Frequently Asked Questions

The timeframe really depends on your own unique journey. A “typical” journey, without any complications from application submission to delivery, is around 14-months. In addition to a 40-week pregnancy, this 14-month timeframe includes around five months for the matching phase, medical clearance, contracts, and medication. It’s necessary to understand the importance of being flexible during your journey because there are a lot of moving parts in a surrogacy process. It is possible to have a few setbacks and changes during the matching process, medical screening, medication cycle, embryo transfer, legal process, and during the pregnancy itself. Please click here to see the Process Timeline Guide for a reference on the journey to come.

Telling your family and having their support in becoming a Gestational Surrogate is very important. The best way to tell your loved ones is to be honest about why you want to become a Gestational Surrogate and how important it is to you. Overall, a positive support system is imperative for your journey.

Getting matched depends entirely on your individual needs and wants in an Intended Parent as well as theirs in a Gestational Surrogate. Typically, from the moment we send your profile out for viewing, to the moment an IP(s) shows interest is 1-2 weeks. Origo has had a match in as little as one day, but it is possible for the matching process to take as long as four weeks.

A first-time Gestational Surrogate will receive a total of $50k for a full-term, singleton pregnancy.

Origo Surrogacy, Inc will accept applications from every state; however, some states find surrogacy practices unlawful. Laws regarding surrogacy are continuously changing. We do our best to stay up to date on any states that have a change in their surrogacy laws.

Yes, if and only if, you are comfortable using your own insurance and the policy is approved for Gestational Surrogacy. Origo team will have an Insurance Specialist review the policy and verify policy terms. If your policy is approved, the Intended Parents will pay monthly premium payments, deductibles, co-pays, and any other costs related to the surrogacy for the duration of your journey and up to eight weeks postpartum.

Of course! We believe any financially-stable, physically, and mentally healthy mother should be considered to be a surrogate no matter her marital status, race, or sexual orientation. Many of our Surrogates and IPs are single.

Depending on the stage of your divorce, you could begin the application process, however; Origo does not recommend pursuing surrogacy until your divorce is finalized.

Absolutely. We accept women from all marital, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Keep in mind, surrogacy is about minimizing risks. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a reliable indicator of potential complications and risks a woman may face through the surrogacy process.

A candidate with a higher BMI:

  • May take longer to become pregnant
  • Could be more likely to become diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes
  • Is at a higher risk for developing preeclampsia

We encourage Gestational Surrogate candidates to do a quick calculation to determine current BMI here. Being slightly overweight is not a deal-breaker in most cases; however, most Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE) do not accept a BMI of over 30. Origo team will support and guide you in ways you can lose weight and be your best while doing surrogacy.

Initially, there are possible costs relating to retrieving your medical records from your previous OB and/or hospital, although it is rare. In most cases, OB doctors and hospitals are usually happy to fax them right over free of charge. If the records office requires payment, Origo will reimburse the entire cost. You may also have to come out of pocket for various notary costs which will be reimbursed in a timely manner.

No. A surrogate candidate is not required to live local to the IVF clinic. In most cases, only two visits are required for a surrogate candidate; the initial medical screening and the embryo transfer. Keep in mind, it is possible to be required to have additional visits as necessary. All other appointments, to include IVF monitoring, prenatal care, and delivery will be completed local to the Surrogate’s home of residence.

Absolutely, 100%.

We require a fully funded escrow account from a 3rd party escrow company to manage all financial obligations so you have no financial uncertainty.

Potential Parents and Surrogates each deserve the best experience possible from their agency. Origo Surrogacy has a responsibility to protect the interests of both. At Origo, we strive to take care of the special needs from both perspectives; future parents and potential surrogates. We have experience in providing parents with professional confidence from experience in the legal and emotional process of nurturing their baby outside of their own bodies. Origo also provides a structure and process that keeps surrogates in charge of their bodies in an honoring and appreciated role. Origo encourages all candidates to spend some time to research an agency before committing to a surrogacy program.

Yes, you can! In fact, your fallopian tubes are completely unnecessary for a Gestational Surrogacy. As the Embryo is created before it enters your body, then inserted into your uterus through your cervix during the transfer.

Traditional Surrogacy involves a surrogate who undergoes either IVF or Artificial Insemination with sperm from the Intended Father (IF) or Sperm Donor (SD). The surrogate provides her eggs, which results in a biological child. Please note: Origo Surrogacy does not work with Traditional Surrogates due to unclear parentage laws at this time. Gestational Surrogacy involves an Egg Donor or eggs from the Intended Parent, sperm from a Donor or the Intended Parent and a Gestational Surrogate. The Gestational Surrogate has no genetic relation to the embryos created in any way.

We do not issue 1099 forms. What you do with your compensation is solely up to you.
For any questions regarding this topic you should find and contact a licensed Certified Public Accountant who specializes in tax filings.

During your medical screening, you will have blood work done to check for infectious diseases, and a urine drug screening. They will also do an ultrasound to check the overall health of your uterus. Some clinics will do what is called a saline ultrasound. This uterine scan uses a small amount of saline solution, which is inserted into the uterus and allows the lining of the uterus to be clearly seen on an ultrasound scan. This typically takes no longer than 60 seconds with no pain. Mild cramping may occur over the next several hours after ultrasound.

Origo Surrogacy provides full-personalized support to every Surrogate and Intended Parent. From the intake call to delivery of the baby, we work closely with all parties involved to ensure a fair and happy experience. We provide a 24-hour emergency line for our surrogates once they are pregnant. During the time a Gestational Surrogate is working with an IVF Clinic, a 24-hour nurse line is also available from time of transfer to about 12-weeks gestation. The Origo team wants everyone involved to understand the process that is to come; in detail, whether you are a Gestational Surrogate or Intended Parent. We are your advocate and want you to stay as informed as possible.

If it matters to you, it matters to us!

Some things we believe make a good agency are:

  • Addressing all client and surrogate questions and concerns
  • Prompt response from your personal Case Manager (CM)
  • Making sure you understand the InVitro Fertilization (IVF) process before moving forward
  • Following American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines
  • Consistent updates during the process
  • Making sure all parties are paid on time
  • Counseling support available at all times
  • Having all parties best interests in mind - The Origo Surrogacy Team want you to know that we are with you every step of the way