Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about surrogacy, egg donation, compensation, legal requirements, and more. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

For Surrogates

What is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (the surrogate) agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or couple (the intended parents). The intended parents may provide their own egg and/or sperm, or donor gametes may be used. After birth, the intended parents legally adopt or obtain custody of the child.

What are the basic requirements to become a surrogate?

To be a surrogate with Hope Harbor, you generally need to:

• Be between 21-42 years old
• Have had at least one successful pregnancy and vaginal delivery
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Have a BMI under 32 (some flexibility)
• Not be a current smoker
• Pass medical, psychological, and background screening
• Be legally able to enter into a surrogacy agreement
• Be willing to work with an agency and intended parents

How much will I be compensated as a surrogate?

Surrogate compensation varies based on several factors:

• First-time surrogates: $58,000 – $65,000
• Experienced surrogates: $68,000 – $85,000+
• State bonuses: California, New York, Connecticut, and Washington offer additional $5,000 bonuses
• Insurance coverage: Additional $5,000 if you have maternity insurance
• Double embryo transfer: Additional $15,000
• Special circumstances: C-section, bed rest, twins, etc. have additional compensation

Visit our Surrogate Compensation Page for detailed breakdown of all benefits and bonuses.

What is the surrogacy timeline and process?

The typical surrogacy process takes 12-18 months:

• Month 1-2: Application and initial screening
• Month 2-3: Medical and psychological evaluations
• Month 3-4: Legal contract review and signing
• Month 4-5: IVF cycle preparation (egg retrieval for intended mother or donor)
• Month 5-6: Uterine preparation and embryo transfer
• Month 6-9: Pregnancy (first and second trimester)
• Month 9: Final trimester and birth
• Post-birth: Legal finalization of custody/adoption

Are there any medical risks associated with surrogacy?

Surrogacy involves pregnancy, which carries inherent medical risks similar to any pregnancy, including:

• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Complications during delivery
• Rare but serious blood clots or infection

Hope Harbor provides $500,000 in life insurance coverage throughout your pregnancy and delivery. We also cover all pregnancy-related medical expenses that your insurance doesn’t cover, and we have 24/7 support available.

Will I maintain contact with the intended parents and child after birth?

Post-birth contact is completely up to you and the intended parents. Some arrangements include:

• Open surrogacy: Regular contact and updates throughout the child’s life
• Semi-open surrogacy: Contact through the agency or on special occasions
• Closed surrogacy: No ongoing contact (rare)

All contact arrangements should be discussed and agreed upon in your legal contract before pregnancy begins. Hope Harbor facilitates these relationships and ensures everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.

Will I be able to have more children after being a surrogate?

Yes. Being a surrogate does not prevent future pregnancies. However, we do recommend waiting at least 3-6 months after delivery before attempting another pregnancy (either your own or another surrogate arrangement) to allow your body to fully recover.

If you plan to have more biological children, many of our surrogates successfully do so after their surrogacy journey.

Can I still work while pregnant as a surrogate?

Yes, many surrogates continue working during pregnancy. However:

• Your comfort and health are the priority
• If your job is physically demanding, modifications may be needed
• If complications arise, we provide $350/week in lost wages compensation
• If bed rest is medically necessary, we cover $350/week bed rest compensation

Can LGBTQIA+ individuals be intended parents through Hope Harbor?

Absolutely! Hope Harbor is proud to support LGBTQIA+ families. Our surrogates work with:

• Same-sex couples (both male and female)
• Single parents of any gender identity
• Transgender and non-binary intended parents
• All family configurations

Inclusivity and respect are core values of Hope Harbor Surrogacy. We celebrate diverse families.

What should I expect during the medical screening?

Medical screening includes:

• Physical exam: General health assessment
• Blood work: STI testing, bloodborne pathogen screening, hormone levels
• Ultrasound: Uterine and ovarian health evaluation
• Infectious disease screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis, etc.
• Lifestyle assessment: Smoking, alcohol, drug use screening
• Genetic screening (if desired): Carrier screening for genetic conditions

All testing is handled by fertility specialists and we cover all medical costs related to screening.

For Intended Parents

How do I get started with Hope Harbor Surrogacy?

Getting started is simple:

• Step 1: Contact Hope Harbor for an initial consultation
• Step 2: Discuss your surrogacy goals and preferences
• Step 3: Review our surrogate and egg donor profiles
• Step 4: Match with your ideal surrogate and/or donors
• Step 5: Legal contract negotiations and signing
• Step 6: Medical evaluations and cycle planning
• Step 7: Begin IVF and embryo transfer process

How much does surrogacy cost?

Surrogacy costs vary significantly based on your specific situation:

• Gestational surrogacy (using your own egg/sperm): $120,000 – $180,000
• Full surrogacy (with egg donation): $140,000 – $200,000
• Full surrogacy (with sperm donation): $135,000 – $195,000
• Full surrogacy (both donors): $160,000 – $230,000

Costs include: surrogate compensation, agency fees, medical expenses, legal fees, and insurance coverage.

Can I choose my surrogate?

Yes! Hope Harbor allows you to review profiles of our 30+ surrogates and select based on:

• Location preference
• Age range
• Experience level
• Personality traits
• Communication style
• Post-birth contact preferences

You’ll have the opportunity to meet your surrogate before entering into an agreement. Most surrogates are excited to connect with intended parents!

What if my surrogate and I don’t get along?

Hope Harbor works hard to create successful matches and supports strong relationships between intended parents and surrogates. If compatibility issues arise:

• Our team provides mediation and counseling
• We facilitate open communication
• Support is available 24/7
• Professional psychology support can be arranged

In rare cases where a match truly isn’t working, we can explore alternatives, but this is very uncommon.

Can I use my own egg and sperm?

Yes! If you can provide your own egg and/or sperm, you can use your genetic material. This is called gestational surrogacy. Your surrogate carries the pregnancy but is not genetically related to the child.

If you cannot use your own gametes, Hope Harbor offers access to:

• Egg donors: 20 carefully screened, elite egg donors with complete genetic transparency
• Sperm donors: Verified sperm donors with comprehensive medical and genetic history

How long does the entire process take?

The entire surrogacy journey typically takes 18-24 months from initial contact to birth:

• Months 1-2: Initial consultation and profile review
• Months 2-4: Surrogate/donor selection and matching
• Months 4-6: Legal agreements and medical evaluations
• Months 6-7: IVF cycle (egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo development)
• Months 7-9: Surrogate preparation and embryo transfer
• Months 9-18: Pregnancy
• Post-birth: Legal finalization

Timeline can vary based on various factors including medical requirements and legal processes.

How do I know my surrogate is healthy and screened?

All Hope Harbor surrogates undergo comprehensive screening:

• Medical screening: Physical exam, blood work, ultrasound – all normal
• Psychological screening: Mental health evaluation – all passed
• Background check: Criminal background verification – all clear
• Infectious disease screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, STIs – all negative
• Genetic screening (optional): Available for carrier conditions

Every surrogate’s health status and screening results are displayed on their profile for full transparency.

Can LGBTQIA+ couples become intended parents?

Absolutely! Hope Harbor celebrates and supports LGBTQIA+ families. We work with:

• Same-sex male couples
• Same-sex female couples
• Transgender and non-binary intended parents
• Single parents of any gender identity
• All other family configurations

Our commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity means every family is celebrated and supported throughout their journey.

What does the legal process look like?

The legal process protects everyone involved:

• Legal contract: Defines rights, responsibilities, and compensation
• State-specific laws: Varies by state (some states more surrogate-friendly than others)
• Pre-birth order: Establishes parental rights before birth
• Post-birth adoption: Finalizes legal parentage

Hope Harbor works with experienced family law attorneys to ensure all legal protections are in place.

What if my surrogate delivers twins?

If your surrogate delivers twins, the cost structure is:

• Additional surrogate compensation: $20,000 – $30,000 for carrying twins
• Medical expenses: Twin pregnancies typically have higher medical costs (covered)
• Insurance: Life insurance coverage applies to all births

Hope Harbor supports surrogates through twin pregnancies with additional medical monitoring and compensation.

Can I attend the birth?

Yes! Most surrogacy arrangements allow intended parents to:

• Attend prenatal appointments
• Be present in the delivery room during labor and birth
• Cut the umbilical cord (if desired)
• Hold and bond with baby immediately after birth
• Stay with baby during hospital recovery

All attendance and involvement is discussed and agreed upon beforehand with your surrogate. Most surrogates want intended parents present for this special moment.

For Egg Donors

What are the requirements to become an egg donor?

Hope Harbor egg donors typically meet these criteria:

• Age 21-32 years old
• Excellent physical and mental health
• BMI under 28
• Non-smoker
• Pass medical screening
• Pass genetic screening (120+ conditions)
• Pass psychological evaluation
• Pass background check
• Willing to undergo hormone stimulation
• Willing to have egg retrieval procedure

How much compensation do egg donors receive?

Egg donor compensation typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on:

• Education level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
• Previous donation experience
• Genetic traits (ethnicity, health markers)
• Special requests from intended parents

All medical and screening costs are covered by the intended parents. Compensation is in addition to these expenses.

What does the egg donation process involve?

The egg donation process typically takes 3-4 months:

• Weeks 1-2: Initial screening and consultation
• Weeks 2-4: Medical evaluation and genetic testing
• Weeks 4-6: Psychological evaluation and counseling
• Weeks 6-8: Matching with intended parents
• Weeks 8-10: Hormone stimulation (8-12 days of injections)
• Week 10: Egg retrieval procedure (15-minute minimally invasive surgery)
• Recovery: 1-2 weeks recovery time

What are the risks of egg donation?

Egg donation is generally safe, but does carry some risks:

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Rare, managed medically (affects 1-2%)
• Bleeding or infection: From retrieval procedure (rare)
• Anesthesia reaction: Very rare with modern protocols
• Allergic reactions: To hormone medications
• Emotional impact: Addressed through psychological support

Hope Harbor requires comprehensive medical monitoring and provides full medical and psychological support throughout the process.

Will I be able to have children after donating eggs?

Yes! Egg donation does not affect your future fertility. Research shows:

• Donating eggs does not deplete your ovarian reserve significantly
• Most donors go on to have biological children
• Multiple donations are possible (some donors donate 3-4 times)
• Age-related fertility decline is normal regardless of donation

Your ovaries will continue to produce eggs naturally after donation.

Will I know about the child born from my eggs?

Contact after donation is entirely up to you and the intended parents. Options include:

• Open: Regular contact with intended parents and updates about the child
• Semi-open: Occasional contact through the agency
• Closed: No contact (most common for privacy)

All arrangements are discussed and agreed upon before donation begins. Many donors find peace in knowing they helped create a family, even without ongoing contact.

How is my genetic information protected?

Hope Harbor prioritizes your privacy and genetic privacy:

• Donors are identified by ID number only (no names on profiles)
• Full name never shared with intended parents
• Location listed at state-level only
• Generic, non-identifying biographical information
• All medical and genetic information is confidential
• You control what information is shared

Your privacy is protected under law and through our strict protocols.

What genetic information will be shared with intended parents?

All of our egg donors have complete transparency on their profiles:

• Genotype: ABO blood type, Rh factor, HLA type, ethnicity
• Genetic screening: 120+ conditions screened – all clear
• Carrier status: BRCA, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, thalassemia, etc.
• Family medical history: Parents, siblings health status
• Genetic risk assessment: Cancer, cardiac, neurological risks (all low)
• Fertility markers: FSH, AMH, AFC levels

This transparency helps intended parents make informed decisions for their family.

Legal & Financial

Is surrogacy legal?

Surrogacy legality varies by state and country:

• Legal in most U.S. states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Connecticut, and others
• Regulated in some states: Specific requirements must be met
• Restricted in some states: Limited surrogacy options available
• International surrogacy: Varies by country (generally not recommended)

Hope Harbor only works in states where surrogacy is legal and clearly defined. We work with experienced family law attorneys in each state.

What is the surrogacy legal contract?

The surrogacy contract is a legal agreement between intended parents and surrogate that establishes:

• Compensation terms: Payment schedule and amounts
• Medical responsibilities: Who pays for what
• Parental rights: Intended parents’ legal rights to the child
• Surrogate responsibilities: Health requirements and commitments
• Communication: Extent of contact during pregnancy
• Post-birth arrangements: Custody and parental establishment
• Insurance: Life insurance and medical coverage terms

Both parties review the contract with their own attorneys before signing.

Who pays for surrogacy expenses?

Intended parents pay all surrogacy expenses:

• Surrogate compensation: Paid by intended parents
• Medical expenses: All pregnancy-related medical care
• Legal fees: Attorney fees for contracts and court proceedings
• IVF and fertility treatment: Egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer
• Insurance: Life insurance and medical coverage
• Screening and evaluations: Medical and psychological evaluations
• Agency fees: Professional matching and support services

Hope Harbor provides a detailed cost breakdown before you proceed.

Does insurance cover surrogacy?

Insurance coverage for surrogacy varies:

• Surrogate’s insurance: Usually covers pregnancy care (even if surrogate)
• Intended parents’ fertility insurance: May cover IVF portion
• Life insurance: Hope Harbor provides $500K coverage for surrogate
• Egg donor insurance: Covers medical screening and retrieval

Hope Harbor works with insurance companies to maximize coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

Can I deduct surrogacy expenses as a tax deduction?

Tax treatment of surrogacy expenses is complex. Some points to consider:

• Medical expenses: May be deductible as medical expenses (over 7.5% AGI threshold)
• Adoption credit: Some states offer adoption tax credits that may apply
• Tax-free fertility benefits: If provided through employer

Important: Consult with a tax professional or CPA about your specific situation. Tax laws vary by state and individual circumstances.

What happens to my parental rights after birth?

Legal parentage is established through state processes:

• Pre-birth order: Obtained before delivery in most states
• Court order: Establishes intended parents as legal parents
• Surrogate relinquishment: Surrogate signs relinquishment documents
• Birth certificate: Intended parents listed as parents
• Adoption (post-birth): In some states, required post-delivery

Hope Harbor’s attorneys manage all legal proceedings to ensure smooth parental establishment.

What if the baby is born with a disability?

This is addressed in the surrogacy contract:

• Responsibility: Intended parents assume full parental responsibility
• Support: Hope Harbor provides counseling and support
• Surrogate support: Surrogate receives support to process emotions
• Insurance: Medical coverage continues for baby’s needs
• Legal framework: Clear in contract before pregnancy begins

These scenarios are discussed and addressed before embryo transfer.

Medical & Screening

Why is genetic screening important?

Genetic screening helps identify:

• Carrier status: Genes that could be passed to child (but parent is unaffected)
• Genetic conditions: Inherited disorders that could affect child’s health
• Risk factors: Predisposition to certain conditions (cancer, heart disease, etc.)
• Compatibility: Genetic matching between egg/sperm donors for lower risk

All Hope Harbor donors and surrogates undergo 120+ genetic condition screening for maximum safety.

What does “120+ genetic conditions screened” mean?

Comprehensive carrier screening tests for recessive genetic conditions including:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Sickle cell disease
• Thalassemia
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• BRCA mutations (breast/ovarian cancer risk)
• Fragile X syndrome
• And 100+ more conditions

All our donors and surrogates come back negative or non-carrier for these 120+ conditions.

What does it mean if someone is a “carrier”?

A carrier:

• Has one copy: Of a recessive genetic mutation
• Unaffected: The carrier is healthy and not affected by the condition
• Can pass to child: If the other parent is also a carrier, child might be affected
• Example: You could be a carrier for cystic fibrosis and be completely healthy

All Hope Harbor surrogates and donors are non-carriers for genetic conditions. This significantly reduces risk to your baby.

What is FSH, AMH, and AFC?

These are fertility markers measured in blood tests and ultrasound:

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Shows ovarian reserve; lower is better (6.2 is excellent)
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Indicates egg quantity; higher is better (3.5+ is excellent)
• AFC (Antral Follicle Count): Number of resting follicles; higher means better response to stimulation (18+ is excellent)

All Hope Harbor donors have EXCELLENT fertility markers, indicating optimal egg quality and quantity.

Can I choose a specific blood type for my egg donor?

Yes! You can review blood types (ABO and Rh factor) on our egg donor profiles. However:

• Blood type compatibility is less critical than genetic match
• All rare blood types are available among our donors
• Specific preferences may limit donor pool
• Blood type does not affect egg quality or success rates

Our team can help match donors to your preferences while ensuring genetic compatibility.

What happens if screening reveals an issue?

Our screening process ensures only healthy donors and surrogates:

• Medical issue: Donor/surrogate is not approved to proceed
• Carrier status: Addressed with genetic counseling
• Alternative matching: Help you find compatible donor/surrogate
• Genetic counseling: Professional counselor discusses options

All Hope Harbor donors and surrogates have passed comprehensive screening. No medical red flags.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help answer any concerns you may have about your surrogacy or egg donation journey.

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