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• Procedure for Becoming a GS
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• FAQ's on Becoming a GS
• Testimonials about Becoming a GS

Facts and Compensation Information for Gestational Surrogates

Having doubled our Gestational Surrogate placements in 2006 in conjunction with achieving exceptional success rates in surrogate carried pregnancies, The Center for Egg Options Illinois continues in our commitment to expand our recruiting efforts nationwide. 

What is a Gestational Surrogate? A surrogate mother is a woman who carries a child for someone else, usually an infertile couple. There are two different types of surrogacy. They are traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. Explanations for both types can be found below.

Traditional Surrogacy

(The Center for Egg Options IL does not do this type of surrogacy)
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father or sperm donor. The surrogate's own egg will be used, thus she will be the genetic mother of the resulting child.

Gestational Surrogacy

In a gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child. Eggs are extracted from the intended mother or egg donor and mixed with sperm from the intended father or sperm donor in vitro. The embryos are then transferred into the surrogate's uterus. Embryos which are not transferred may be frozen and used for transfer at a later time if the first transfer does not result in pregnancy.

Who is a Gestational Surrogate?

In 2005, Jim and Patty stepped cautiously through the front door of The Center for Egg Options Illinois.  After nearly 6 years of infertility, 4 miscarriages, multiple unsuccessful ART cycles, and 2 failed donated ovum cycles they had realized that it was time to assess their other family building options.  They came to The Center for Egg Options the day after meeting with a local adoption agency and were going to spend some time evaluating which direction they would take. The look of desperation and innate sadness from their overwhelming losses and the emptiness of their arms where they had hoped to be holding their growing family members was unavoidable.  They were presented with the option of gestational surrogacy.  They were cautious to start again but became comfortable with the idea especially after meeting the team at The Center for Egg Options Illinois and moreso after meeting a prospective surrogate – who then became the surrogate carrier for their now 6 month old baby Isabelle.

Why work with an agency? It’s a desperate, scary world out there.  It has never been more clear how important an intermediary is than with a surrogate arrangement.  As your patient advocate, The Center for Egg Options will go to your appointments, your embryo transfer, and your delivery as you request.  We are 100% committed to you throughout the process!  We act as your intermediary until pregnancy occurs and as your liason to further support the relationship you build with the intended parents as your pregnancy develops.  A support person on both ends of the process is integral to avoiding the legal and emotional pitfalls that can occur with a failed match and The Center for Egg Options is truly committed to being that support person for all of our Gestational Surrogate carriers.    

What are the requirements for surrogacy?  First, that you have had at least one uncomplicated pregnancy, you are between the ages of 21 and 35, non-smoker, living in a stable household, have reliable transportation, not be receiving state financial assistance (welfare), have not been arrested or been in a substance abuse program. The Center for Egg Options will run a full criminal background check on you and your husband or partner, as well as, a urine drug screen, STD’s, HIV, Hepatitis, (full female medical exam) including an ultrasound to look at your uterus.

Caring, Supportive, and there for you...
We will even attend doctor visits with you!

What is my compensation for Gestational Surrogacy? Compensation is a minimum of $23,000.00 - $25,000.00 + allowances which are decided upon during legal review with your attorney.

Additional allowances may also include:

Monthly Expense Allowance
To cover any expenses related to Surrogacy such as county driving miles, phone calls, faxing, postage, childcare, non-prescription medications.

Maternity Clothing
At second trimester (one time fee)

Embryo Transfer
This is to cover all transfer related expenses such as childcare for bed rest, lost wages, parking, etc.

Invasive Procedures
Amnio, CVS, termination, reduction, D&C, Cesarean Section

Health Insurance Premiums - In Full
Includes all Rx, co-pays and deductibles (if required)

1 Year Term Life Insurance Policy
Valued at $250,000

If travel is required, all hotel, airfare, meals, and transportation will be provided for you and a guest. (A surrogate should never travel alone and you may require some assistance).

Gestational Surrogates will receive an IRS 1099 at the end of the year they complete their pregnancy.