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Surrogates

The surrogacy process for surrogates

Becoming a surrogate with Royal takes eight steps: application, consultation, pre-screening, matching, medical clearance, legal clearance, embryo transfer and pregnancy. From application to the start of your transfer cycle can be as short as 9 weeks.

Updated

Pregnant woman at home
StepWhat happensTime
1. ApplicationOne online form20 minutes
2. ConsultationVideo call with a Royal advisorWithin 24–48 hours
3. Pre-screeningRecords, psych evaluation, background, insurance2–4 weeks
4. MatchingMeet intended parentsAbout 2 weeks
5. Medical clearanceScreening at the IVF clinic4–6 weeks
6. Legal clearanceContracts with your own attorney2–4 weeks
7. Embryo transferMedication, monitoring, transfer5–8 weeks
8. PregnancyTest, ultrasound, OB care40 weeks

1. Application (20 minutes)

Complete one application so we can get to know you. Apply now.

2. Consultation (24–48 hours)

If you qualify, a team member contacts you within 24–48 hours to schedule a video consultation about matching and your questions.

3. Pre-screening (2–4 weeks)

  • Medical record review of your OB/GYN and delivery history
  • Psychological evaluation of readiness and support system
  • Background check
  • Insurance verification, with a possible bonus if your plan covers surrogacy

You also sign the agency contract and compensation agreement.

4. Matching with intended parents (about 2 weeks)

You have the full right to accept or decline any match. Timing depends on both sides’ criteria.

5. Medical clearance (4–6 weeks)

You visit the intended parents’ IVF clinic for medical screening. We handle the logistics.

Both parties review and sign the surrogacy agreement. You have your own attorney, paid for by the intended parents.

7. Embryo transfer (5–8 weeks)

You start medication and monitoring appointments. The clinic sets the transfer date when your body is ready.

8. Pregnancy (40 weeks)

A pregnancy test follows about 2 weeks after transfer. The first ultrasound confirming a heartbeat happens 6–10 weeks in, after which you are released to your own OB for the rest of the pregnancy.

Sources

  1. ASRM Practice Committee: Recommendations for practices using gestational carriers (2022)
  2. California Family Code § 7962 (gestational carrier agreements and parentage judgments)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a surrogate?

From application to the start of the transfer cycle can take as little as 9 weeks. Including pregnancy, most journeys last about a year to a year and a half.

Can I turn down a match?

Yes. You have the full right to accept or decline any match based on your preferences.

Do I have to travel?

You visit the intended parents' IVF clinic for medical screening and the embryo transfer. Royal arranges and pays for travel for you and a companion.