Give the Gift of
Family. Change a Life.

Becoming a gestational surrogate is one of the most profound decisions a person can make. At Hope Harbor, our woman-led team walks with you every step of the way — from the first conversation to the moment you place a newborn in the arms of parents who have waited for this day.

Learn How It Works
See Surrogate Benefits
12+
Years Supporting Surrogates
400+
Babies Born Through Hope Harbor
100%
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
24/7
Surrogate Coordinator Support

How to Become
a Surrogate Mother

Help your family while helping build another. Becoming a surrogate mother is not an easy choice to make. You could think it can change your hormonal schedule, that it is more expensive than you imagined, or that you are not mentally prepared. But do not worry. We will make this process as simple as possible for you, here at Hope Harbor.

It is such a privilege to have you in our program. We thank you in advance for your generosity and thoughtfulness in choosing to become a surrogate with us. At our all-female owned and operated agency, we understand the sacrifices you are about to make by accepting the responsibility of creating a new life for your Intended Parents. We will be by your side every step of the way, taking care of you and helping you any time you find yourself with doubts and questions of any kind. Believe us when we say it will be a stress-free pregnancy and delivery.

This is a unique matching program where we ensure a great match for your journey. Do not miss the opportunity of a lifetime and become a surrogate mother.

Gestational Surrogacy Only
Woman-Led Agency
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
All-Inclusive Support
Legal Protection Included

How Do We Make It
So Simple?

Besides the highest quality standards we offer, our efficiency and professionalism in carrying out the process, and the excellent way we treat our clients, we are one of the best agencies in the country for you to become a surrogate due to the extra services we make available for you.

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Personal, Precise Matches Done by Hand

We will be working very closely, choosing with you the Intended Parents that best fit your personality.

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All Medical Bills Are Guaranteed to Be Paid

You will not have to worry about paying the bills afterward. It will be taken care of before the surrogate process is over.

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Your Birth, Your Choices

You will be able to choose your Midwife, your Hospital, and who is in the delivery room. Your choice, your rules.

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You Will Feel Genuinely Cherished

Morning sickness care packages, Bump Boxes with all-natural gifts, push presents, body recovery allowance, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and prenatal massage will be provided to ensure you feel cherished.

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No Permission Needed to Reimburse You

Permission is not required from your Intended Parents to reimburse or pay you.

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24/7 Support from Experienced Coordinators

Our experienced team of previous surrogate support coordinators will be available for you 24/7 by phone.

Requirements to Qualify

These criteria exist to protect your health, the health of the baby, and the legal integrity of your journey. Meeting all requirements means you are set up for the smoothest, safest experience possible.

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Age Between 21 and 40

Surrogates must be between 21 and 40 years old at the time of application. This range reflects current medical best-practice guidelines for gestational carriers as endorsed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

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At Least One Previous Birth

You must have successfully carried and delivered at least one child of your own, whom you are currently parenting. This demonstrates your body can support a healthy pregnancy and that you understand the realities of childbirth.

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Healthy BMI

A Body Mass Index within the healthy range is required to participate in most IVF protocols. Your BMI directly impacts the success of the embryo transfer and your overall pregnancy health. Our team will walk you through this if needed.

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No Significant Medical Complications

Past pregnancies must have been free of serious complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or premature delivery. You should be in good general health and free of chronic conditions that could affect pregnancy outcomes.

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Non-Smoker and Substance-Free

Surrogates must be non-smokers and have no current use of illegal substances. A home and lifestyle free from smoking is required to protect fetal lung development. Toxicology screening is part of the standard medical clearance process.

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Stable Living Environment

A stable, secure home life is essential. This requirement ensures that compensation is not your only motivation and that you are emotionally and practically prepared for the commitment ahead.

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Cleared by Psychological Evaluation

All surrogates complete a psychological screening with a licensed mental health professional experienced in third-party reproduction. This evaluation is a conversation designed to ensure you are entering the journey with full clarity and confidence.

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No Felony Convictions

All adult members of the household undergo a criminal background check. A clean background ensures the legal security of the surrogacy arrangement and protects everyone involved throughout the process.

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Off Certain Medications

Surrogates must not currently be on Depo-Provera, as it can take up to 18 months to clear the system. You must also be willing to discontinue hormonal birth control prior to the embryo transfer cycle. Our medical team will guide you on timing.

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Not Sure If You Qualify?

You do not need to have every answer before reaching out. Our coordinators review applications individually and are happy to answer questions about specific circumstances before you commit to anything. A conversation costs nothing and carries no obligation.

You Deserve to Be
Valued

Surrogacy is a serious commitment of your time, body, and energy. Hope Harbor is committed to ensuring every surrogate receives compensation that genuinely reflects that dedication. All compensation is negotiated before you sign any contract, and you will have independent legal counsel — paid for entirely by your Intended Parents — to review every term.

Nothing is final until you are completely comfortable. Here is a breakdown of the types of compensation and coverage you can expect as a Hope Harbor surrogate:

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Base Surrogate Compensation

A base payment for your time, dedication, and commitment throughout the pregnancy. Experienced surrogates who have completed a prior journey receive a higher base rate in recognition of their proven commitment.
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Monthly Allowance

A monthly stipend throughout your pregnancy to cover incidental costs, travel to routine appointments, and everyday convenience during your journey.
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Embryo Transfer and Cycle Fees

You are compensated for each embryo transfer attempt, reflecting the physical and time commitment each cycle requires. This is separate from your base compensation.
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Maternity Clothing Allowance

A dedicated allowance to cover maternity clothing as your body changes throughout the pregnancy. You should never have to pay out of pocket to dress comfortably.
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C-Section and Multiple Pregnancy Supplements

Additional compensation is provided if your delivery requires a cesarean section or if you carry more than one baby. These supplements recognize the increased physical demands involved.
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Lost Wages and Childcare Coverage

Documented lost wages from time taken for medical appointments, bed rest, or recovery are reimbursed in full. Childcare costs during medical visits are also fully covered so nothing falls on you.

All Medical Expenses Are Fully Covered

• 100% of pregnancy-related medical costs including prenatal visits, ultrasounds, lab work, delivery, and postpartum care
• Health insurance premiums for a surrogate-friendly policy if your current plan does not cover surrogacy
• All IVF clinic fees including medication protocols and monitoring appointments
• Travel and accommodation for any required out-of-town clinic visits
• Life insurance policy for the full duration of your pregnancy
• Independent legal representation — your attorney is paid by the Intended Parents, not from your fees
• Escrow management — you never handle funds directly and never wait on reimbursements

How Your Payments Work

• All compensation is held in a neutral third-party escrow account before your journey begins
• Monthly base payments begin after a confirmed heartbeat at approximately six to eight weeks
• Expense reimbursements are submitted through your surrogate portal and processed promptly
• No permission from Intended Parents is required to reimburse your documented expenses
• Compensation protections are specified in your legal contract before any medical procedures begin

Compensation packages are individualized and fully documented in your legal surrogacy contract prior to any medical steps. A coordinator will walk you through your specific package during your intake call.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect

Every surrogacy journey is unique, but the path follows a clear, well-supported sequence. Most first journeys take 12 to 18 months from application to delivery. Here is exactly what that looks like at Hope Harbor.

1
Getting Started

Submit Your Application

Complete our easy online application — it takes about 15 minutes. We ask about your health history, previous pregnancies, living situation, and your motivations for becoming a surrogate. There is no fee to apply, and submitting an application does not commit you to anything. Our team reviews every application personally and responds within 48 hours.

⏱ About 15 Minutes
2
Getting to Know You

Phone or Video Consultation

A dedicated surrogate coordinator will reach out to schedule a no-pressure call. This is your chance to ask every question you have about compensation, matching, medical procedures, or daily life as a surrogate. Your partner or spouse is welcome to join. We want you genuinely informed, not just approved.

⏱ 30 to 60 Minutes
3
Medical and Background Clearance

Screening and Medical Records Review

We request your obstetric records from previous pregnancies for review by our medical team. A background check is conducted for all adults in the household. You will also complete a psychological evaluation with a licensed therapist who specializes in third-party reproduction. Our team supports you through every part of this process.

⏱ 2 to 4 Weeks
4
Finding Your Match

Intended Parent Matching

Once cleared, we present your profile to Intended Parents whose values, expectations, and communication style align with yours. Profiles are shared in both directions and introductions are made only when there is genuine mutual interest. You are never pressured into a match, and you always have the right to decline for any reason.

⏱ 4 to 12 Weeks
5
Legal Protection

Legal Contract and Escrow Setup

Your independent attorney — chosen by you and paid by your Intended Parents — reviews and negotiates your surrogacy contract. This document covers your compensation schedule, medical decision-making rights, contact expectations, and protections for a range of possible scenarios. Once both parties sign, your full compensation is placed in escrow before any medical procedures begin.

⏱ 3 to 6 Weeks
6
Medical Clearance at the IVF Clinic

Clinic Evaluation and Medication Protocol

You will complete an in-person evaluation at the Intended Parents’ IVF clinic, which may involve travel if the clinic is out of state. All travel is fully compensated. The clinic conducts blood work, uterine screening, and a baseline ultrasound, then begins a hormone-based medication protocol to prepare your uterine lining for the embryo transfer.

⏱ 4 to 8 Weeks
7
The Moment It Begins

Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer is a quick, mostly painless procedure similar to a pap smear, performed at the IVF clinic. One or sometimes two embryos are transferred to your uterus. About ten to fourteen days later, a blood test confirms whether the transfer was successful. Your coordinator will be in close contact with you throughout the entire waiting period.

⏱ 1 Day for Transfer, 10 Days to Confirm
8
Growing a Family

Pregnancy, Support, and Ongoing Care

Once pregnancy is confirmed, you transition to the care of your OB or midwife of choice in your area. Hope Harbor remains actively involved throughout — your coordinator checks in regularly, assists with reimbursements, and is available any time a question or concern arises. Morning sickness packages, prenatal wellness care, and bump boxes arrive at your door throughout the pregnancy.

⏱ Approximately 9 Months
9
A New Beginning

Delivery and Postpartum Support

Your birth preferences are documented and shared with the hospital team. You choose your Midwife, your Hospital, and who is in the delivery room. After delivery, Hope Harbor continues to check in during your postpartum recovery and provides access to counseling services and our active surrogate community. Many surrogates describe this chapter as the most meaningful of their lives.

⏱ Ongoing Postpartum Support

Benefits of Becoming a
Hope Harbor Surrogate

Our surrogates are the heart of everything we do. Every policy, every process, and every resource we offer is designed with one goal: making your journey as supported, informed, and rewarding as it possibly can be.

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A Dedicated Coordinator Just for You

You are matched with a single coordinator who guides you from application through postpartum. They know your file, your preferences, and your story. You will never repeat yourself to a stranger in a call center.

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Independent Legal Representation

Your attorney works for you alone — not for the agency, not for the Intended Parents. They review your contract line by line, negotiate terms on your behalf, and ensure your rights are fully protected throughout the entire journey.

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Transparent, Competitive Compensation

Your full compensation package is set in writing before any medical procedure begins. Payments arrive on time through a fully managed escrow system. You never chase a reimbursement or wait on Intended Parent approval.

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LGBTQIA+ Affirming and Inclusive

Hope Harbor was built to serve all families. We actively work with same-sex couples, single parents, and individuals across all backgrounds. Our matching process and agency policies reflect our unconditional commitment to inclusion.

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Wellness Care and Thoughtful Gifts

Morning sickness care packages, Bump Boxes with all-natural gifts, push presents, chiropractic care, acupuncture, prenatal massage, and body recovery allowances are part of your journey because you deserve to feel genuinely cared for.

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Mental Health Support Throughout

Our surrogates have access to licensed counselors experienced in third-party reproduction at every stage of the journey — before, during, and well after delivery. No surrogate at Hope Harbor navigates the emotional side of this journey alone.

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24/7 Surrogate Portal Access

Track appointments, submit expense reimbursements, review contract milestones, and message your coordinator through our secure surrogate portal — available on desktop and mobile at any hour of the day or night.

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Medication and Insurance Management

Coordinating insurance, fertility medication prescriptions, and pharmacy deliveries can be overwhelming. Our team handles all of it so you can focus entirely on your health, your family, and the experience of carrying a child for someone who has dreamed of this moment.

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12 Years of Earned Trust

We have been doing this since 2013. Our processes are refined, our relationships with IVF clinics are strong, and our surrogates return for second and third journeys — not because they have to, but because the experience was genuinely worth it.

Trusted Surrogacy Resources

Becoming a surrogate is a big decision, and we believe in giving you every tool to make it with confidence. These respected organizations offer independent research, guidelines, and community support for gestational surrogates.

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Visit ASRM.org →


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Visit RESOLVE.org →


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Visit SEEDS →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the baby genetically related to me?+

No. Hope Harbor exclusively facilitates gestational surrogacy. The embryo transferred to you is created using the Intended Parents’ eggs and sperm, or donor genetics. You have no genetic connection to the baby you carry. This is an important distinction that most surrogates find meaningful to understand before moving forward.

Can I be a surrogate if I had a C-section?+

In most cases, yes. Having had a prior C-section does not automatically disqualify you, though having more than two may impact eligibility depending on the IVF clinic’s policies. Your obstetric records are reviewed individually. Mention this during your intake call and we will discuss your specific situation openly.

What if the embryo transfer does not work?+

Failed embryo transfers do happen, and your compensation is not dependent on a successful first transfer. Most surrogacy contracts include compensation for each transfer attempt. Your coordinator will support you emotionally throughout this process, and your contract will outline protections and next steps clearly.

Does my partner need to agree?+

If you have a spouse or partner, their participation in the screening process is standard. This includes a psychological evaluation and signing an acknowledgment as part of the legal contract. This protects your relationship and the legal clarity of the arrangement. Partners are encouraged to join intake calls and ask their own questions freely.

Will I have a say in how the pregnancy is managed?+

Yes. Your body, your choices. You select your own OB or midwife. You choose who is in the delivery room. Your medical decision-making rights are protected in your legal contract. Intended Parents cannot dictate your medical care. What you agree to in writing before the journey begins is what governs everything.

Is surrogacy compensation taxable?+

The tax treatment of surrogacy compensation varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. We strongly recommend consulting with a tax professional who has experience with surrogacy cases. Hope Harbor can connect you with professionals who specialize in this area at no additional cost to you.

How long will the entire process take?+

From submitting your application to delivery, a typical first-time surrogacy journey takes 12 to 18 months. Matching timelines, medical clearances, and embryo availability all affect the pace. Your coordinator will give you a realistic, personalized timeline after your intake call.

What support is available after delivery?+

Hope Harbor’s support does not end at delivery. We offer postpartum check-ins, access to licensed counselors, and an active surrogate community. Many surrogates experience a mix of pride, fulfillment, and a natural emotional adjustment after the birth. Our team is experienced with all of it, and you are never left to navigate it alone.