“I wanted the thank you for the adorable silver bear to add to my charm braclet. It was very thoughtful of you. It being your job or not, you all do a distinguished part in making your surrogates happy. I cannot say enough good things about GG and all you do.”
Tina, Surrogate, Delivered Twins 6/25/04
“There are so many things I am thankful for when it comes to Growing Generations and the staff. I don’t think I could name them all. In a “nutshell”, thank you for taking such wonderful care of me and my guys.”
Jessica, Surrogate, Delivered 8/14/02
“Growing Generations was by our side throughout the process of becoming parents - on the good - as well as the bad days. Now, we're blessed with the two most beautiful girls in the world. Thank you GG for helping make our dreams come true. ”
Eric and Doug, San Franciso, Parents to Twin Daughters born 11/7/03
“Don and I want all of you to know that we will be forever grateful to Growing Generations for helping to make our dream come true. We appreciate the professionalism and care that everyone has shown us through this journey. Sometimes, it doesn’t seem real. Words cannot express how much we love our little babies.”
David and Don, Parents, Arkansas, Daughter Alena and Son Aiden born 7/7/00
“Thank you for this incredible opportunity you've given me! Being a surrogate has been one of the most fulfilling things in my life and I cannot imagine doing any of this without you. Your support has been incredible and it means the world to me. I could never thank you enough! ”
Christina S., Surrogate, Delivered Singleton 12/18/02, Delivered Twins 12/2004
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I work with Growing Generations and Fertility Futures?
- How do I become matched with intended parents?
- Will I have a surrogacy contract and an attorney to represent me?
How is the legal process at and after birth handled? - What is the medical process involved with being a surrogate?
- Will I have to travel to be a surrogate?
- Once I am pregnant, where will I receive medical care and deliver the baby?
- Are there any specific qualifications that I should have to be a surrogate in your programs?
Why should I work with Growing Generations and Fertility Futures?
We are committed to your success as a surrogate! Our company is one of the oldest and largest professional surrogacy agencies in the world. We have assisted over 300 women and their families accomplish the miracles of giving birth as a surrogate. And, almost 50% of our surrogates return with us for a second or third surrogacy—a testament to our passion and professionalism.
Our staff of 15 team members is committed to providing you with personal, compassionate support throughout your process. Many of our team members have personal experiences in the surrogate and egg donation and the owners of our company have created their own families through the assistance of surrogates, egg donors, and sperm donors. We have a reputation with leading experts in the medical, legal, and psychological professionals as having revolutionized the surrogacy industry with the quality and care that we provide.
How do I become matched with intended parents?
As soon as your are complete with your screening process, we’ll present you with a profile of potential intended parents for you to review that is based on the preferences you have shared with us. We have no waiting period to match you with intended parents. As soon as you are ready to go, you’ll be matched and moving forward with your own intended parents. We are committed to ensuring that your match with intended parents feels like “magic”.
Once you have selected your intended parents, we’ll set up a match meeting in our office to finalize the process. The choice to work together is mutual and the in person match meeting will be guided by our expert team to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. After the meeting, you’ll spend some private time with your potential intended parents and then let us know if you feel comfortable moving forward.
Will I have a surrogacy contract and an attorney to represent me?
How is the legal process at and after birth handled?
You will have your own personal attorney that represents you through the surrogacy contract phase. The contract outlines all of the rights and responsibilities of the parties and is designed as a blueprint for how your surrogacy process will work including the compensation and benefits package. Your attorney will personally discuss the aspects of the contract with you.
We work in several different states to the process in which your parental rights are terminated and the intended parents are named the legal parents of the child vary. Sometimes this occurs prior to the delivery of the child and other times immediately after delivery. Our staff will walk you through the legal process prior to your acceptance of a match with a potential intended parent.
What is the medical process involved with being a surrogate?
The first step in the medical process is your screening with the physician. On this day, they’ll do blood tests on your and your partner if you are in a relationship. You’ll then undergo an ultrasound and consultation with the doctor who will explain the process.
Once you have been cleared medically and matched with an intended parent, you’ll then move forward with the medical process. You will receive specific instructions about your medications from an expert fertility specialist. As a gestational surrogate you’ll be the recipient of embryos created by the intended parents with the method of in vitro fertilization and fertility treatments. The medications will cause your cycle to be synchronized with the ovum donor's or intended mother’s menstrual cycle and to help your uterine lining thicken in order to accept the transferred embryos. After the embryos have been transferred, you’ll be on bed rest for 24-36 hours and then you’ll go home.
Determination of pregnancy typically occurs 10 days after the transfer through a blood test. Once you are pregnant you will also continue with injectable medications to ensure that the pregnancy will grow healthy and strong into the early weeks of conception. Once the pregnancy is stable near the end of the first trimester, the medications can cease and typical pregnancy care is then administered by your OB.
Will I have to travel to be a surrogate?
Yes! Travel can be one of the most exciting adventures during the surrogacy process and all of your expenses are covered. We make all of your travel arrangements for you to make it easy and enjoyable. This includes air fare, car service, and reservations at wonderful hotels.
Your first trip is to Los Angeles to meet with the staff of the agency and conduct your required psychological and medical screenings. Then, you’ll come back several weeks later to meet your intended parents. This trip will also be for you and your partner if you are in a relationship.
After that, you’ll travel to the medical facility that will be conducting the embryo transfer. The time away from home during the embryo transfer attempts will be approximately 2 - 4 days. Please note that you will be compensated for lost wages and childcare during your transfer and match meeting.
Once I am pregnant, where will I receive medical care and deliver the baby?
You will deliver the baby and receive your customary maternity care in your own community. The medical care must be covered by the specialized surrogate maternity delivery insurance plan that will be used during your surrogacy pregnancy. We’ll work with you to support your OB and hospital with any information and education they need regarding the surrogacy process. We deal directly with the social workers and labor and delivery team at the hospital to help ensure a smooth and respectful process for both you and your intended parents.
Are there any specific qualifications that I should have to be a surrogate in your programs?
You must have given birth to at least one child of your own.
Have not had any prior pregnancy complications.
Be financially stable and not receiving any government assistance.
Have reliable transportation and be able to travel to Los Angeles or other locations (at agency/intended parent expense) for screening, matching, and medical procedures.
You must live in certain states in the U.S. and be a citizen or permanent resident.
Be between the ages of 23-36 years of age.
Be a non-smoker for at least six months and not exposed to extensive second hand smoke in your home or workplace.
Have an appropriate height and weight to pass medical screening guidelines. Your Body Mass Index will need to be under the calculation of 35. (click here for a BMI calculator).
You must be willing to undergo abortion at the request of the parents if the pregnancy involves genetic complications. Due to the potential of complicated multiple pregnancies you must be willing to carry at least twins and also be willing to undergo a fetal reduction in the event of more than twins being conceived. This is to lower the medical risks to you as the surrogate and to the babies.