How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take From Start to Finish
Introduction
One of the first questions intended parents ask is how long does the surrogacy process take. The answer depends on several factors, including location, medical readiness, and the type of surrogacy chosen.
Understanding the timeline helps families plan emotionally, legally, and financially. This article explains how does surrogacy work, breaks down the surrogacy process step by step, and shows how long each phase typically takes, with examples from states like California, Georgia, and Illinois.
The Short Answer
For most intended parents, the full surrogacy journey takes 15 to 24 months from the first consultation to bringing a baby home.
Some journeys move faster, while others take longer due to matching timelines, medical preparation, or insurance review. Knowing what happens at each stage helps set realistic expectations.
Types of Surrogacy and Why Timing Differs
Before looking at timelines, it helps to understand the types of surrogacy, because timing varies by approach.
The two main types are:
• Traditional surrogacy
• Gestational surrogacy
When people ask what is traditional surrogacy, they are referring to an arrangement where the surrogate uses her own egg. Traditional surrogacy is less common today and often involves more legal complexity, which can slow the process.
Most modern journeys use gestational surrogacy. When comparing traditional vs gestational surrogacy, gestational arrangements move more smoothly because legal and medical steps are clearer.
Step 1: Choosing a Program and Initial Planning
The first phase involves learning what is the process for surrogacy and selecting professionals.
This stage usually includes:
• Researching surrogacy programs
• Initial consultations
• Financial planning
• Understanding state laws
In surrogacy friendly states like California, California surrogacy laws provide a clear legal framework, which often shortens early planning.
Estimated time: 1 to 3 months
Step 2: Matching With a Surrogate
Once planning begins, intended parents move into matching.
Matching involves:
• Reviewing surrogate profiles
• Medical and psychological screening
• Confirming expectations and communication style
Matching timelines vary widely. Some families match quickly, while others take more time to find the right fit.
Estimated time: 2 to 6 months
Step 3: Legal Contracts
After a match is confirmed, legal contracts are drafted and reviewed.
This stage covers:
• Surrogacy agreements
• Compensation and expense terms
• Medical decision guidelines
• Parentage intentions
States with clear laws, such as California and Illinois, often complete this stage faster. Surrogacy in Georgia may require more careful legal coordination due to less detailed statutes.
Estimated time: 1 to 2 months
Step 4: Medical Preparation and IVF
This phase answers questions like how does a surrogate mother get pregnant and how is surrogacy performed.
For gestational arrangements, pregnancy happens through IVF.
The gestational surrogacy procedure includes:
• Cycle synchronization
• Hormone preparation
• Embryo transfer
This is also known as the IVF surrogacy process or IVF surrogacy procedure. If embryos are already created, this stage moves faster.
Estimated time: 1 to 3 months
Step 5: Pregnancy
Once the embryo transfer is successful, the pregnancy itself follows a normal timeline.
Pregnancy includes:
• Regular prenatal care
• Ongoing communication
• Milestone updates
This is the longest part of the journey.
Estimated time: 9 months
Step 6: Birth and Parentage
The final stage involves delivery and legal steps after birth.
This includes:
• Hospital coordination
• Parentage orders or recognition
• Transition home
States like California often allow pre birth parentage orders, which simplifies this stage.
Estimated time: 1 to 2 months
Insurance and Timing
Insurance review can affect timelines more than families expect.
Many people ask:
• does insurance cover surrogacy
• is surrogacy covered by insurance
Insurance approval can take weeks or months, depending on the policy and state. Early review helps avoid delays, especially in states without strong surrogacy statutes.
How Location Affects the Timeline
Location plays a major role in how long the surrogacy process takes.
• California offers predictable timelines due to clear laws
• Surrogacy in Illinois is also well structured
• Surrogacy in Georgia may take longer due to legal variability
Choosing a surrogacy friendly state often reduces delays.
Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents
From the intended parents’ perspective, the journey involves patience and planning.
The surrogacy process for intended parents includes:
• Decision making and education
• Coordination with legal and medical teams
• Emotional preparation
• Financial planning
Understanding each phase helps reduce stress during waiting periods.
Why Timelines Can Change
Even with careful planning, timelines can shift due to:
• Medical readiness
• Unsuccessful embryo transfers
• Insurance complications
• Scheduling conflicts
Flexibility is an important part of the journey.
FAQ
How long does the surrogacy process take on average
Most journeys take between 15 and 24 months from start to finish.
Does gestational surrogacy take longer than traditional surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy often moves more smoothly because legal and medical steps are clearer.
Does location affect how long surrogacy takes
Yes. States with supportive surrogacy laws often have shorter and more predictable timelines.
Conclusion
So, how long does the surrogacy process take? While the average journey lasts around two years, understanding each step makes the wait more manageable.
By learning how does surrogacy work, choosing the right professionals, and preparing for each phase, intended parents can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Surrogacy is not fast, but with the right preparation, it can be steady, structured, and deeply rewarding.