How Long Does Surrogacy Take? Average Process Timeline

Eran Amir

CEO and Founder of GoStork

In recent years, surrogacy has become a viable option for many intended parents facing fertility challenges. Whether you’re embarking on this journey as a straight couple, a single parent, or a same-sex couple, understanding the surrogacy process’s timeline is essential. As an expert at GoStork, the platform designed to simplify your family-building process, I’m here to enlighten you.

Surrogacy involves multiple steps, each with varying lengths. On average, the journey spans 15 to 24 months from start to finish. Factors like matching, legal work, and medical procedures all play roles in deciding the timeline, as do whether you choose domestic or international surrogacy, or a guided agency vs. independent route.

Research & Initial Consultations (1–2 months)

Starting the Journey

Every intended parent’s journey begins with discovery. The discovery phase is crucial, involving gathering information and consulting with agencies like GoStork, which simplifies searching for fertility clinics, surrogacy agencies, and egg donation services—all in one hub.

Anecdote: I recall speaking to a couple overwhelmed by online misinformation. They found relief using GoStork’s platform, filtering to find clinics and agencies tailored to their unique needs. It consolidated their research, saving priceless time and energy.

This stage typically lasts one to two months. It includes understanding the types of surrogacy (traditional vs. gestational) and often involves meeting with potential clinics or legal advisors to lay groundwork.

Surrogate Matching (1–6 months)

Finding Your Perfect Match

Next comes the task of matching with a surrogate. This phase’s duration depends largely on agency availability, the surrogate’s preferences, and legal eligibility.

Finding the right surrogate mother is a vital and often time-consuming step (averaging one to six months) but undeniably worth the effort for the right fit. Factors such as location, cultural compatibility, and previous surrogacy experience can all play a part in finding the right match.

Medical & Psychological Screening (1–2 months)

Ensuring a Healthy Path

An approved match moves forward with comprehensive screenings. This includes medical evaluations for fertility health and psychological assessments to ensure the surrogate is ready for the emotional journey.

This phase usually spans one to two months. It’s key for establishing trust and comfort, ensuring that both surrogate and intended parents are ready for the journey ahead.

Legal Contract Phase (1–2 months)

Legal agreements are a backbone of surrogacy, safeguarding all parties involved. This involves drafting and finalizing contracts outlining duties, compensation, medical decisions, and parental rights.

The legal landscape varies by region and situation, and this phase typically spans one to two months. Working with experienced attorneys familiar with surrogacy law is crucial to ensure a clear understanding and mutual agreement.

Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy (9–12 months)

The Heart of the Journey

The next exciting phase centers around medical science and the miracle of life. Following legal and medical clearance, fertility treatments and IVF embryo transfers begin.

The timeline here can vary based on successful embryo transfers, each attempt potentially requiring recovery time. Once a pregnancy is achieved, the next nine months resemble a typical pregnancy, culminating in delivery—a moment intended parents have awaited.

Post-Birth Legal & Citizenship Steps (1–2 months)

Finalizing Parenthood

With the arrival of your child comes post-birth processes. This varies by jurisdiction but usually involves establishing parental rights, obtaining birth certificates, and arranging for international travel if needed.

The finalization of parental rights, especially in international surrogacy, can add an additional one to two months to the process as parents secure citizenship and travel documents, allowing the family to safely return home with their new member.

Factors That Can Delay or Accelerate the Process

Several variables can impact the timeline positively or negatively:

  • Surrogate Availability and Compatibility: Finding and matching with the right surrogate can add time if specific preferences are difficult to meet.
  • Embryo Preparation: Readiness of embryos or completion of fertility treatments on the intended parent’s side can expedite or delay the journey.
  • Legal Complexities: Variability in surrogacy laws between states and countries may create hurdles, and working with knowledgeable legal counsel is essential.
  • Medical Challenges: Unforeseen medical setbacks, requiring extra procedures, can extend timelines.
  • Agency Effectiveness: Experienced agencies can streamline processes, offering guidance that saves time and cuts unnecessary delays.

How GoStork Can Help

Navigating the surrogacy journey needn’t be a solitary endeavor. GoStork provides a user-friendly platform guiding you through each phase. By consolidating resources and simplifying the comparison and consultation process, GoStork empowers intended parents with tools to make informed and timely decisions.

Leveraging GoStork’s comprehensive database and personalized support, your pathway to parenthood can be seamless and successful, irrespective of the unique factors influencing your timeline.

Conclusion

Embarking on a surrogacy journey requires commitment, patience, and reliable information. Understanding the timeline—from initial research and surrogate matching to final parenthood—is pivotal. As your ally in this life-changing journey, GoStork stands ready to provide insights, support, and solutions tailored to your family-building goals. Through patience, careful planning, and leveraging trusted resources like GoStork, turning your parenthood dream into reality is just months away. Welcome to the family, made just for you.