Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction where a woman agrees to become pregnant and deliver a child(ren) for Intended Parents.

There are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. In a traditional surrogacy, the surrogate contributes her own egg and is therefore genetically related to the child. In a gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic relationship to the child. The Intended Parents provide either their own genetic material or utilize donor material. Family Choice Surrogacy only services gestational surrogates.

Surrogacy differs vastly from adoption. First and foremost, surrogacy involves medical procedures intended to result in a pregnancy in addition to legal processes, whereas adoption is solely a legal process. Next, adoption relates to children that have already been born, whereas surrogacy involves the gestation of an embryo that then develops into a fetus, followed by a delivery.  Furthermore, Intended Parents oftentimes use their own genetic material (or combine their genetic material with that of a donor) in surrogacy, whereas adoptive parents adopt a child that is not their genetic offspring. Finally, the legal processes are fundamentally different, and adoption elements such as home studies are often appropriately absent from surrogacy.

An agency offers countless benefits for those pursuing surrogacy. FCS will expertly guide the parties through what can oftentimes be a complex and emotional process. We will coordinate the medical, legal, and financial aspects of this journey; working with fertility clinics, escrow companies, and attorneys to make everything flow as smoothly as possible for the parties. Our agency employs an extensive vetting process to ensure Intended Parents are paired with the most qualified Surrogates. Our surrogate candidates have been medically and psychologically cleared, have undergone a criminal background check, and have met our specific criteria. Furthermore, FCS provides education and support every step of the way with our combined fifteen years of experience and expertise in this field, both on a personal and professional level.

Absolutely! FCS welcomes the opportunity to work with LGBT Intended Parents and considers it a special privilege to assist LGBTQ+ Intended Parents achieve their family-building dreams. FCS leadership has extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ Intended Parents and understands the unique hardships they encounter. FCS is well equipped and feels passionate about helping LGBTQ+ Intended Parents navigate their way through the surrogacy journey.

Certainly! FCS loves working with Intended Parents from outside the United States. Having worked with clients from over 20 different countries, FCS leadership has vast experience and expertise in this area. FCS is very comfortable working with international Intended Parents. 

Through its expertise and experience, FCS has created a methodical, thorough matching method that only pairs the most compatible Intended Parents and Surrogates. The matching phase involves the completion of questionnaires, interviews, background checks, medical examinations, and psychological evaluations. FCS then provides qualified surrogate profiles to Intended Parents, and if the parties believe they are an ideal fit, FCS will arrange a meeting in person, via telephone, or via Skype.  FCS puts forth the utmost time and effort to get to know both parties, and ensure that the Intended Parents and the Surrogate are a great fit.

The answer to this question varies on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, the matching process may take up to several months. Once Intended Parents have been matched with a Surrogate, it can oftentimes take a year and a half to two years to complete the journey.

Creating a budget for surrogacy is very difficult as there are so many different factors to consider, and every situation is unique.  Costs are dependent on surrogate compensation, health insurance, lost wages, travel,  and potential complications. However, we know that having a budget or an accurate estimate of costs is important to financially plan your surrogacy journey.  We created the Family Choice Surrogacy Expense Calculator to help you get a better idea of what you can expect.

We can’t wait to help you embark on this exciting journey, and would love to provide you with more information! You can start by submitting the contact form and signing up for a free consultation to discuss the surrogacy process, our agency, and answer any questions you may have.