To be a Surrogate…

To be a surrogate you must meet the following requirements:

Be between 21-37 years old

Have delivered a child of your own with no complications (gestational diebetes etc.)
c-section is ok

Have had no more than 6 pregnancies (births)

Have a BMI (body mass index) less than 30

Have been a non-smoker for at least a year (will be nicotine and drug tested)

Must not be on any government assistance programs or will need to request termination of assistance

Must not have traveled to a area where Zika virus has been detected in the last 6 months

You (and your spouse, if applicable) must not have any prior felonies (will be subject to a background check)

Must not currently be on medications for mental illness (anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, etc.)

Must not have history of bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, personality disorders, etc.

Must not  be on the Depo-Provera shots, if have an IUD may be requested to take it out

Note: Having health insurance already in place that is surrogate friendly is a plus! If not you can apply for it in open enrollment

The Surrogate Experience

When you become a surrogate mother, it is a personal and private choice that you make; one that you know will be both emotional and rewarding. For the couple seeking a child through surrogacy, there is hope, anticipation, and anxiety.

People come to a surrogate agency because both the surrogate mother and the couple are treated with care, respect, and consideration throughout the entire process, from contract to delivery of a new baby. Though many people have a strong desire to become either a surrogate mother or to become parents by surrogacy, not everyone is accepted into the surrogacy program. Each couple and prospective surrogate mother must undergo both physical and psychological evaluations to ensure they want to participate in the program for the right reasons.

The ultimate goal of each couple is to have a happy and healthy baby to bring home at the end of the pregnancy. For each surrogate mother, surrogate agencies want to make sure the experience is filled with positive memories and a sense of satisfaction that they have helped a childless couple become parents. Both the couple and the surrogate mother have a vital role and responsibility during the surrogacy contract period. The surrogate mother has the task of making sure she remains healthy and takes care of herself to give the baby she is carrying the best possible chances of being healthy at birth. The couple doesn't just sit back and wait nine months for their baby to be born. They must support the surrogate mother through the process as well so that her experience can be the most rewarding it can be. Bringing this child into the world requires a group effort.

There are four distinct steps that are part of the Surrogate experience:

1. The Application Process
   You'll fill out an application and have your initial consultation with NWED.
2. Making the Match
   You'll go through a screening process during which you are matched with an ideal parent or couple that would like to work with you. During this part of the process all contracts will be finalized.
3. Medical Procedures
   You'll undergo the necessary procedures, which can include artificial insemination, or in vitro fertilization.
4. Pregnancy and Birth
   With the support of NWED, you will continue through your pregnancy and the experience of childbirth.

Please Contact Us to learn more about each of these steps. We will be happy to take you through the details and answer all of your questions!

How Does Compensation Work?

A standard base compensation is paid to the surrogate

In some cases, a request is made for additional compensation

Existing health-care provided surrogacy insurance can impact compensation

Experienced, previously successful surrogates are eligible to receive higher compensation

Understanding Compensation

Surrogates should expect a standard base compensation, but can ask for what compensation they want. Typically, $40,000 to $50,000 is expected for first-time surrogates with approved insurance.
Surrogates without approved insurance are typically compensated $5,000 less to allow intended parents to purchase insurance for them.
Experienced surrogates often receive an additional $5,000 over their previous base fee (assuming their insurance status hasn't changed since their last surrogacy journey).