Surrogacy for Intended Parents
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How do I become a parent through surrogacy?
There is a lot of information out there about surrogacy, some good but most of it not very useful at best. For an in-depth look at how to make your surrogacy process simpler and a whole lot happier, please read this article we wrote. If you are ready to get started, here are the next steps to having a baby via surrogate.
- Sign and review your client retainer agreement. This is the contract between you and your surrogacy agency. It should clearly outline the services of the agency and its professional fees.
- Return your signed retainer agreement with your first payment. This gets the process started, and the search for your surrogate begins!
- Schedule a call with a case manager. Your case manager, also known as a case specialist, will get you started on completing your profile and admissions materials, as well as give you an overview of this phase and what to expect next. Your case specialist is not only guiding you and your surrogate through the entire process, but they will be coordinating the efforts of all the other professionals working on your case.
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How much does a surrogate cost?
The average cost of gestational surrogacy ranges between $153,000 and $300,000 and is impacted by four main factors: number of attempts to achieve pregnancy, surrogate compensation and expenses, singleton or twin pregnancy, and optional or additional services.
- Number of pregnancy attempts: Pregnancy success rates have mostly to do with the age of the egg being used. For instance, intended parents using eggs 30 years or younger get pregnant on the first attempt around 68% of the time, whereas eggs 38 years or older usually take multiple attempts to achieve pregnancy. Each additional pregnancy attempt can add $15,000 to $50,000 or more to your total costs.
- Surrogate compensation and expenses: Surrogates are compensated more money each time they do a successful surrogacy. Also, surrogates living in California receive additional compensation. So, if you want a second-time surrogate from California, your total costs will increase by at least $10,000.
- Singleton or twins: Surrogates receive $10,000 in additional compensation for carrying twins. Plus, they will often need some kind of help at home (childcare, housekeeping, etc.), and may go off work early, increasing your liability for her wage reimbursement. Surrogate maternity care insurance costs will increase by $10,000 or more for a twin pregnancy.
- Optional and additional services: Your surrogacy agency fees will depend on the program you select. Additional services you might need are egg or sperm donation. The cost of an egg donor cycle ranges between $50,000 and $80,000 and can go higher than that depending on the compensation of your egg donor. The cost of donor sperm ranges from $2,000-$33,000.
If you need help figuring out your personal costs for the surrogacy process, we can help. One of our Growing Generations finance team experts will be happy to work with you to create a tailor-made budget that fits your desires for the surrogacy process, as well as for different cost scenarios. Click here to contact us and schedule a time to talk.
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Is there a wait to be matched with a surrogate?
Yes, you will need to wait to be matched with a surrogate, and that wait time is influenced by two main factors: demand for surrogacy and your personal preferences for the process.
- Demand for surrogacy: Each year more and more intended parents seek out the services of a surrogate. As that demand rises, so does the waiting period for an available surrogate.
- Personal surrogate preferences: It is okay to have specific desires and requirements for your surrogate. Most of those desires and requirements are already available in our surrogate candidates. If you want something specific or unique, it may take a little longer to find the right surrogate who matches your needs.
Here are two great articles to read on surrogate matching and how to reduce your waiting time:
How long does it take to find a surrogate?
How to simplify your surrogacy process (and enjoying the journey!)
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How are surrogates screened?
The screening process for surrogates includes medical screening with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) physician, psychological testing and evaluation, and a criminal history background check. Leading up to these screenings, surrogate candidates will go through a qualification and application process, including a phone and video consultation, review of their past obstetrical history by an IVF physician and laboratory testing.
Growing Generations takes fewer than 2% of surrogate candidates. So, when your surrogate goes to screening, she is among the top 2% of more out of thousands of applicants we receive each year. To learn more about the Growing Generations signature surrogate screening process, click here.
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How long is the surrogacy process?
The surrogacy process can take anywhere from two to two and a half years for most intended parents. The surrogacy timeline can be broken down into five stages: search, screening, legal, conception, and, finally, pregnancy/delivery.
- Search: At Growing Generations, less than 2% of surrogate applicants qualify to go to screening. This means that there are very few eligible surrogate applicants. At the same time, there is a growing demand for surrogates by intended parents. If the intended parent has specific requirements that not every surrogate possesses, then this reduces the pool of surrogates even more. This means that the fewer restrictions you place on your surrogate match, the less time it will take to search for a surrogate.
- Screening: Once you are matched with a surrogate, she will go to medical screening. Depending on where the surrogate is in her menstrual cycle, she can be scheduled for screening right away or within a month. The screening process takes about three weeks to get all of the results back. This means that the entire screening process can usually be completed in one to two months.
- Legal: This process should be fairly simple because your surrogate’s benefit package will already have been agreed upon prior to you being matched with her. This includes you having reviewed and signed the contract with your attorney, and then the surrogate having done the same with her attorney, which can take up to a week or a month depending on everyone’s schedules.
- Conception: Once you have medical and legal clearance, and you have fully funded your account for the surrogacy expenses, your surrogate can begin her IVF treatment. Again, the start date of the cycle will coincide with the first day of the surrogate’s menstrual cycle and the medication protocol, which is about two to three weeks long. In total, the average conception phase is between one and two months.
- Pregnancy/Delivery: Let’s imagine you’ve waited twelve months to find your surrogate, and the screening, legal, and conception all went as quickly as possible (i.e. one month each), with a full-term pregnancy (nine months) your total process time comes to two to two and a half years.
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Where is surrogacy legal?
In the United States, surrogacy is legal in many states, but it is an ever-changing legal landscape. Also, not every state is right for every intended parent. For instance, some states do not recognize non-biological parents or same-sex couples. Before you receive the profile of a potential surrogate, we will have already done the work of consulting with the legal team to verify the surrogate’s state matches your legal requirements. Once you receive your surrogate’s profile, you can speak with the legal team to talk about the specifics of the legal process in that state.
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Does insurance cover surrogacy and/or egg donation?
In the last few years, we’ve witnessed an explosion in the number of companies offering benefits to help their employees start a family. Thanks to fertility benefit providers like Carrot, Progyny, and WINFertility, more and more employers are recognizing the importance of comprehensive and inclusive family creation benefits. You may have benefits to help cover the cost of starting your family through surrogacy and/or egg donation.
We see a wide range of benefits offered so we encourage all prospective parents to reach out to their human resources group and ask the following questions:
- Do we offer fertility benefits to help cover the cost of starting a family?
- If the answer is yes, ask for a comprehensive explanation of your benefits and Growing Generations will tailor a cost estimate, so you can understand what is covered and what’s not.
- If the answer is no, ask a follow up question-advocating for yourself could not only benefit you but many others within your organization.
- Are we exploring this benefit?
According to Forbes, fertility benefits create a high level of loyalty from those who utilize the benefit AND are considered one of the most popular new and competitive benefits for companies to offer.
If you don’t have specific fertility benefits covering surrogacy and egg donation, you’ll most likely need to fund the process outside of insurance. Visit our cost page for general cost information, and we welcome you to contact us, so we can have a personalized discussion about cost.
- Do we offer fertility benefits to help cover the cost of starting a family?
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Why choose Growing Generations as your surrogacy agency?
Founded in 1996 and with over 50 employees and support staff, Growing Generations is one of the oldest and largest surrogacy agencies in the United States. Here is what intended parents love about our program:
- We admit less than 2% of surrogate candidates applying to our program.
- 98% of intended parents accept their first surrogate match.
- If your surrogate does not pass her screening, Growing Generations helps pay for the screening expense. There is no extra fee for this, no special pricing you need to select ahead of time. No other agency in the United States provides this benefit!
Take a deeper look into our surrogate screening process and what sets Growing Generations apart.
Surrogacy for Surrogates
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How much will I be paid as a surrogate?
The total Growing Generations surrogate compensation package offers up to $63,500, with additional benefits up to $35,000. This attractive compensation of a surrogate mother makes us one of the highest paying surrogacy agencies around. If you’re an experienced surrogate, talk to us, we may be able to offer you more. You can read more about the benefit packages here: Compensation for Surrogates and Understanding Surrogate Compensation & Pay.
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When should I tell people in my life about my plans to become a surrogate?
We feel it is important to have this conversation with your immediate family and friends once you decide to proceed with surrogacy. It is especially important to discuss it with those you hope to have as your support system during your journey. Here is some great advice on When & How to Announce Your Surrogacy News. Another great resource: Surrogacy Books for Children.
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Will I use my eggs as a surrogate?
No. Growing Generations only works with gestational surrogates—this means the embryo will be created with a donor’s egg or the intended mother’s egg.
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Why would someone choose to have a surrogate?
Intended parents choose surrogacy for a variety of reasons. But they all have one thing in common: a strong desire to have or expand their family. During your matching process, you’ll learn more about the family we think will be a great match for you and what led them to surrogacy. Read more about why some intended parents choose surrogacy here: Why Women Choose Surrogacy.
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Can I be a surrogate after I’ve had a tubal ligation?
Yes. As a surrogate with Growing Generations, you will be a gestational carrier. This means that a fertilized embryo is implanted into the uterus, and there is no need to use your own eggs. Check out this blog for a more detailed explanation: Surrogacy After a Tubal Ligation.
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How long does the surrogacy process take from start to finish?
We aim to move things along as quickly and safely as possible. Most Surrogates finish their surrogacy in 18 months (from initial application to delivery), but we encourage you to prepare yourself for up to two years. Check out this Rough Timeline for Surrogates.
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After I apply to become a surrogate, what happens next?
Once we receive your application to become a surrogate mother, you will be invited to schedule a consult with one of our admissions specialists, who will go over the entire process with you and answer all your surrogacy questions. For a more in-depth look, see here: Surrogate Screening Process Part 1.
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Will I have to travel?
Most likely. We do require that all surrogates complete medical screening at the IVF clinic their intended parents have chosen. All costs associated with the trip are covered by Growing Generations. In addition to your surrogacy screening, you will likely need to travel for each embryo transfer. You can find the details on the second half of our surrogate screening process here: Surrogate Mother Screening Process Part 2.
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Where will I give birth?
Typically, surrogates will give birth at a hospital local to them.
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Can I choose my OBGYN?
Yes. Most intended parents rely on their surrogates to choose the in-network OB-GYN she is most comfortable with. However, intended parents have the right to seek a second opinion. If intended parents have a specific OB-GYN in mind, we’ll discuss that with you
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Why does my income matter?
Growing Generations has a commitment to both intended parents and surrogates. By verifying income, GG assures the intended parents that their surrogate is financially stable and pursing the journey for more than financial reasons. For you, the compensation you receive via surrogacy could affect your ability to receive any government assistance.
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Do I have to claim my compensation on my taxes?
Neither Growing Generations nor the intended parent(s) will issue a W-2 or 1099. Surrogates are not considered to be employees or independent contractors. We always recommend that you have your surrogacy agreement with your intended parent(s) reviewed by a local tax professional.
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Do I have to stop breastfeeding before starting the surrogacy process?
You can apply to our program and begin your paperwork before you are done weaning. It is important to Growing Generations that your bond with your child ends naturally. We will not be able to schedule your medical screening until you have finished breastfeeding. The medications you will be required to take as a surrogate can be delivered to your baby via breast milk. You can read more about how breastfeeding plays into your surrogacy journey here: Four Things That Can Delay Your Surrogacy.
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Do I need my own health insurance to go through surrogacy?
No, if you do not have an insurance plan, one can be purchased for you.
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Will I get to meet the IPs?
Yes. We facilitate the majority of our match meetings via video conference. Technology has evolved greatly, and your intended parents can be virtually present throughout the process if they are not able to be in person. You will eventually meet your intended parents at either the embryo transfer, an ultrasound visit, or at the time of the delivery. Check out what to expect here: The Match Meeting.
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How do you choose an IP for me?
Our matching team has more than 20 years’ experience in surrogacy. We listen! We take your thoughts and expectations for your surrogacy journey and try to find intended parents that we feel are a good fit.
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What factors are important when considering a surrogacy match?
We match our surrogates and intended parents based the expectations they each have. We have open discussions and ask many questions of surrogates and intended parents to understand what’s most important to both you and suggest matches accordingly.
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Do you screen the intended parents?
Each intended parent has a consultation to ensure we can fulfill their expectations. Growing Generations does not work with every intended parent that contacts us, but we do our best to help anyone who has a strong desire to become a parent. Once admitted to the program, each intended parent undergoes a criminal background check as well as a medical screening.
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Why do I have to agree to carry multiples during surrogacy?
We do not require that our Surrogates agree to carry multiples. While most intended parents do not wish to to transfer more than one embryo, some want the option to transfer more than one embryo at a time if the IVF doctor suggests it on transfer day. If intended parents are interested in having twins or transferring multiple embryos, we will be sure to match them with a surrogate who is comfortable with their plan.
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What is the IVF process like?
Women entering surrogacy are typically placed on a regimen of hormone therapies to aid in preparing the uterus for the embryo transfer and aid in maintaining the pregnancy. Here is more information on the medication: Medical Protocol for Surrogates.
Once your body and the embryos are ready, it is time for your embryo transfer. It is similar to a pap smear, but a catheter is inserted vaginally through the cervix and into the uterus where the embryos are to be placed. Most surrogates will take a period of bed rest lasting between 24 and 72 hours. You’ll stay at a hotel for the night, then can return to your normal life. In about two weeks, if everything goes well, you’ll have a positive pregnancy test. During the course of the next 10 to 12 weeks, you will be weaned from the hormones, and at the end of the first trimester, you will be released back to your own obstetrician for normal treatment.
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If I do not get pregnant after my first embryo transfer what are the next steps?
In most cases, there is nothing that the surrogate did, didn’t do, or could have done differently to lead to a different result. Sometimes things just don’t work. In most cases, the exact cause for a failed transfer will remain unclear. However, the success rates of second transfers are generally much higher than those of first-time transfers. Your doctor will work with you and your intended parent(s) to make the changes that are most likely to result in a positive pregnancy on your next cycle. Sometimes, in extreme cases, it may be suggested to try changing one or several variables after several failed transfers. These variables can include introducing the use of a donor egg, choosing to use a different egg donor, introduction (or change of) a sperm donor, or a new surrogate. Take some time to review here, How to React to a Failed Transfer.
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Will my intended parent(s) be with me at the embryo transfer?
Depending on where they are located, some intended parents will try to be there for the transfer, but others may be involved virtually. With the advancement of technology, your intended parents can be present without being physically there. If there is any reason for them not being there, you will know either at the matching process or before the actual transfer date. Don’t worry, you are in good hands and can bring a support person with you!
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Can I use a birthing center (or have a home birth)/Can I use a midwife?
Surrogates in our program are required to give birth in a hospital, preferably with a level 2 NICU on site. We understand that some women prefer to birth their children at home or in birthing centers; however, for the safety of all involved, we plan for hospital deliveries.
Midwives may be used during pregnancy as long as they are working in tandem with an obstetrician, and the OB is present to assist with the delivery.
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Can I still go to the gym? Run?
Surrogates are encouraged to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle during the surrogacy pregnancy. That said, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting is advised against. Restrictions on physical activity will vary depending on your doctor’s advice, the requests of the intended parents you are matched with, and the stage of the pregnancy you are in. Please be prepared to modify workouts to accommodate the pregnancy and follow any instructions set forth by your clinic. To read more check out here: Exercising as a Surrogate.
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How do the payments work?
At Growing Generations, you will have the support of our finance team during your entire surrogacy journey. During the admissions process, you will receive a personalized benefit package and financial handbook to outline all of the payments and benefits you can expect to receive during your journey. Payments are typically made at milestones during the process, such as completing the screening process or beginning medications for the first time. Other payments are received on a regular monthly schedule during surrogacy pregnancy, which our finance team will provide you with once heartbeat(s) have been confirmed so you know exactly when and how much to expect. These payments will be in the form of direct deposit or checks mailed to you by the agency. Read more here: Understanding Surrogate Compensation & Pay and Understanding Surrogacy Reimbursements.
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Will intended parent(s) tell me what I can/can’t eat during the surrogacy pregnancy?
Yes and no. It is important that surrogates avoid potentially hazardous food/drinks during pregnancy, such as raw meat/seafood and alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, surrogates are encouraged to maintain a generally healthy diet during pregnancy and try to avoid things like caffeine. Intended parents can make requests or suggestions if they have additional dietary concerns for their surrogate; however, this is usually done during the matching process, so you would have the chance to decide how comfortable you are with what is being asked of you.
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Can the intended parent(s) say I can’t have an epidural?
No. Ultimately, if a surrogate wants an epidural, that would be their choice. It’s important that you be as comfortable as possible during the delivery. If you have a strong preference for or against an epidural, we recommend sharing this preference with your case specialist so it can be considered in the matching process. Most intended parents are fine with surrogates choosing to have a medicated delivery. If they do not want this, we can work to find them a surrogate open to an unmedicated delivery. What is an epidural? Find out more information here:: Labor & Delivery Terminology.
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Am I required to have a C-section?
No. Whether a surrogate will have a C-section is typically based on two factors: whether they have had a C-section in a previous delivery and whether there is a medical need or preference for a C-section as determined by their doctor. Surrogates who have had a C-section in the past should prepare for the surrogate pregnancy to deliver via C-section as well. We can consider VBAC deliveries on a case-by-case basis, but there is no guarantee that a VBAC will take place. If intended parents prefer a C-section delivery, we would aim to match them with a surrogate who has had one before.
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Who will be in the delivery room?
This is something we encourage surrogates and their intended parents to discuss during the matching process. For most intended parents, being in the delivery room for the arrival of their baby is a moment they truly don’t want to miss. We also want to make sure our surrogates are comfortable and have the support they need during the delivery. For a typical vaginal birth, it is common to have both the surrogate’s partner or support person and the intended parents in the room. However, if a C-section is required, most hospitals will only allow one person in the room during delivery. It’s a good idea to plan in the beginning for who would accompany you in the event of a C-section.
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How is the delivery handled?
We find most hospitals are great with surrogacy births. In preparation for the birth, we will encourage you and your intended parents to attend a hospital tour either in person or virtually to familiarize yourselves with the facility. We’ll also give your intended parents access to our birth plan creation tool through their online account. This will allow them, with input from you, to create a birth plan to make sure the hospital staff knows there is an upcoming surrogate birth. Virtually all intended parents want to be present at the birth and do their absolute best to be there; however, we all know that babies have a mind of their own and sometimes arrive earlier than expected, so be prepared for anything.
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What if the intended parent(s) change their mind?
It has never happened with any of our families, but this is a common question! The funny thing is that many intended parents ask about surrogates wanting to keep the baby, and many surrogates want to make sure the intended parents are going to take their baby home! So, one fear sort of cancels the other out. But let’s just say it did happen, then we would work with an attorney to find the baby a loving adoptive family.
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Will I have to pump/breastfeed?
No. During the matching process, we will ask whether you are interested in pumping and will match you with an intended parent that feels the same. Not all intended parents want or need their surrogate to pump. If you are interested in supplying breast milk for your intended parent, you may review how to safely pump and ship at the following link: Surrogacy and Breastmilk.
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Will Growing Generations still be there to support me after the delivery?
Yes. We are a family, and we will always be here to support you and answer any questions you have. In fact, we have many surrogates who return to our program for a second and sometimes third journey!
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Will I have contact with my intended parents after the baby goes home?
This will depend on what you and the intended parents agreed on at your match meeting and in the contract.
Egg Donation for Intended Parents
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How much will it cost to work with an egg donor?
The cost to cycle an egg donor depends on several factors including whether you select a first time or experienced egg donor, where the donor resides in relation to your IVF clinic, agency fees, medical screening and cycle fees, and the donor’s compensation. You can view estimated costs here. Once you select an egg donor with Growing Generations, our financial specialists will create a customized cost sheet for you to review before confirming your egg donor match.
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Is the egg donor’s compensation negotiable?
No, the compensation offered to the egg donors in our program is non-negotiable. First time donors in our program receive $10,000 in compensation, returning donors receive a minimum of $12,000. Some donors may be eligible for higher compensation ranging from $12,000-$50,000+.
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What happens once I select a donor from your program?
After you select an egg donor from our database, our team is notified and will reach out to the egg donor to confirm her availability and send your IVF physician her records. We’ll also obtain some information from you to put together a customized cost estimate and retainer agreement for you to review prior to confirming your match. Your initial payment and signed retainer agreement will be due to back to our office within five business days at which point the match with your donor will be confirmed.
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What is outside monitoring?
When a donor does not live in the area where your IVF doctor is located, she will need outside monitoring. This usually consists of ultrasounds and lab work the donor can have done near her home. In the estimated cost sheet, we collect for monitoring so that payment can be set up for the donor’s future appointments.
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Is the donor open to meeting the intended parent?
If you are interested in meeting one of our egg donors, please contact our team. We will ask the donor if they are open to meeting you. If you and the donor decide to meet on video, that meeting will be facilitated by a member of the Growing Generations staff. The donor is compensated $500 for meeting you.
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Will the egg donor be open to meeting my child who is a result of her egg donation?
Some egg donors in our program are open to meeting offspring who result from their donation. If this is important to you, please tell our team so we can discuss this with the donor prior to confirming your match. The meeting between the egg donor and offspring would be facilitated by a third-party once the child turns 18.
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Are your donors willing to travel?
Yes, most of our egg donors are willing to travel. Every donor is asked this question when entering our program, and you can see their answer to this question on the first page of their online profile. If the donor you select needs to travel to your clinic, we will call her to confirm the future travel arrangements upon selection.
Egg Donation for Egg Donors
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What happens after I submit my application to be an egg donor?
A member of our admissions team will review your information within one business day of submitting your egg donor application and let you know if you are able to proceed. If you are able to move forward, we will invite you to schedule your egg donor video consultation. You can use our easy online calendaring system through your online account to schedule your consult which helps to eliminate phone tag! During your consultation, we’ll discuss how the egg donation process works and answer any questions you may have. We want to have your full attention during your consult so be sure to minimize distractions and make childcare arrangements if needed.
Once your egg donation consult is complete, we will provide you with a small to do list. You will read over and electronically sign some documents. We will ask that you provide photos, GPA and test score verification, and photo ID verification. We will also set you up with instructions to complete fertility testing that will measure hormone levels to ensure your body will produce an ideal number of good quality eggs. There will be no cost to you, and this test is an excellent way to assure prospective intended parents looking for an egg donor that they are selecting the best egg donor for their family. It’s also a great way to learn about your own fertility.
After we’ve received all of the requested items, we’ll be able to make your egg donor profile available for intended parents to view.
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There are many agencies to choose from, why should I work with Growing Generations?
Not only is Growing Generations egg donation program built on safety, it is also built on compassion. We’re going to be with you throughout, anticipating your spoken and unspoken needs. Plus, we offer an industry-leading compensation package
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I’m working with another egg donation agency, is that OK?
It is okay, though we prefer our egg donors work exclusively with Growing Generations. If you are chosen to be an egg donor with another agency, please let us know right away. We need to make sure your profile reflects your availability, so we don’t disappoint intended parents who are interested in working with you.
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What is involved medically to be an egg donor? Are there any risks?
For many potential egg donors, understanding the medical process and risks is one of the most important factors in choosing to become a donor. We’ll spend a nice amount of time reviewing this during your video consultation.
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What information do parents get about me on my egg donor profile?
Your egg donor profile will include some of the answers and information you supply on your online application including your family health history, photo gallery, a handful of essay questions, and short video. Before your egg donor profile is published on our database and made available to intended parents, you’ll be able to review it.
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I was adopted. Can I still apply to be an egg donor?
Yes. Being adopted doesn’t disqualify you, as long as you can provide a full family health history for your biological parents, grandparents, and siblings. We know this information isn’t available to all adopted people. This information is essential because it is often the only insight intended parents have into the health history of their future child. If you have access to this information, we invite you to apply.
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What happens once I’m matched as an egg donor with intended parents?
Once you’re matched with intended parents, our case management team will be taking care of you, and you will be assigned a case specialist. First, you’ll be asked to complete your psychological interview. Once this screening is complete, you’ll be instructed to make your medical screening appointment with the IVF doctor you’ll be working with. Your case specialist will give you explicit instructions on how to schedule your medical screening appointment. At this time, you will also be referred to your attorney to complete your contract with the intended parents. You will not be able to begin injectable medications for your egg retrieval cycle until after we receive legal clearance. We should receive your medical clearance two weeks after your screening appointment. After your medical and legal clearances have been issued, the actual egg donation cycle can begin. For many potential donors, understanding the medical process and risks is one of the most important factors in choosing to become an egg donor. We’ll review this with you during your video consultation.
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If I do travel as an egg donor, how much travel is involved? How is travel booked?
If you need to travel for your donation, plan to take two trips. The first is a one-day trip (you may spend one night at a hotel). This initial trip will be for your medical screening. You will get to choose the date of this appointment, so you can work it into your schedule. The appointment will need to occur Monday-Friday.
The second trip will be for your egg retrieval. Any appointments between your first and second trip will be at a local monitoring facility that your primary IVF doctor will send you to. Your egg retrieval trip can be anywhere between 5-12 days. You will need a companion with you on the day of your egg retrieval, so be sure you have a support person who can travel with you. Your companion only needs to be present on the day of your procedure. Both travel arrangements for you and your companion will be covered. We work with a travel agent who will be in direct communication with you regarding travel itineraries.
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Is the egg donor’s compensation negotiable?
No, the compensation offered to the egg donors in our program is non-negotiable. First time donors in our program receive $10,000 in compensation, returning donors receive a minimum of $12,000. Some donors may be eligible for higher compensation ranging from $12,000-$50,000+.
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How much are egg donors paid?
Growing Generations donors receive financial compensation for donating their eggs. Compensation for first time egg donors is $10,000 and returning egg donors can earn $12,000 or more. Donors are not paid for selling their eggs. Egg donor receives compensation for the pain and suffering involved in the egg donation process. Learn more about egg donor compensation here.
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How many times can I donate my eggs?
Egg donors have the opportunity to help multiple families, which means you can donate your eggs up to six times. After your egg retrieval is complete, one of our admissions specialists will request the medical records from your egg donation cycle. An IVF physician will review your medical records and will make a recommendation as to whether you are able to return to the program to complete additional egg donation cycles.
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How long does the egg donation process take once I’m selected?
Once you are selected by intended parents, your egg retrieval will likely occur within two to five months. If we expect it to be longer than this, we will let you know. The time will fly because you will be busy with screenings, contracts, and taking your medications.
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How long do I have to wait in between egg donations?
If you decide you’d like to donate your eggs more than one time, you will need to have two regular periods between cycles.
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How do you handle the financial aspect of egg donation?
Growing Generations has a finance team dedicated to taking care of each case. From reimbursements to your final compensation, our finance team will make sure you receive any payments or reimbursements in a timely manner. We require intended parents to deposit all your expenses and fees into an account managed by Growing Generations before you’re allowed to begin any medications.
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How do you match egg donors with intended parents? How long will my egg donation process take?
Match times vary greatly. The best advice we can give you is to set yourself apart through your profile. Put your best foot forward by giving complete, thoughtful answers and providing clear, great quality photos.
Your profile will be housed in our secure database. Intended parents looking for an egg donor create password-protected search accounts to view profiles. Once we have an intended parent who would like to choose you, we’ll be in contact to confirm your availability for a match and an egg retrieval cycle.
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Does my sexual partner need to undergo any medical tests?
Yes. Any sexual partners will need to undergo infectious disease screening. The intended parents who choose you will pay for this testing. Your partner can go into a local lab for testing, so they are not required to travel.
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Do I have to travel to donate my eggs?
Maybe. It depends on where you live and where the intended parents IVF physician is located.
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Do egg donors meet the parents? The offspring?
No, you do not. We do have intended parents who would like the option of meeting their egg donor or would like their egg donor to be open to meeting potential offspring once they reach the age of 18. We will ask you your preference on this, and if it’s not something you are comfortable with, we will let the intended parents know.
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Do I have to be abstinent during the entire egg donation process?
No, not for the entire process. Each IVF doctor is a little different, but the average period of abstinence is 3-4 weeks total.
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Do egg donors administer injectable medications to themselves, or can a friend do it?
Most egg donors administer their own injectable medication, but you’re welcome to have your friend or partner administer the shots for you. You will have some time with the nurse at your medical screening to go over how to administer your medications.
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Can I be an egg donor if I am a transgender man (my sex assigned at birth was female, but I am male)?
We would love to consider you as an egg donor, as long as you have not taken testosterone as part of your transition. Being an egg donor requires the administering of fertility medication to stimulate the ovaries, and testosterone can interfere with the fertility medical protocol.
