The Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents.
The surrogacy process typically includes consultation and planning, screening and matching, independent legal and financial arrangements, clinic-led medical care, pregnancy support, and newborn preparation. ACRC educates, coordinates, and supports the journey, while treating physicians, independent attorneys, escrow professionals, and the relevant parties retain authority in their respective roles. Timing, requirements, and decisions vary by journey.
How Screening and Matching Work
ACRC’s screening and matching process is designed to support readiness, informed decision-making, and compatibility between intended parents and gestational carriers. Screening may include information and evaluations relevant to the journey; it is intended to reduce risk and support a thoughtful match, not guarantee future behavior or outcomes. ACRC helps coordinate the process and supports communication, while qualified professionals and the relevant parties make their own independent decisions.
Personalized Approach
Expert Guidance
ACRC helps intended parents and gestational carriers consider preferences, expectations, and practical factors as they explore a potential match.
ACRC provides education, coordination, and case-management support throughout the journey while independent medical, legal, and financial professionals retain their respective roles.
Journey
Your Path to Finding a Surrogate
Finding a Surrogate can be a fulfilling journey, and our step-by-step approach ensures that you feel supported at every milestone.
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Step 1: Initial Consultation
Step 2: Join the Waitlist
Step 3: Matching Process
Begin by scheduling a consultation with ACRC. The team will explain the general surrogacy process, discuss your goals, and help you understand the next planning steps. A consultation is educational and does not replace independent medical or legal advice.
After you select a program, ACRC will explain the applicable program terms, financial arrangements, and next steps. Where an escrow arrangement is used, a designated escrow provider handles funds according to the applicable agreements. Matching timing and availability can vary.
ACRC may share potential gestational-carrier profiles and help coordinate communication when there is mutual interest. Intended parents and gestational carriers make their own decisions about whether to move forward. If a potential match proceeds, the next steps are coordinated with the appropriate independent professionals.
What Happens After I Find My Surrogate?
After matching with your Surrogate, the journey continues with crucial next steps—including medical screenings, legal agreements, and preparation for the embryo transfer process. Our team is with you and your Surrogate throughout each phase, ensuring a smooth, supportive experience on your path to parenthood.
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Step 4: Medical Screening
Step 5: Legal Contract
Step 6: Insurance Enrollment
The gestational carrier completes the medical screening process required by the treating IVF clinic. The clinic and treating physicians determine medical eligibility and medical care. Psychological evaluation may also be required as part of the process. ACRC coordinates logistics and communication but does not make medical decisions.
Before treatment begins, intended parents and the gestational carrier should have access to independent reproductive-law counsel. The attorneys advise their respective clients, negotiate and finalize any agreement, and address legal requirements under applicable law. ACRC coordinates administrative timing but does not provide legal advice or make legal decisions.
Insurance planning is addressed with the appropriate insurance professionals and according to the applicable program, policy, and legal requirements. Coverage, timing, and eligibility vary by individual circumstances.
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Step 7: Embryo Transfer (ET)
Step 8: Beta Tests and Heartbeat Confirmation
Step 9: Monitoring and Graduation
After legal clearance, the treating IVF clinic leads the embryo-transfer cycle, treatment calendar, medication instructions, and medical decisions. ACRC supports coordination and communication among the relevant parties but does not direct medical care.
Approximately 12 days after the embryo transfer, the Surrogate will undergo a beta test to assess pregnancy progress, followed by heartbeat confirmation about 10 days after the second beta test.
The Surrogate continues her prescribed medication under the IVF clinic’s supervision until she reaches 10–12 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, she “graduates” from the IVF clinic and transitions to regular prenatal care with her OB. The treating clinic determines testing, monitoring, medication, and transition-to-prenatal-care decisions based on the individual medical plan.
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Step 10: Legal Parental Rights
Step 11: Newborn Welcome Preparation
Step 12: Postpartum Support
Independent attorneys advise intended parents about legal-parentage steps and timing under applicable law. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. ACRC may help coordinate scheduling and communication but does not provide legal advice.
Before delivery, ACRC helps intended parents prepare practical questions about hospital planning, travel, communication, and support needs. Hospital procedures and legal arrangements vary, so intended parents should seek guidance from their medical team and independent legal counsel as appropriate.
After delivery, ACRC provides case-management support and helps coordinate appropriate next steps. Treating clinicians and qualified mental-health professionals provide medical or clinical care when engaged. Financial and escrow matters are handled by the designated parties under the applicable agreements.
Step 13: Bringing Baby Home & Ongoing Support
After delivery, ACRC remains available for approved case-management and transition support. Intended parents, the gestational carrier, medical providers, independent attorneys, and other relevant professionals continue to follow the arrangements and responsibilities applicable to the journey.
How ACRC Supports the Surrogacy Process
ACRC educates, coordinates, and supports intended parents and gestational carriers throughout the surrogacy process. Our role includes helping people understand the journey, facilitating communication, and supporting practical planning. Medical decisions are made by treating physicians and the relevant parties; legal advice is provided by independent attorneys; and financial or escrow arrangements are handled by the designated independent professionals. Our goal is to help each journey move forward with clear expectations, informed decision-making, and appropriate support.
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Frequently asked questions
