The surrogacy process is complex process that involves experts and professionals in both medical and legal fields. The good news is that Cherish Fertility is here to take care of all the nitty gritty details, so you don't have to. For you, the surrogate mother, your dedicated case manager will be there to streamline all the procedures so you can focus on creating a healthy and compassionate environment for the baby. The entire process usually takes about 14-18 months from the time you initiate the application to the delivery of the baby. The process can be summarized into the following 12 steps:

Step 1: Qualification
Click here to fill out the Qualification Questionnaire to see if you qualify to become a surrogate. You can also contact us by phone or email if you prefer to talk to us before filling out the questionnaire. Our admission staff will be able to answer any of your questions and qualify you directly.

Step 2: Application 
If our admission staff determines that you meet the basic qualification requirements, we will begin the full application process. At this point, one of our admission team will reach out to you. We may need to clarify additional questions with you. And also, we will set up your consultation.

Step 3: Consultation 
During the consultation phase, you will meet with one of our admission team staff. We want to get to know you and also answer any questions you may have. We want to give you a clear understanding of what to expect during you surrogate experience. We will also have a preliminary discussion of your compensation package at this point.

Step 4: Verification 
After the consultation, we will begin the verification process. We will need to collect paperwork such as medical records and documentations to verify the information you have provided in your application. At this point, you will meet your dedicated case manager, who will assist you in the collection of documents & records.

Step 5: Profile & Screening
Once we have verified the information you have provided, we will start to build your surrogate profile and prepare for match. We will assist you in the creation of your profile. At this stage, we will also begin the screening process. You will meet with a MFT (Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist) to review your medical and pregnancy records. You will also complete a psychological screening. If you are partnered, your partner will complete the psychological screening as well. All meetings can be done via phone or video calls. Your case manager will assist you in every step.

Step 6: Match with Intended Parents
This is the exciting part! Once your profile is built, we will begin matching you with intended parents. Our match process is highly selective and personalized. We want to make sure the best match for our surrogates. The choice of accepting the match of intended parents is 100% yours. You will receive the profiles of intended parents. And you choose the parents that you want to be matched with. Once you have chosen the intended parents, your case manager will facilitate a virtual meeting so you can get to know each other. After the meeting, you can confirm or deny the match. If you confirm the match, then we start the medical process to surrogacy!

Step 7: In-Clinic Medical Screening
You will travel to the IVF clinic chosen by your Intended Parents for medical screening. You and your partner’s travel expenses will be covered by us. The screening may consist of physical examination, blood work and ultrasound. A healthy surrogate is in high demand, therefore, this part of the medical process can happen as fast as two months after you start the application to become a surrogate.

Step 8: Legal Procedures
Once the screenings are competed and your medical clearance is received, we will facilitate the legal procedures. You will be represented by a legal counsel in the contract signing phase. Your legal counsel will help you understand the details of the contract and the compensation package. Your legal counsel represents you and your best interest. The cost of legal representation will be covered by the compensation package.

Step 9: Embryo Transfer
Now that the legal procedures are in place, your IVF medical team will work with you to create a calendar to prepare for embryo transfer. You will receive the necessary medications and set up monitoring appointments. On the day before the embryo transfer, you and your companion will travel to the IVF clinic. You will rest at the hotel for 1 to 2 days after the transfer. All travel expenses will be arranged and paid for by us. Approximately 10 to 12 days after the embryo transfer, you will take the first pregnancy test.

Step 10: Pregnancy
Once you are confirmed to be pregnant, your IVF doctor will continue to monitor you for another 10 to 12 weeks. At that point, you will be released to your personal obstetrician. During this time, your dedicated case manager will continue to check in on you and monitor your progress. Throughout the pregnancy, your case manager will be there for you from appointment reminders and payment requests.

Step 11: Preparing for Delivery
This step happens in concurrent to Pregnancy step. During your second trimester, the legal team will begin the "Parental Establishment" process to declare the Intended Parents as the legal parents with a pre-birth order. Once you are in your third trimester, we will create a birth plan and make arrangement with the delivery hospital and the Intended Parents.

Step 12: Delivery and Recovery
The magical moment! After the delivery, the baby(ies) will be discharged from the hospital and released to the Intended Parents. You should be so proud to be the one that made this miracle happen. You may have arranged for breast milk service with the Intended Parents. We will assist and facilitate the service as well. During the postpartum and recovery period, your case manager will continue to check in on you and support you.

If you have any questions regarding any of the above steps, or if you just want to understand the process more please contact us! We are here to answer all of your questions so you know what to expect.