Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia

DELIVER THE GIFT OF FAMILY WHEN YOU BECOME A SURROGATE MOTHER

I Want To Be A Surrogate

Surrogacy is a unique pathway that allows you to give the ultimate gift—the gift of family. At the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia, our team of experienced professionals and former surrogates stands ready to guide you every step of the way. We ensure a supportive, well-managed process that respects your commitment and bravery. 

I Want To Be A Surrogate
Surrogate Compensation

WHAT IS A SURROGATE?

At the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia, we are often asked, “What exactly is a surrogate?” A surrogate, or more specifically a gestational carrier, is a woman who generously agrees to carry a pregnancy for another individual or couple—the intended parents—with the intention of giving them the precious gift of a child. At our agency, we specialize in gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby she carries; the child is conceived through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. Before the surrogacy journey begins, both the Intended Parents and the Surrogate sign a contract and the Gestational Carrier is compensated for her services. 

WHO DO YOU HELP WHEN YOU BECOME A SURROGATE MOTHER

When you make the choice to take part in surrogacy and carry a baby for another couple, you’ll have the chance to help all kinds of people create families of their own. The people helped by surrogacy are from all walks of life, of all sexual orientations, and of varying ethnic backgrounds. Some of the people who work with surrogates are married, and some aren’t.

Here’s a brief listing of people who may turn to surrogacy so they can have families of their own:

  • Intended mothers who, for various reasons have been unable to carry a child to term
  • Heterosexual couples who face challenges with infertility
  • Intended parents who are same-sex couples and who wish to have a genetic connection to their baby
  • Intended mothers who have a medical condition that makes pregnancy dangerous for themselves or their baby
At the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia, we realize how intensely personal the surrogacy journey is. That’s why surrogates in our program choose their intended parents.

GIVING HOPE TO INTENDED PARENTS BY BECOMING A SURROGATE

Why do women decide to become surrogates? The most common reason is to help others. While not a requirement, many surrogates have also finished growing their own families and enjoyed uncomplicated pregnancies. They also really enjoyed being pregnant. At the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia, many of our surrogates have enjoying working with us so much they decide to sign up for a second or third journey. Surrogates in our program are compensated $60,000+. The compensation one receives from surrogacy helps your own family achieve their financial goals.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A SURROGATE?

If you wish to become a surrogate mother, you must meet the following requirements:
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Be between the ages of 21 and 42
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Have already successfully carried and parented one or more children
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Have had uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Have a body-mass index (BMI) that isn’t higher than 32
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Not have a criminal history or use illicit drugs
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Have a current life situation that is both financially and emotionally stable
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Have no mental illness
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Be motivated to assist others
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Be willing to take medication via injection
  • 99F30F9E-EE48-48D6-A948-07A375634E04Created with sketchtool. Currently reside in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware or other surrogacy-friendly states (feel free to ask us if you aren’t sure about your own state’s legal status)
I Want To Be A Surrogate

A SURROGACY JOURNEY WITH US IN 10 STEPS:

The surrogacy process can be divided into ten steps. On average, the process takes twelve to fifteen months.
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#1 INITIAL SCREENING AND CONSULTATION

You’ll have either an over-the-phone or in-person consultation to begin the process. Our team members will answer all your questions. If you do choose to become a surrogate mother, we will ask you to complete a formal application. After that, we’ll thoroughly review the application, perform the requisite state and federal background checks, do a review of your medical information and records, and perform a psychological screening evaluation. The entire screening usually takes about three to four weeks. Finally, we will contact you and let you know if you are a candidate.
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#2 CREATION OF THE PROFILE

Based on what you tell us in your formal, written application, we’ll create a profile that intended parents can look at and review based on their needs and preferences.
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#3 THE MATCHING PROCESS

We will share with you profiles of intended parents. If you would like to get to know them better, we will arrange a meeting that will be facilitated by one of our representatives. This is a way for you to get acquainted with the intended parents in an open, non-judgmental, no-pressure way. Often, the result of this meeting is a verbal agreement to move forward with the process.
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#4 THE LEGAL CONTRACT

Upon match, you will work on a “gestational carrier agreement” along with the other party, the intended parents. The contract lists all the details of each party’s expectations and monetary obligations. The Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia will provide you with an independent, qualified attorney to help you review the contract and make changes as necessary.

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#5 SETTING UP THE ESCROW ACCOUNT

We will set up an escrow account that contains your surrogacy payments. The account is with an independent escrow company, keeping it totally secure and transparent. You can login online anytime to view your escrow account, and see past and future payments. All compensation is paid to you promptly by direct deposit.
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#6 FINAL MEDICAL CLEARANCE

Now that contracts are complete, you will go to the fertility clinic for additional evaluation. You’ll undergo ultrasounds, as well as blood work to check your hormone levels and for infectious diseases. The clinic staff will also explain the upcoming medical protocol that will prepare your body for the embryo transfer.
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#7 CYCLING PROTOCOL

The medical protocol that you will follow is called your embryo transfer cycle. You will be given a calendar by the fertility clinic, which includes medications (oral and by injection) that will prepare your body for the embryo. You’ll be visiting the clinic every few days during your cycle so your hormone levels can be monitored and your uterine lining thickness can be assessed. When the timing is right (usually after 2-3 weeks), you will undergo the embryo transfer, which is a quick, painless procedure. A tiny catheter will transfer the live embryo into your uterus by ultrasound guidance.
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#8 THE PREGNANCY

If the first transfer is a success, you’ll be confirmed pregnant! You will visit the clinic at least two times to measure HCG levels in your blood. About four-to-six weeks into the pregnancy, the medical team will perform an ultrasound and verify that there’s a fetal heartbeat. Upon confirmation of heartbeat, you will receive the rest of your care from your regular obstetrician.
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#9 PARENTAL RIGHTS

We’ll provide you with an attorney during the fifth month of the pregnancy to finish the paperwork required for your intended parents to obtain full legal rights of their child by surrogacy. The attorney files the paperwork with the courts in the county that you’re expected to deliver in. You don’t have to appear in court. It is an administrative process to get a pre-birth order so that the names of the intended parents will go directly onto the birth certificate when the baby is born.
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#10 THE BIRTH

We’ll help you create a detailed birth plan so that there’s no ambiguity on delivery day. Additionally, we work closely with the hospital, coordinating with social work, labor & delivery staff, and the registration office to provide them with the documentation they need. Your agency coordinator will be by your side during and subsequent to the birth of the baby to make sure everything goes well. We will also be following up to make sure that you are doing well physically and emotionally after birth.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURROGACY PROCESS TAKE FROM START TO FINISH?

The entire process of surrogacy usually takes about 18 months, but there are many factors that can make it longer or shorter.

When you fill out the initial application, our team will get back to you within 48 hours. Your initial screening will take about 45 days, as we work to gather records from your providers, and conduct background checks and evaluations. Upon completion of screening, you will be able to be immediately matched. Contracts typically take a month to complete and then the medical cycling protocol takes another two months. Hopefully, you are pregnant within one transfer attempt! If not, we will repeat cycle coordination.

I Want To Be A Surrogate

AT THE SURROGACY CENTER OF PHILADELPHIA, YOU BECOME PART OF THE FAMILY

Our team, equipped with personal surrogacy experiences, appreciates the profound nature of your gift. We’re here to ensure your journey is as smooth and fulfilling as possible, attending to every medical, legal, or emotional need.

At the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia, we seek to provide clarity and guidance on what it means to be a surrogate. We support and celebrate our surrogates for the life-changing role they play. If you are considering becoming a surrogate, or if you’re an intended parent looking to learn more, we invite you to join our family at the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia.

 

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SURROGATES IN OUR PROGRAM RECEIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGES OF $60,000+

Learn More About Surrogate Compensation

SURROGATE PAY: HOW MUCH DO
SURROGATES EARN?

There are many variables, but the most common compensation package ranges from $50,000 to $60,000. That range includes several parts like the base fee (which is $45,000 for a first-time surrogate), additional monthly allowances, medical insurance, and other benefits the surrogate mother receives from day-one.

One of the most common questions women have before deciding to become a surrogate mother is: “What will I be compensated?” It’s perfectly understandable. Gestational surrogacy is both a physical and emotional process that deserves fair compensation.

At the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia, we calculate compensation packages by taking into account where the surrogate mother resides, whether or not she has surrogacy-friendly health insurance, and whether she has previously been a successful gestational surrogate.

READY TO BECOME A SURROGATE?

Start My Application

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SURROGACY

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WHAT IS GESTATIONAL SURROGACY?

Intended parents use their own embryos and the surrogate carries the child for them. The embryos can be created in several ways. Parents can donor ovum or the mother’s own ovum. They can use donor sperm or the father’s own sperm. It’s important to understand that the surrogate mother does not have any genetic relationship with the baby in gestational surrogacy. She simply carries someone else’s baby – the precious cargo until it’s ready to enter the world through the miracle of birth.
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WILL I BE ABLE TO SELECT MY INTENDED PARENTS?

Of course. You will be able to look through detailed profiles of families that could be potential matches for you. If you feel like connecting with them, our team will set up a meeting that we facilitate. After the meeting, and follow up conversations, you will be matched if all parties are in agreement with the decision.
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WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THE SURROGACY CENTER OF PHILADELPHIA?

We are unique in that we offer exceptionally personalized support during the surrogacy process along with competitive, fair compensation packages. Our coordinators attend critical appointments, promptly answer emails, texts, and phone calls, act as advocates for you along the way, and are present when you give birth. Additionally, we host social events like play-dates and fun lunches for surrogates and their families who are in our program. We differ from most national surrogacy agencies because we minimize your travel. The majority of Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia families live right in the Greater Philadelphia area and work closely with local clinics.
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IF I CHOOSE TO BECOME A SURROGATE MOTHER, HOW DO I GET PAID?

You and the intended parents sign a detailed contract that outlines all the compensation you receive. This is called a “gestational carrier agreement,” and it spells out everything you need to know. For instance, all your payments are maintained by a professional escrow company. Each month, you’ll get a direct deposit from the escrow firm. Plus, you will be able to log into your escrow account whenever you wish and view your total compensation amount, see how much has already been paid, and what remains to be paid to you.
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WILL I HAVE TO COVER MEDICAL CO-PAYMENTS AND OTHER OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES?

No. It’s important to understand from the beginning that the intended parents cover all costs related to your surrogacy. Some of these items include childcare expenses, co-payments for medical services, insurance premiums, and more. These represent totally separate payments that are in addition to the compensation you get for being pregnant and carrying their baby.
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DOES BECOMING A SURROGATE MEAN I’LL HAVE TO TRAVEL?

You won’t have to travel far. That’s because the Surrogacy Center of Philadelphia, unlike most surrogacy agencies, works exclusively with local clinics. In fact, it’s rare for any of our surrogate mothers to have to travel a long distance. We understand that travel can be a challenge. It’s even more of a burden when you have to take care of your own family at the same time. But, in the rare event that you do have to travel, all of your expenses are covered.