The Surrogate Application Process

Fairfax Surrogacy specializes in Gestational Surrogacy. Gestational carriers, also known as gestational surrogates, are by far the most popular option for those who choose surrogacy to build their family. Gestational surrogates are not genetically related to the child that they carry. Instead, modern technology allows the gestational surrogate to carry a genetically unrelated fetus through the use of the intended mother’s eggs or eggs from a donor. Traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate not only carries the child but also uses her eggs to create the embryo. This means she is the biological mother who carries the child with the intention of all parentage rights being given to the intended parent(s) upon birth. Because of the traditional surrogate’s biological connection to the baby, traditional surrogacy raises many legal and medical concerns. If you are interested in this route, please proceed with tremendous caution.

Nothing! Financial transparency for surrogates is one of our priorities. All pregnancy related expenses are covered, and there will be no hidden costs or exceptions along the way. In addition, you will receive compensation for your time. Any pregnancy-related expenses that you pay out of pocket will be fully reimbursed according to the terms of your surrogacy agreement.

Yes. From the beginning, we will be talking to you about your matching preferences. We will provide profiles of intended parents who meet your criteria. If your preferred intended parents agree to the match, then we will connect everyone virtually so you can begin to get acquainted. From there, the relationship can take shape however the surrogate and intended parents see fit.

Yes, you can. We will accept surrogates who have had up to 2 c-sections.

Yes! Tied tubes or a past “tubal ligation” does not impact your ability to be a gestational surrogate. As a gestational surrogate, you will undergo a reproductive treatment called  In Vitro Fertilization, also known as IVF. The IVF process bypasses the need for the egg to travel through the tubes, since the embryo is transferred directly to the uterus.  No matter whether your tubes are cut, cauterized, or “tied” you can absolutely still become a gestational surrogate.

Medical experts have developed a set of requirements for surrogates that produce the best success rates. Women with a BMI above 32 are at higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other conditions that can affect the surrogate and the baby. Additionally, studies have shown that women with a high BMI may have lower implantation and pregnancy rates following IVF. Women with a high BMI may respond differently to fertility medications. They may require higher doses of medication to stimulate ovulation, which can increase the cost and the risk of side effects.

Yes. Your termination stance is part of your matching preferences. Fairfax Surrogacy will work to match you with intended parents who are on the same page regarding important decisions like termination or selective reduction.

No, you do not. We will review your medical insurance to determine which, if any, aspects of the surrogacy are covered. In the interest of preventing unforeseen expenses for you, we may need to change or expand your health insurance coverage. If a new or updated policy is needed, Fairfax Surrogacy will purchase this for you.

Yes, the surrogate chooses the provider who will deliver the baby. Often surrogates are most comfortable using the same doctor or facility as their previous birth(s), and the surrogate’s medical coverage is usually best in her local area. We understand that pregnancy and birth is an intimate process and we encourage you to choose a provider and birth setting where you feel most comfortable, whether that be a hospital, birthing center, or home birth. Not only are we supportive of our surrogates using a midwife, we even have a midwife on staff!

Absolutely. You also can choose to hire a birth doula experienced with surrogates and intended parents, for additional emotional support. If you’d like to work with a doula, be sure to discuss this during the intake process to ensure it is part of your surrogacy agreement.