Surrogates are always in demand, and there are many surrogacy agencies competing to attract them. If you think you could be a good candidate for surrogacy and are just beginning to explore applying to different surrogacy agencies, here are some things to keep in mind.
Reputation of the Surrogacy Agency
The best way to find a surrogacy agency is through the recommendation of a friend or acquaintance who had a great experience as a surrogate. That’s not available to everyone, however.
Comments on the internet are not 100% reliable and accurate, but overall, you should avoid surrogacy agencies with overwhelming negative reviews, especially if they are coming from former surrogates. Pursue surrogacy agencies with genuine, positive reviews on various platforms (such as Google, Reddit, and Facebook groups).
Northeast Assisted Fertility Group gets rave reviews from our former surrogates (as well as intended parents), and many surrogates work with us more than once. We have been in business for twenty years, with the same core team.
Consistency in Surrogacy Advertising
Any surrogacy agency may claim extraordinarily high surrogate compensation in their ads, but when you get down to the nitty-gritty, you discover these claims are misleading (the amounts may include medical and insurance fees that don’t result in actual payments to you, for example). The surrogacy agency’s website should be crystal clear and not cagey about surrogate compensation amounts, as well as other reimbursements. Also be aware that surrogates are never financially responsible for any aspect of their medical care related to the process, including the cost of mileage for driving to appointments, maternity clothes, etc.
At the Northeast Assisted Fertility Group, our advertising and website claims are clear and consistent: a base compensation of $80,000 for a first-time surrogate and a base compensation of $90,000 for a repeat surrogate.
Communication with Surrogates
A reliable surrogacy agency will get back to you right away by your preferred means: text, phone, or email. You should never be confused about who to reach out to or how to get in touch. Any appointments and travel should be communicated clearly and as ahead of time as possible.
Although Northeast Assisted Fertility Group is not a medical clinic, a fertility nurse manages all our surrogacy cases and can help out with medical instructions, advice, and support. There is a live person to answer the phone from early morning to late evening, even on weekends, and emails and texts are responded to the same day.
Legal Protection for Surrogates
A surrogate should have her own legal representation, authorized to practice in her state, independent from the surrogacy agency, and paid for by her intended parents. The surrogacy agency should not provide the contract or represent the surrogate: it is a conflict of interest.
Northeast Assisted Fertility Group was founded by a lawyer who specializes in assisted reproduction law and has developed a network of attorneys throughout the US experienced in these types of contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Surrogate
Do I need to live near the office of the surrogacy agency?
No, there is no need to travel to offices. As long as you live in a state where surrogacy is permitted, you can apply to a surrogacy agency at any location.
What makes a woman qualified to be a surrogate?
Northeast Assisted Fertility Group accepts gestational carriers (surrogates) who are between 23 and 38 years of age, have at least one child of their own whom they are raising in their own home, have the support of their family and others close to them for their decision to be a carrier, enjoy being pregnant, have experienced easy, uneventful pregnancies, and have a sincere desire to help create for others the kind of loving home they have themselves.
How do I apply to be a surrogate?
Submit an application through our website.
How much do surrogates earn?
Northeast Assisted Fertility Group surrogates are compensated with a base fee of $80,000 to $90,000+ for their time and effort, plus many extras.
Do I need medical insurance to be a surrogate?
No, we will cover the cost of your prenatal care and delivery expenses in full regardless of whether your insurance allows for surrogacy.
