility clinics in California. We work hard to stay current and educate ourselves on the latest advancements in fertility treatment, surrogacy laws and insurance policies.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes! We work with intended parents from around the globe. We are available to accommodate all of your requested needs when traveling abroad to Southern California for your surrogate journey.
​Can I be a parent if I’m single?
Of course! Most agencies work with intended parents of all backgrounds—single individuals, same-sex couples, and heterosexual couples.
I do not speak English. Is there someone at GSS who can help me?
Although Surrogacy Journeys is registered as a California business and does business in English, we do have Chinese and Spanish translators who will be pleased to assist with translation services during our initial meetings prior to retaining our services. Intended parents who speak a language other than English, Chinese or Spanish may wish to seek the assistance of a trusted friend or family member for translation services, or we can refer you to an agency
that offers translation services at an additional cost to you. It is very important that intended parents have an in-depth understanding of the process and our services, so we encourage the use of translation services if needed. Please note: All documents for signature will be written in the English language.
How long does it take to be matched?
We are continuously screening potential new surrogates. There are various factors that can affect the length of the surrogacy process, but it generally takes anywhere from a few short weeks to three months to locate a qualified surrogate. Provided your surrogate becomes pregnant after the first embryo transfer, the whole process will generally take about a year and a half.
Will I need an attorney?
Yes. For everyone’s protection, legal agreements must be signed between intended parents and their surrogate and egg donor. If you live outside the United States, you may find it advantageous to work with an immigration attorney from your home country. You should consult with a family law attorney and immigration specialist in your country for help finalizing your parental rights and the child’s citizenship when you return.
Will there be contracts with my surrogate?
Yes. Once you are matched with a surrogate, we will draft an agreement and negotiate it on your behalf with your surrogate’s attorney. These contracts cover everything from the medical procedure to your surrogate’s reimbursements to the relationship with the child.
Where will my Surrogate give birth?
She will give birth at a hospital that is local to where she resides, and to which her OB doctor has residency and rights to. Intended parents often wish to be a part of the labor and delivery process. Hospital policy and your surrogate’s comfort play a large role in determining who will be able to be present in the delivery room. Following the birth, the baby will either remain in the nursery or a room assigned to you. According to most hospital policies, the child cannot be released from the hospital until the surrogate has been released.
I do not live in the United States. How many times will I be required to travel to California during my journey to parenthood via surrogacy?
If you live abroad, you will be required to come to the United States 2-3 times for the creation of the embryos at the IVF Clinic and the eventual delivery of the child.

The first preferred visit is to meet your surrogate, once you are matched, and complete the medical screening at the IVF clinic. The second is for the IVF procedure and embryo transfer. The final visit is for the birth of your child. Of course, if you and your surrogate choose, you can visit more frequently.

If you are using your own sperm and/or eggs, all medical testing must be conducted in the U.S. to meet U.S. legal guidelines and clinic requirements. In addition, you will be required to come to California for the egg retrieval process and/or to leave your sperm sample. You may expect to remain in California for a period of at least five to seven days while the pregnancy is attempted. It is recommended that you return to California at least once during the pregnancy and again for the delivery of your child. Because you will not know the exact day and time when your surrogate will go into labor, you should prepare to come to California on short notice during the final month of pregnancy, or at least two weeks prior to your surrogate’s due date, if she is carrying one child. If your surrogate is pregnant with twins, you should plan for a sudden trip to California at least three to four weeks before the due date; for triplets, make plans to travel at short notice during the final two to three months. Be sure to maintain close contact with your surrogate and with SJ staff during the last trimester of pregnancy.
​Do surrogates have the right to keep the baby?
No. With gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic tie to the child. This means that when the intended parents fulfill their contractual obligations, the surrogate mother has no legal claim to the baby.
Is there something that an intended parent can do to ensure the health of the child they create through surrogacy?
Surrogacy Journeys highly recommends that all clients consider cord blood banking. Stored immediately after birth, the plasma from your baby’s umbilical cord can be used later in your child’s life to cure disease and potentially save his or her life. We have information and resources for cord blood banking available on request. However, arrangements for the procedure must be made in advance. If you decide to pursue cord blood banking, please let us
know as soon as your surrogate becomes pregnant.
​How long should I expect to be in the United States after delivery?
Once your baby is released from the hospital, baby has birth certificate, and passport if traveling international. This process can take anywhere from two to four weeks.