Surrogacy for Gay Couples in Philadelphia

For many gay couples, surrogacy is the path to a child who is biologically connected to your family. At the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia, we help gay and LGBTQ intended parents across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware build their families through gestational surrogacy, guided by a local team that knows you by name.

We have welcomed all paths to parenthood for more than 15 years, and we work with fertility clinics, attorneys, and professionals who are experienced in LGBTQ family building.

How Surrogacy Works for Gay Couples

Gay couples build their families through gestational surrogacy, which brings together three parts: an egg donor, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and a gestational carrier who carries the pregnancy.

Here is how it comes together for two dads:

  • You choose which partner provides sperm, or you create embryos using both, so each of you has the chance at a biological connection.
  • An egg donor provides the eggs, either someone you know or a donor you select through an egg bank or donor program.
  • Embryos are created through IVF at a fertility clinic.
  • A gestational carrier carries the pregnancy. She has no genetic relationship to the baby.

We only provide gestational surrogacy, so your surrogate is never biologically related to your child.

The Surrogacy Steps for Gay Intended Parents

The journey follows a clear path, and on average takes about fifteen to eighteen months from the start of matching.

  1. Consultation and planning. We get to know your family and your goals, and help you map out donor and clinic decisions.
  2. Egg donor and embryo creation. You select a donor and create embryos through IVF. If you already have embryos, you can skip ahead.
  3. Matching with a gestational carrier. We match you with a pre-screened surrogate whose values fit your family.
  4. Legal contracts. Independent attorneys represent each side and put your agreement in place.
  5. Embryo transfer and pregnancy. The clinic completes the transfer and confirms the pregnancy.
  6. Parental rights and birth. We help establish your parental rights and support you through delivery.

For the full step-by-step, see our surrogacy journey for intended parents.

Egg Donation for Gay Couples

Because a gay male couple needs an egg donor, choosing one is one of your first decisions. You can work with a donor you know or select an anonymous or identity-release donor through a reputable egg bank or donor program. We help you connect with programs that have a strong track record, and we can talk through the options that support healthy identity formation for your child as they grow.

Your Parental Rights

Establishing both partners as legal parents is a central part of the process. We arrange independent attorneys who protect your rights and, in most cases, secure a pre-birth order so that both of your names appear on your child’s birth certificate. Additionally, a secondary action is taken simultaneously to ensure the equal parental rights of the non-biological parent.  Pennsylvania is a surrogacy-friendly state, and we handle the legal coordination so your rights are settled well before delivery.

The Cost of Surrogacy for Gay Couples

A complete surrogacy journey averages around $105,000, and egg donation adds to that total depending on the donor and clinic you choose. We give every intended parent a detailed estimate based on your circumstances, and we can point you to financing and grant options. See our full surrogacy cost breakdown and financing options.

An Affirming, Local Team

Every family is welcome here, and every journey is met with respect. We are a local Philadelphia agency, which means personal, in-person support and a team you actually get to know. We partner with LGBTQ-experienced clinics, mental health providers, and attorneys, and most of our surrogates are within a couple of hours of Center City, so your journey stays close to home.

Surrogates Who Want to Help LGBTQ Families

If you are considering becoming a surrogate and would love to carry for a gay couple, we would be glad to hear from you. Many of our surrogates specifically want to help LGBTQ families become parents. Learn more about becoming a surrogate with our program.

We would love to learn about your family. Our intended-parent waitlist is currently closed due to extended matching times, and we are still glad to provide a consultation and connect you with resources and trusted colleagues. Request information using the form below.