intended parent
faq
General Surrogacy Information
How much does surrogacy cost?
Because many factors influence the cost of surrogacy, it’s challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all estimate. On average, a surrogacy journey that is successful on the first embryo transfer and has no medical complications costs around $200,000. This estimate includes medical expenses, surrogate compensation, agency fees, and legal costs. However, your total cost may be higher or lower depending on your unique circumstances—for example, whether you already have frozen embryos or require an egg or sperm donor.
At Heartland Surrogacy, our surrogates set their own compensation, with a recommended minimum base of $50,000. Additional compensation is provided for experienced surrogates or those carrying multiples. Except for our agency fee, all cost estimates are subject to change based on industry standards and the specifics of your journey.
Our agency fee is $35,000, paid in installments throughout the process.
Why should I choose working with an agency versus going independent?
Choosing to work with an agency offers protection, expertise, and ongoing support throughout your surrogacy journey. One of the biggest advantages is reduced risk for all parties involved. Agencies carefully prescreen surrogates to ensure they’re physically, emotionally, and logistically prepared, and provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Surrogacy involves many moving parts—insurance complexities, legal coordination, escrow management, communication with multiple providers, and more. Most intended parents and surrogates aren’t equipped to handle all of this alone. An experienced agency team knows how to navigate challenges, solve problems quickly, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Beyond logistics, an agency also gives you the benefit of having someone manage the details, help you make informed decisions, and offer emotional support when needed. In short, working with an agency provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on what matters most—building your family.
Why should I choose Heartland Surrogacy?
At Heartland Surrogacy, we offer a personalized, hands-on experience with a focus on building strong, supportive relationships. As a small, dedicated team, we take the time to truly get to know you and your surrogate—and we’re available whenever you need us. Co-founded by a three-time gestational surrogate in Iowa, our agency is rooted in the values of family, health, and service.
We tailor every journey to ensure you and your surrogate receive the care, support, and transparency you deserve. With our deep experience, we provide compassionate, expert case management from start to finish.
We’re also deeply committed to thoughtful, meaningful matches. We work hard to connect you with a gestational surrogate who shares your goals and is fully prepared for the journey ahead. Our surrogates undergo a thorough screening process—including interviews, medical record reviews, home visits, and background checks (for both the surrogate and partner, if applicable). Only candidates who show exceptional responsibility, emotional readiness, and organizational skills are accepted into our program.
Who can become an intended parent with Heartland Surrogacy?
We work with individuals and couples residing in the United States. We welcome intended parents from all walks of life—whether you’re LGBTQ+ or heterosexual, younger or older, and regardless of your gender identity or cultural background. We celebrate all family structures and are committed to supporting your path to parenthood with care and respect.
Why do people choose to become surrogates?
There are many reasons someone may choose to become a surrogate, but at the heart of it is a shared desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. Many surrogates have known someone who faced infertility or needed help building a family—whether through adoption, fertility treatment, or surrogacy—and felt inspired to make a difference themselves. Others may have seen someone they know act as a surrogate and were moved by the impact it had.
Some surrogates simply love being pregnant and want to use that experience to help another family, especially once their own family feels complete. Surrogacy can also be a meaningful way to contribute financially to their household or meet certain life goals.
Whatever their motivation, becoming a surrogate is a significant commitment that takes time, heart, and dedication. We’re proud to work with a thoughtful and compassionate network of surrogates who are ready for this extraordinary journey.
Our Surrogacy Program
Will someone be available to support me throughout the surrogacy process?
Yes—our team is here to support you every step of the way. We know that surrogacy doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. With evening and weekend availability, we make it a priority to be accessible when you need us most. Whether you have a question, face a challenge, or just want someone to talk to, you can count on us for timely, thoughtful support throughout your journey.
Who will I be working with during my surrogacy journey, and how is your team structured?
Our core team includes a director, program coordinator, case manager, and intake coordinator, all dedicated to providing personalized support. In addition, we’re backed by a trusted network of professionals—including an accountant, attorney, marketing professional, virtual assistants, and business mentors—who help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Each case is assigned to one specific team member who will be your main point of contact throughout the journey. That person will get to know you and your case closely, while the rest of our team collaborates to ensure you and your surrogate are fully supported every step of the way.
Are your agency fees refundable?
Our agency fees are not refundable. However, they are broken into installments tied to specific milestones, so you’re paying as services are delivered. We require the first installment before a match is made, as a significant amount of work goes into reaching that point.
We invest time and care into thoroughly screening both intended parents and surrogates, and we focus on finding the right match—not just the next available one. This thoughtful, hands-on approach is reflected in our fee structure to ensure every journey begins on a strong foundation.
How are surrogate expenses and compensation handled in your program?
All funds for your surrogacy journey are held in an independent escrow account managed by a licensed escrow company. The details of payments and reimbursements are guided by your legal contract with your surrogate, and the escrow provider ensures that funds are disbursed accurately and on time.
We work closely with the escrow company to provide a second set of eyes—helping ensure that all payments align with the contract and that your surrogate is supported throughout the process. We’re happy to recommend trusted escrow management companies from our network, or you’re welcome to choose another qualified provider if you prefer.
Who provides medical care for my surrogate?
Heartland Surrogacy is happy to work with the fertility clinic of your choice. If you already have embryos frozen at a clinic, your surrogate can travel there for screening and embryo transfer. If you haven’t created embryos yet, we can coordinate with any clinic you select, so long as they do not have an exclusive partnership with another surrogacy agency.
All medical costs related to IVF (such as screening, testing, medications, lab work, ultrasounds, and office visits) are separate from Heartland Surrogacy’s agency fees. Once pregnancy is confirmed, your surrogate will receive routine prenatal care from their own OB provider.
What services will I need to obtain separately?
In addition to working with Heartland Surrogacy, you’ll need to work with a few other professionals to complete your journey. These include:
Legal representation for both you and your surrogate. You’ll need an attorney licensed in the state where your surrogate lives, and your surrogate must have separate legal counsel.
Escrow services to manage the financial aspects of the journey.
Insurance services, depending on your surrogate’s situation. You may need to secure health, life, and/or short-term disability insurance. We will connect you with a specialized insurance broker to assist with these items.
We’re happy to connect you with experienced providers from our trusted network, or work with professionals of your choosing (as long as they meet the qualifications required for surrogacy). Our goal is to help you find the right fit while keeping your budget and preferences in mind.
Do you receive any payments or bonuses for referring me to other programs, providers, or services?
On rare occasions, we may receive a payment or other incentive for referring you to a non-medical service or provider. If that ever applies, we will always disclose it to you in advance. These arrangements are never made with clinics or other medical providers. Our recommendations are based solely on experience, quality, and what’s in the best interest of everyone involved in the journey.
Surrogacy Process
What kind of screening will I need to undergo?
At Heartland Surrogacy, all intended parents are required to complete a psychological consultation to help ensure emotional readiness for the surrogacy journey. This is a standard step in third-party reproduction and is often handled directly by your fertility clinic. If your clinic does not include it, we’ll assist you in finding a qualified provider.
In addition, we conduct criminal background checks as part of our commitment to creating a safe and supportive experience for everyone involved.
What kind of screening will my surrogate undergo?
Our surrogates complete a comprehensive, two-part screening process. The first phase is conducted by our agency and includes a review of medical records, interview, criminal background checks (including any other adults in their household, if applicable), and a home visit.
After a match is made, the second phase includes a psychological evaluation and a thorough medical exam, both guided by the requirements of your fertility clinic.
Together, these steps help us carefully assess your surrogate’s medical and emotional readiness to take part in a surrogacy journey—ensuring a strong foundation for everyone involved.
How long will it take to match with a surrogate?
Matching timelines can vary widely depending on your clinic’s requirements and your personal preferences for a surrogate. At Heartland Surrogacy, the wait to be matched typically ranges from 3 to 12 months.
We take a thoughtful, individualized approach to matching—prioritizing compatibility, readiness, and clear expectations on both sides. This helps set the stage for a smooth and positive experience throughout your surrogacy journey.
How do I get matched with a surrogate?
At Heartland Surrogacy, thoughtful and intentional matching is one of our highest priorities. We take the time to get to know you—your goals, preferences, and values around surrogacy—so we can help you find a gestational carrier who aligns well with your vision for the journey. Matching is always a mutual decision between intended parents and surrogates.
Here’s how it works:
We’ll first review your profile and identify a surrogate who appears to be a strong fit based on shared values, communication styles, and other key preferences. If the surrogate is also interested in your profile, we’ll then send their profile to you for review.
If both sides are open to moving forward, we’ll coordinate a match meeting—either in person or virtually—facilitated by one or more Heartland team members. Afterward, we’ll check in with each of you separately to make sure there’s mutual comfort and readiness to proceed.
What if my surrogate doesn’t have health insurance that covers the pregnancy?
It’s essential that your surrogate has a health insurance policy that will cover the surrogacy pregnancy. If their existing policy does not provide adequate coverage, you will be required to secure a new plan on their behalf.
Heartland Surrogacy will assist you in identifying and obtaining a policy that meets the necessary requirements. As the intended parent(s), you are responsible for all costs related to the new insurance plan, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Surrogacy Journeys
What is the relationship like between intended parents and their surrogate?
Every relationship is unique, but our goal is for you and your surrogate to build a strong bond rooted in open communication and mutual respect. Some intended parents and surrogates develop close friendships, staying in regular contact and even visiting each other long after the journey ends. Others prefer a more occasional connection, exchanging updates, photos, or messages around major milestones.
Whatever your preference, we’ll work to match you with a surrogate who shares a similar vision for communication and connection.
What is the relationship like between intended parents and their surrogate?
Every relationship is unique, but our goal is for you and your surrogate to build a strong bond rooted in open communication and mutual respect. Some intended parents and surrogates develop close friendships, staying in regular contact and even visiting each other long after the journey ends. Others prefer a more occasional connection, exchanging updates, photos, or messages around major milestones.
Whatever your preference, we’ll work to match you with a surrogate who shares a similar vision for communication and connection.
What happens if pregnancy is not achieved or if there is a miscarriage?
You and your surrogate will decide in advance how many embryo transfer attempts you are comfortable making, and this agreement will be outlined in your contract. If pregnancy is not achieved or does not continue, you will have the opportunity to decide whether to attempt another transfer, according to the terms of your contract.
Although a significant portion of your surrogacy budget must be available in escrow at the start of the journey, expenses are only paid as they are incurred. Your surrogate’s compensation is paid in installments based on milestones or stages of the process. Provider fees are also paid as services are provided, and agency fees are tied to specific journey milestones.
If a pregnancy is not achieved or does not continue, you will not be responsible for costs related to later stages of the journey that have not yet occurred.
Is there a fee to rematch with a new surrogate?
No additional fee if the original surrogate does not pass psychological or medical evaluation before embryo transfer.
A $15,000 rematch fee applies if:
The surrogate is no longer medically cleared after an unsuccessful embryo transfer, or
The surrogate ends their agreement after a failed transfer, miscarriage, or other circumstances without a resulting birth.
Intended parents are responsible for the psychological and medical evaluation costs of the new surrogate.
Can the intended parent(s) be present at the birth?
Yes, intended parents are often able to be present at the birth, and this is typically preferred by everyone involved. Your preferences, along with your surrogate’s, will be discussed and outlined clearly in your legal contract. Most surrogates welcome the intended parents to be part of some or all of the birth experience.
Please note that hospital policies, such as rules about the number of people allowed in the delivery room, may also impact what’s possible. We will work with you, your surrogate, and the hospital ahead of time to plan for the best experience possible.
Ready to take the next step?
Fill out the form below to connect directly with a member of our team. We’re here to answer your questions and help you start planning for this incredible journey!