Gestational surrogacy · nationwide education
Thinking About Becoming a Surrogate?
Understand the requirements, how compensation is structured, and what the journey really involves, then see where you stand in a couple of minutes. There is no obligation, and surrogates never pay us a fee.
Where would you like to start?
Most women arrive with one of four questions. Pick the one on your mind.
Become
Learn how to become a surrogate
What the journey involves, from first questions through delivery.
Become a SurrogateQualify
See whether you may meet common requirements
A short preliminary quiz covering the basics most programs look at first.
See If You QualifyCompensation
Understand compensation and what can affect it
Base compensation, allowances, reimbursements, and what moves the number.
Explore CompensationPrograms
Learn how to evaluate programs and agencies
What to look for, what to ask, and how to compare your options.
Explore Programs and AgenciesBecoming a surrogate
The journey, step by step
Surrogate Compass handles education, preliminary review, and introductions. Medical care, screening, and legal work are performed by independent clinics and attorneys.
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Learn
Read about requirements, compensation structure, and what the journey asks of you.
- 02
See If You Qualify
Take the short preliminary quiz to see how you line up with common criteria.
- 03
Apply
Complete the full application so our team can review your history properly.
- 04
Speak With Us
An introductory call with our team to answer your questions and understand your goals.
- 05
Screening
Partner programs and their clinics conduct medical and psychological screening. We do not perform it.
- 06
Matching
A program introduces you to intended parents whose goals and values fit yours.
- 07
Medical and Legal Process
Independent physicians manage IVF and transfer; independent attorneys handle your contract.
- 08
Pregnancy and Delivery
Your own care team manages the pregnancy, with support from the program you chose.
Surrogate compensation
What a compensation package is made of
Surrogate pay is not a single number. It is a package of base compensation plus allowances and reimbursements, negotiated and written into a legal contract. We publish ranges only where we can cite a source and date them.
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Base compensation
The core amount set in your contract, paid in installments across the pregnancy.
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Experience
Programs commonly pay more to surrogates who have completed a prior journey.
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Location
Ranges vary by state and local market conditions.
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Benefits and allowances
Monthly allowances, maternity clothing, and transfer-related allowances.
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Expenses and reimbursements
Documented costs connected to appointments and the pregnancy.
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Lost wages
Reimbursement for time away from work, typically with documentation.
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Travel
Mileage, flights, and lodging for monitoring and embryo transfer.
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Childcare
Care for your own children during appointments and travel.
Compensation varies widely by program, state, experience, and individual contract terms. Nothing on this site is an offer or a guarantee of any amount.
See If You May Qualify to Become a Surrogate
A short preliminary check against the requirements programs commonly start with. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes, there is no obligation, and you will get a clear explanation of what your answers typically mean.
Preliminary only. Final eligibility is determined by a clinic and program review.
Common eligibility questions
The situations women ask us about most. Each answer explains what programs and clinics typically consider, not a blanket yes or no.
Can I be a surrogate after a C-section?
Read the answerCan I be a surrogate with my tubes tied?
Read the answerWhat are the age requirements to be a surrogate?
Read the answerAre there BMI requirements to be a surrogate?
Read the answerCan I be a surrogate after a miscarriage?
Read the answerCan I be a surrogate while breastfeeding?
Read the answerCan I be a surrogate if I take antidepressants?
Read the answerCan I be a surrogate if I have Medicaid?
Read the answerWhat surrogates should know
The six areas worth understanding before you decide.
Surrogate stories
First-hand accounts from women who have carried for another family, published with their written permission.
Stories coming soon
We publish only real, consented surrogate stories. We are interviewing now, and nothing appears here until a surrogate has reviewed and approved her own words.
Explore Becoming a Surrogate in Your State
Requirements, compensation, programs, and the surrogacy process can vary by location. Explore information for your state and see what your next step may look like.
Featured state
California
Our deepest regional coverage, with local guidance for communities across the state.
Local areas covered
Women across the United States can explore
You do not need to be in California. More states are added as we complete their eligibility, pay, and application review.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Take the two-minute eligibility check, or start your application and have our team review your history individually.