Frequently Asked Questions
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Surrogacy: Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Family Inceptions?
Our agency was established in 2008 under the name of Family Acuity. Due to ownership changes, the business name was changed to Family Inceptions.
One of the few surrogacy and egg donation agencies registered with the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for oversight.
Prior to matching, all surrogate candidates are pre-screened including full psychological and a home visit.
We have a 96% success match rate on the first match.
No extra cost to receive what other agencies charge for VIP services.
Surrogate compensation, agency fees, and professional fees (with the exception of the fertility clinic) are fixed, simplifying your budgeting process and eliminating those uncomfortable conversations about money
One of the few surrogacy and egg donation agencies registered with the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for oversight.
Prior to matching, all surrogate candidates are pre-screened including full psychological and a home visit.
We have a 96% success match rate on the first match.
No extra cost to receive what other agencies charge for VIP services.
Surrogate compensation, agency fees, and professional fees (with the exception of the fertility clinic) are fixed, simplifying your budgeting process and eliminating those uncomfortable conversations about money
What should I look for in a surrogate?
Most intended parents look for a surrogate that they feel they can trust. This includes assessing her level of responsibility, perceived intelligence, personality, and health. Communication is also important, so intended parents typically look for a surrogate who is aligned with their communication style. Some intended parents have preferences for ethnicity, culture, and religion as well.
In some circumstances, a surrogate may be willing and able to carry multiples. For many intended parents, her willingness to carry multiples is a deciding factor. Other deciding factors can be considerations such as whether the surrogate is willing to terminate pregnancy under certain circumstances, reduce the number of fetuses, and other sensitive value-based issues. We work closely with both parties to address these concerns and make sure they are included in the contract.
In some circumstances, a surrogate may be willing and able to carry multiples. For many intended parents, her willingness to carry multiples is a deciding factor. Other deciding factors can be considerations such as whether the surrogate is willing to terminate pregnancy under certain circumstances, reduce the number of fetuses, and other sensitive value-based issues. We work closely with both parties to address these concerns and make sure they are included in the contract.
How do I find a surrogate?
Without hesitation, we believe that the best way to find a surrogate is with the assistance of a professional, ethical agency. There are other ways, of course, but they carry risks. Remember that people can be anyone that they think you want them to be online. Protect your emotional and financial investment by working with professional agencies who keep your interests at heart.
What are the requirements to become a surrogate?
We have a rigorous screening process that all surrogates complete to become a part of our Surro Sister Society. Click here to review our process.
How do I know if my state allows surrogacy?
Surrogacy laws vary state by state. Click here to find out more about US surrogacy law.
Will the baby be related to our surrogate?
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother has no biological connection with the baby. Your surrogate is a long-term babysitter for your little one. She’s keeping your baby safe while you excitedly wait to hold them in your arms.
Do I have to stay in contact with my surrogate?
The type of relationship you choose to have with your surrogate is totally your decision. That’s where our matching process comes in. We want a partnership with mutual agreement on relationship boundaries, expectations, and values. The type of relationship you choose to have with your surrogate is totally your decision. That’s where our matching process comes in. We want a partnership with mutual agreement on relationship boundaries, expectations, and values.
How do we get started and how long does it take?
Surrogacy timelines can vary, according to matching and appointment schedules. After you book your initial consultation, we get to work right away to find your match. Ready? Click here to get started.
What kind of pre-screening do you complete for a surrogate?
Prior to matching the surrogate mothers, we require all candidates to complete a comprehensive application, followed by an in-depth interview. Potential candidates are required to have updated pap smears as well as physicals. In addition, we complete a full psychological evaluation with her spouse/partner as well as a home visit.
Can I use the surrogate’s medical insurance for IVF?
No. The surrogate’s own personal insurance cannot be utilized for the IVF care. It is common for insurance providers to restrict fertility coverage. It is important you are aware of the insurance status before beginning your surrogacy journey with your surrogate.
Can I use the surrogate’s medical insurance for the pregnancy?
If your surrogate has her own personal medical insurance coverage, without surrogacy exclusions, it is possible to use her insurance for the pregnancy care only. It would be the intended parent’s responsibility to cover any copays, deductibles or out of pocket medical expenses. Included in our full-service program, is providing insurance policy review to verify your surrogate’s insurance status.
How do I know if my state allows surrogacy?
Surrogacy laws vary state by state. Click here to find out more about US surrogacy law.
How are surrogate’s funds handled and disbursed?
We ensure that any and all surrogate funds are held in an escrow account that is managed through an escrow agent that is licensed, bonded and insured. We do not receive any kickbacks, referral fees or own any part of other professional companies we refer clients to.
Egg Donation: Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of egg donations are there?
It’s important to understand the various types of egg donation so that you can find an egg donor who is on the same page with you. There are 3 types of egg donation:
Anonymous – No identifying information is provided to either party.
Semi-Anonymous – Typically only a limited amount of information is shared. You can speak to each other on the phone or via Skype, but no identifying information is shared. All parties must agree to this type of communication.
Open Donation – Each party has met each other personally, and there is an open contact. All parties must agree to this type of communication.
Anonymous – No identifying information is provided to either party.
Semi-Anonymous – Typically only a limited amount of information is shared. You can speak to each other on the phone or via Skype, but no identifying information is shared. All parties must agree to this type of communication.
Open Donation – Each party has met each other personally, and there is an open contact. All parties must agree to this type of communication.
Can we choose the ethnicity of our donor?
Yes. You will have access to the complete donor profile prior to choosing your donor.
Will anyone know that we used a donor egg?
The privacy and protection of our intended parents and donors are of the utmost importance at Family Inceptions. We never share private details.
Can I speak with, meet, or stay in touch with my donor?
Each donor relationship is different. You and your donor can choose from an Anonymous donation, where no identifying information is shared with each other, to an Open donation, with fully transparent and open communication between the intended parents and donor, to something in-between with some communication and contact. Ultimately, the privacy and protection of our intended parents and donors is of the utmost importance at Family Inceptions. We will never share private details without your permission.
What kind of screening process do egg donors go through?
All potential egg donors undergo a complete medical, physiological, and psychological screening with your chosen fertility clinic.
How long is the process?
Once a match is made, the egg donation process can take up to 90 – 120 days. Prior to the actual egg retrieval, the donor will undergo medical, physiological, and psychological screening as required by your IVF clinic and begin her medical protocol to prepare for retrieval.
What if the donor is in a different state?
Your egg donor does not have to be local, and can absolutely be from a different state. She will travel to your local IVF clinic when necessary, and your physician will perform all medical procedures, including the egg retrieval.
How much does egg donation cost?
The cost of egg donation depends on a variety of factors including donor compensation, management fees, legal fees, IVF and fertility clinic fees, travel, and other expenses. We would be happy to send you a detailed cost breakdown of fees and expenses for using a donor egg based on your unique circumstances and needs.
Why is there a difference for the donor compensation?
Egg donors are compensated based on a variety of factors, including experience. Compensation for first-time egg donors starts at $8,000. Second and third time egg donors with a proven track-record of success will have higher compensation rates. Additionally, donors who are of a rare ethnicity or who possess highly sought-after character traits may have higher levels of compensation.
Why should I choose Family Inceptions as my egg donation agency?
Our agency was established in 2008.
One of the few surrogacy and egg donation agencies registered with the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for oversight.
No charge to review our full egg donor database before a commitment
Complete transparency with no hidden or extra charges
One of the few surrogacy and egg donation agencies registered with the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for oversight.
No charge to review our full egg donor database before a commitment
Complete transparency with no hidden or extra charges
How do intended parents choose an egg donor?
Most people start by looking for a donor with similar height, weight, hair color, eye color, and ethnic background characteristics as themselves. You will be given free access to our database so that you can browse our donors. There are no right or wrong ways to select your donor. Don’t feel constrained by physical or educational barriers. Sometimes you’ll connect with a profile that looks nothing like you expected. And that’s OK.
What if I don’t see a donor that appeals to me?
Our database is constantly being updated, and we have relationships with other agencies throughout the U.S. So if you do not find the right fit for your family, we can do a personalized search for you.
Ready To Get Started On Your Journey?
We’re so excited you’re considering joining us on this journey to help create families. Contact us today to discover how our dedicated support can help bring your dream to life as you welcome a baby into your home.