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We know that choosing to become a surrogate is a big decision—and with it often comes a lot of important questions. To help you feel more confident, informed, and supported, we’ve put together this set of FAQs to address the most common questions we receive from women considering this incredible journey.
From how to get started, to compensation details, to medical, legal and emotional considerations—everything here is designed to give you honest, clear answers in one place.
If you don’t see your specific question or need more personalized guidance, please feel free to contact us at 888-328-8883 or info@givingtreesurrogacy.com. Our surrogate consultant will get back to you to answer your questions.
Surrogate FAQs
At Giving Tree, we take great care in screening both our surrogates and Intended Parents to ensure a strong foundation for the journey. In the rare event that the Intended Parents separate or divorce, any custody decisions will be handled solely by them. You can feel completely at ease knowing that you will never be asked to take on responsibility for the baby. Your role is honored and protected, every step of the way.
We strongly encourage all surrogates to have the full support of their partner throughout the journey. If you’re not married, it’s still important to have someone close to you—a trusted friend or family member—who can be there to support and share the experience with you. Having that emotional support can make a big difference along the way.
Throughout the process, Intended Parents may reach out by phone, text, email, or other ways to check in on how things are going—like asking about appointments, ultrasounds, or just seeing how you’re feeling. We encourage open communication and connection whenever possible, but it’s never required.
Most relationships grow naturally over time, and how often you stay in touch really depends on what feels right and comfortable for everyone involved.
Throughout the journey, you may receive updates by phone, email, or WeChat about your clinic visits and ultrasounds. We encourage intended parents to stay in touch along the way, but how often you connect is totally up to everyone’s comfort. After the baby is born, many surrogates and families choose to stay in contact and continue the bond—but again, that’s completely personal and develops naturally over time.
If a loss or miscarriage occurs, it can be an emotional and difficult time. Please know that you won’t face it alone. The Intended Parents will still take responsibility for all related matters, and our team will be here to support you with care, compassion, and the resources you need to heal—physically and emotionally. Your well-being will always remain our priority.
Surrogate Requirements FAQs
Yes! We accept women who have had C-sections. Some clinics have a maximum number of c-sections for surrogates, so you can discuss with our team.
Yes! Having your tubes tied is absolutely okay for surrogacy and is very common among surrogates. Since surrogates become pregnant through IVF (not naturally), the embryos are placed directly into the uterus and the fallopian tubes aren’t used at all. What matters is that your uterus is healthy and able to carry a pregnancy.
In some cases, yes. A past history of depression or anxiety does not automatically disqualify someone from becoming a surrogate. Each situation is reviewed individually, taking into account the diagnosis, how long ago symptoms occurred, whether treatment was needed, and whether the candidate has been stable without symptoms.However, IVF clinics and ASRM guidelines generally require that surrogates are emotionally stable and not currently managing certain mental health conditions or taking medications that could impact pregnancy or postpartum wellbeing. Some diagnoses and medication use may be disqualifying for standard programs.
If you have a history of depression or anxiety, our team will review your information carefully and compassionately and talk through what options may be available, including alternative programs when appropriate. Your health and wellbeing always come first.
Most IVF clinics will approve candidates who have had up to 5 total prior pregnancies and no more than 2 C-sections. The exact limits can vary slightly by clinic, but these guidelines are in place to prioritize your safety and health. Your consultant will always review your full pregnancy history to confirm eligibility.
While the actual pregnancy part of the surrogacy journey may be very similar to your own pregnancies, the road to get there will be different. Health and medical requirements are put in place to help ensure you will respond appropriately to the IVF medications, and emotional and psychological requirements are in place to ensure you are ready for all that a surrogacy journey entails.
If you do not meet the age or BMI requirements, you can potentially still help a family with our M.A.P.L.E. program. See if our M.A.P.L.E. program is a fit for you.
Surrogacy Process FAQs
Most surrogates complete pre-screening within 4–6 weeks, depending on scheduling and clinic availability.
Yes. Medical screening is typically conducted at the intended parents’ fertility clinic. All travel costs are covered.
If results indicate surrogacy may not be safe for you, we’ll explain the findings, answer your questions, and—when possible—recommend next steps.
It helps you feel emotionally prepared for surrogacy, with the right support to navigate challenges along the way.
Surrogacy Compensation & Benefits FAQs
At Giving Tree Surrogacy, we offer one of the most generous and thoughtful compensation packages in the field, with base compensation typically ranging from $50,000 to $90,000—and total packages reaching up to $115,000 for experienced surrogates.
We understand that every surrogate’s journey is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to building your benefits package. From your location and level of experience to special milestones throughout your journey, we tailor your compensation to reflect the full value of your time, care, and commitment.
You’ll also have access to generous bonuses, including our referral rewards, because we believe your impact should be honored in every possible way.
Your monthly base compensation typically begins once the baby’s heartbeat is confirmed, usually around weeks 6 to 8 of pregnancy. In addition to your base compensation, you’ll receive bonuses and allowances that may begin even before pregnancy—such as payments for medical screening, medication start, and embryo transfer.
If you're carrying twins or more, an additional payment—called a multiples fee—is provided around week 20. All of these details will be reviewed with you during the screening process, so you’ll know exactly what to expect at every stage.
The intended parents will provide health insurance to cover most medical expenses related to your pregnancy and delivery. If there are any unexpected or additional costs, they will take care of those as well. All IVF procedures, medical appointments, copayments, and deductibles connected to your surrogacy journey will also be fully covered by the Intended Parents.
You don’t need to have surrogacy coverage in your insurance to apply. Our team will review your current plan and guide you through your options. If it doesn’t cover the journey, we’ll work with the intended parents to arrange any additional coverage needed—so you can still move forward and help make a family’s dream of parenthood come true.
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