Surrogate Journey Guide
Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing decision and an incredible gift. At American Beginnings Consortium, we want your journey to feel supported, transparent, and meaningful from the very first step. Below is a guide that combines both heart and detail, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Complete the Assessment Form (Mandatory)
Your journey begins on our website by completing the assessment form. This helps us learn more about you, your health, your history, and your goals as a surrogate.
Step 2: Welcome Email & Initial Review (Mandatory)
Once your assessment is submitted, you’ll receive a welcome email with next steps. Our team will review your submission and schedule a follow-up visit to get to know you better and answer any early questions.
Step 3: Agreements & Compensation Estimate
Before moving forward, you’ll review and sign the required agreements, including the estimated compensation package. This ensures clarity and transparency from the start.
Step 4: Surrogate Profile Creation & Matching Preparation
After agreements are signed, your case manager will create your Surrogate Profile and begin preparing for the matching process. At this stage, you’ll also need to gather required documents:
Prenatal OB and hospital delivery records from prior pregnancies
An OB Clearance Letter confirming your current health is suitable for surrogacy
A recent Pap Smear report
Step 5: Matching with Intended Parents
Your profile will be shared with intended parents. If there’s mutual interest, you’ll participate in an interview to see if it’s the right fit.
Tip: Think about the type of relationship you want with intended parents—whether close and ongoing, or more professional. Your preferences matter, and we’ll honor them.
Step 6: Medical Records & Clinic Review
Once a match is confirmed, your medical records are submitted to the fertility clinic for physician review. Applicants with significant complications in previous pregnancies may not qualify to become a surrogate.
Step 7: Medical Screenings
If approved, the fertility clinic will schedule your medical screening, which may include:
Blood and urine testing
Infectious disease panel
Prenatal lab panel
Urine drug screening
Uterine cavity evaluation (Saline Infused Sonogram and/or Hysteroscopy)
The physician will review all results and issue medical clearance if there are no concerns.
Step 8: Psychological & Background Evaluations
You’ll complete a psychological evaluation and a background check to ensure readiness, safety, and peace of mind for everyone involved.
Tip: Be open and honest during screenings. Our goal is not perfection, but preparation.
Step 9: Legal Agreements & Clearance
Both parties will review and sign contracts with their attorneys. You’ll have your own independent counsel for guidance. Once finalized, the fertility clinic issues legal clearance.
Step 10: Medical Preparations & Embryo Transfer
With clearance in place, you’ll begin fertility medications and monitoring appointments to prepare your body for embryo transfer. Once your body is ready, the transfer occurs.
Step 11: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care
After a positive pregnancy test, you’ll continue care with the fertility clinic until around the 10th week. At that point, your care transitions to your local OB/GYN for the rest of the pregnancy. Throughout, you’ll receive continued support from our team.
Step 12: Birth & Beyond
Delivery is the joyful culmination of your journey—bringing new life and creating a family. Our team remains by your side for postpartum care and continued support.
Tip: Many surrogates feel a mix of emotions after delivery—it’s completely natural. Take time for self-care and lean on our support team as you transition.
Step 13: Ongoing Support & Community
Your connection with American Beginnings Consortium doesn’t end after delivery. You’ll always remain a valued member of our family, with access to resources, community, and ongoing support whenever you need them.
Final Note
Every surrogate’s journey is unique, but no one walks it alone. From assessment to birth and beyond, we are committed to guiding, protecting, and celebrating you at every stage.