What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy allows you to carry a child and give an incredible gift to a family in need, without any genetic connection to the baby you bring into the world. At Hope Harbor, we make sure you understand every step before you take it.
Carrying a Baby That Is Not Genetically Yours
In a gestational surrogacy, you become pregnant through in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer using eggs that come from the intended mother or a separate egg donor, not from you. This is an important distinction: as a gestational surrogate, you have no genetic relationship whatsoever to the child you carry and deliver.
Because the embryo is created from the intended parents’ genetics (or a donor’s), the legal and emotional landscape is clear from the very beginning. You are the carrier, the nurturer and a profoundly important part of this family’s story, but the child’s biological origins belong entirely to those who have been waiting and hoping to become parents.
Gestational surrogacy is today the most common and legally straightforward form of surrogacy in the United States, and it is the only arrangement Hope Harbor facilitates.
Gestational Surrogacy
- No genetic connection to the baby
- Pregnancy achieved through IVF or embryo transfer
- Eggs come from the intended mother or an egg donor
- Clear legal parentage from the very beginning
- The most widely used form of surrogacy in the US today
- Pre birth order filed well before your due date
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We Do Not Offer This
Traditional Surrogacy
- Surrogate uses her own eggs
- Surrogate is the biological mother of the child
- More complex legal landscape
- Greater emotional and legal risk for all parties
- Increasingly uncommon in modern surrogacy practice
How a Gestational Surrogacy Works
From the moment your application is approved through your delivery day, every stage is handled with the care and transparency you deserve. Here is a high level look at how the journey unfolds.
1
Application and Screening
You apply, complete your intake interview, sign HIPAA forms, and move through a background check, insurance review and psychological consultation.
All of these steps are designed to confirm you are in a strong position, emotionally and physically, to begin this journey with confidence.
2
Medical Testing and Clearance
You complete your gestational surrogacy specific testing, including hysteroscopy, HCG evaluation, STD testing, a trial transfer and psychological testing.
Your partner or spouse will also complete relevant testing where applicable.
3
Matching With Your Intended Family
We send you profiles of intended parents who align with your preferences. Once there is mutual interest, a monitored phone call connects you, followed by an in person meeting at the clinic.
You are never pressured to accept a match that does not feel right. Your comfort and confidence in the pairing matters to us.
4
Legal Contracts
Your gestational surrogacy agreement is drafted by the intended parents’ attorney, then reviewed by your own independent legal counsel before any signatures are collected.
In Texas, fourteen days must pass after the agreement is signed before your cycle medication can begin.
5
Embryo Transfer
You begin your medication calendar, receive your start meds fee, and transfer one or two embryos at the clinic with all related travel and expenses covered.
Home testing can begin five days after transfer, with a confirming blood test two weeks later.
6
Pregnancy, Pre Birth Order and Delivery
Once your heartbeat ultrasound confirms a healthy pregnancy, your first compensation payment is released. Your coordinator stays in close contact until your delivery day and beyond.
A pre birth order is filed with the hospital at the start of your second trimester so legal parentage is fully established well before delivery.
Gestational Surrogacy Medical Testing
The testing that accompanies a gestational surrogacy with an egg donor is thorough and designed to protect both your health and the outcome of the journey. Required tests include but are not limited to:
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Hysteroscopy and HCG
An evaluation of the uterine cavity and hormone levels to confirm readiness for implantation.
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STD Testing
Comprehensive sexually transmitted disease screening for you and your partner or spouse where applicable.
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Trial Transfer
A practice run of the embryo transfer procedure to measure the uterine depth and confirm optimal placement.
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Psychological Evaluation
A consultation with a clinical psychologist who specializes in third party reproduction to support your emotional readiness.
What Happens at the Fertility Clinic
Once legal clearance is complete, your fertility clinic sends you a detailed medication calendar. Your coordinator walks you through every medication, dosage and timing instruction, one step at a time, before you begin.
You will transfer either one or two embryos depending on your profile and the recommendation of the medical team. All clinic visits come with travel, childcare, lost wages, meal allowance and any invasive procedure fees covered in full.
After transfer, home testing begins as early as five days later, followed by a blood draw at two weeks. Once a heartbeat is confirmed by ultrasound, you are released to your own OB GYN or midwife and your first compensation payment is deposited into escrow.
Throughout your entire pregnancy, a dedicated full time escrow advocate ensures every payment reaches you on time, directly deposited into your personal escrow account.
Why Surrogates Choose Hope Harbor
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Woman Led Since 2013
Over twelve years of experience led by women who understand what surrogates need because many of them have lived it.
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LGBTQIA+ Affirming
We proudly support all family structures and welcome surrogates who want to help LGBTQIA+ intended parents build their families.
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Free Independent Legal Counsel
You will always have your own attorney reviewing every document before you sign anything, at no cost to you.
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Deeply Personal Support
Morning sickness packages, push presents, and a coordinator who checks in on you throughout the entire journey, not just at milestones.
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Always Paid on Time
A full time escrow advocate makes sure every payment, fee and allowance reaches you exactly when it should through direct deposit.
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Our Exclusive Surrogate Guide
Every surrogate receives our unique “What to Expect When You are Expecting Someone Elses Baby” guide the moment they join our program.
Ready to Begin Your Gestational Surrogacy Journey?
Our team is ready to answer every question, guide you through qualifications and walk beside you from your very first application to your delivery day.
Trusted Resources
ASRM
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine sets the medical and ethical guidelines for gestational surrogacy and assisted reproduction in the US.
RESOLVE
The National Infertility Association offers education and support resources for intended parents and surrogates navigating the surrogacy process.
ACOG
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists publishes clinical guidelines on carrier pregnancies and gestational surrogacy health.
Explore more at Hope Harbor:
Surrogate Process Overview ·
Surrogate Qualifications ·
Egg Donation ·
For Intended Parents ·
FAQ