Surrogacy questions, answered

A gestational carrier — sometimes called a gestational surrogate — is a woman who carries and delivers a baby for the intended parents. The embryo is created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donor’s genetic material, so the carrier is not biologically related to the child she carries.

A reputable agency coordinates matching, screening, escrow, insurance review, and the ongoing relationship between intended parents and carriers. Working with an agency dramatically reduces legal and emotional risk, and frees both sides to focus on a healthy pregnancy and a thoughtful path to baby.

Since 2007. Founder Tess Hine started the agency after completing her own first surrogacy pregnancy, and we have been quietly matching families ever since.

We are intentionally boutique. Tess is a two-time gestational surrogate, and we limit how many families we work with each year so every client gets direct access, hands-on guidance, and 24/7 support — without the overhead and detachment of a big-box agency.

Yes — proudly. We have built families with intended parents from Spain, Australia, the U.K., Canada, Brazil, and across the United States, and we are a fully inclusive, affirming agency for LGBTQ+ parents.

No. Gestational surrogates never pay agency, legal, medical, or screening costs. Intended parents cover all expenses related to the journey, and surrogates are generously compensated for their time and care.

Our full-service agency fee is $17,500. Surrogate compensation starts at $60,000 for first-time carriers and $70,000 for experienced carriers, with additional fees for things like multiples or a C-section. See Program & Costs for the full breakdown.

First-time surrogates earn $60,000+ in base compensation, and experienced carriers earn $70,000+. Compensation also includes a monthly allowance, maternity clothing, and fees for special circumstances like carrying multiples.

From signing with the agency to bringing baby home, most journeys take between 15 and 24 months. Matching typically takes 1–6 months, followed by medical and legal clearance, embryo transfer, pregnancy, and delivery.

Carriers are generally between 21 and 38, have had at least one successful prior pregnancy, are non-smokers in a healthy BMI range, U.S. citizens or lawful residents, and free of felony convictions.