What Is Surrogacy? A Complete Guide to the Process, Costs, Laws, Surrogacy in Iran and Islamic Perspectives

Comprehensive guide for intended parents: Medical eligibility, types of surrogacy, IVF, gestational carriers, legal parenthood, international travel, costs, risks, responsibilities, and religious considerations.

Introduction: What Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a form of assisted reproduction in which a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or couple, known as the intended parent or intended parents. These individuals wish to become parents but cannot carry a pregnancy, cannot safely continue one, or face substantial difficulties doing so because of medical or other circumstances.

Depending on the type of surrogacy, an embryo may be created using the intended parents’ eggs and sperm or donated reproductive cells. The embryo is usually created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and transferred to the uterus of the gestational carrier.

Surrogacy is not simply a medical procedure. It can involve infertility assessment, laboratory treatment, selecting and screening a carrier, legal agreements, psychological counseling, prenatal care, delivery, determination of legal parenthood, and obtaining the child’s identity and travel documents.

Choosing surrogacy therefore requires simultaneous consideration of the carrier’s health, the child’s welfare, the intended parents’ medical circumstances, the actual total cost, the laws of the treatment country and the family’s home country, and ethical or religious considerations.

This guide answers major questions about surrogacy and aims to help prospective parents understand its stages, benefits, limitations and responsibilities before treatment begins.

1. How Does Surrogacy Work?

In the most common form, gestational surrogacy, an egg is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred into another woman’s uterus. The gestational carrier carries the pregnancy and is not genetically related to the child.

For example, if the intended mother provides the egg and the intended father provides the sperm, the child is genetically related to both, while the carrier nurtures the pregnancy in her uterus.

When donor eggs or donor sperm are needed, the child’s genetic relationship depends on the source of those reproductive cells.

Important distinction: Genetic relationships, carrying a pregnancy and legal motherhood or fatherhood are three different concepts. They are not defined in the same way in every country. Genetics or a contract alone does not necessarily establish the same legal status for a child worldwide.

2. Types of Surrogacy

Surrogacy is generally divided into two main types.

2.1. Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, an embryo is created using IVF and transferred to the gestational carrier’s uterus. The egg may come from the intended mother or an egg donor; the sperm may come from the intended father or a sperm donor. The carrier is not genetically related to the child.

Key characteristics include:

• Embryo creation takes place in a laboratory.
• The gestational carrier’s uterus is prepared for pregnancy.
• The resulting embryo is transferred to her uterus.
• Pregnancy continues under the care of an obstetrician.
• The child’s genetic relationship depends on the egg and sperm used.
• Legal motherhood must be evaluated under the applicable country’s laws.

This method is used in many surrogacy programs and requires defined medical and legal protocols.

2.2. Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the carrier’s own egg is used. She therefore both carries the pregnancy and is genetically related to the child. Fertilization may be achieved using assisted reproductive techniques.

Because of emotional, genetic and legal complexities, this method is not offered by many treatment programs and is restricted or prohibited in numerous jurisdictions.

3. Who May Need Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is not necessarily the first or best option for every person experiencing infertility. It is generally considered when pregnancy is impossible, poses significant medical risk or cannot be carried because of specific medical problems.

3.1. People Without a Uterus

People born without a uterus or who have undergone surgical removal of the uterus, including hysterectomy, may be unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. The extent of any surgical removal and the individual’s circumstances require medical evaluation.

3.2. Significant Uterine Abnormalities

Certain congenital or acquired uterine abnormalities can interfere with embryo implantation or continuation of pregnancy. The severity, treatment options and specialist assessment determine whether surrogacy may be appropriate.

3.3. Repeated Failure of Fertility Treatment

In some patients, repeated transfers of good-quality embryos do not result in pregnancy despite appropriate evaluation and treatment. Assessment of uterine, embryonic, hormonal and other factors may then be indicated.

Repeated IVF failure does not automatically mean that surrogacy is necessary. Potentially identifiable and treatable causes should be assessed first.

3.4. Conditions That Make Pregnancy High Risk

Certain cardiac, pulmonary, kidney and other medical conditions may make pregnancy dangerous. The decision should involve an obstetric specialist and the physician treating the underlying condition.

3.5. Severe or Recurrent Pregnancy Complications

A history of serious pregnancy complications or certain medical conditions may lead specialists to discuss surrogacy as one possible option.

3.6. Other People Unable to Carry a Pregnancy

Depending on national law, surrogacy may also be considered by some single individuals or particular types of couples. Medical feasibility is not the same as legal eligibility. Rules concerning marital status, the sex or gender of intended parents, nationality and contracts vary across countries.

4. What Assessments Are Needed Before Choosing Surrogacy?

Before treatment, clinicians should establish whether surrogacy is medically appropriate, what sources of eggs and sperm are available and which treatment pathway offers a reasonable chance of success.

4.1. Medical Evaluation of the Intended Mother or Parents

Depending on the case, the evaluation may include:

• Medical and reproductive history.
• History of pregnancies, miscarriages and previous fertility treatment.
• Ovarian reserve assessment if the patient intends to use her own eggs.
• Evaluation of the uterus and ovaries.
• Hormonal testing according to clinical need.
• Semen analysis when using the intended father’s sperm.
• Infectious disease testing according to the clinic’s protocol.
• Review of underlying diseases and current medications.
• Genetic counseling where family history or medical indications warrant it.

Not every test is mandatory for every patient. The treating physician selects tests according to the medical history and planned procedure.

4.2. Evaluation of the Gestational Carrier

The carrier’s health is central to her safety and the child’s well-being. Screening may include:

• Medical, surgical and previous pregnancy history.
• Assessment of uterine health and general health.
• Review of chronic diseases and medications.
• Infectious disease screening under clinic guidelines.
• Psychological assessment and understanding of responsibilities.
• Social circumstances and available support.
• Assessment of tobacco, alcohol or substance use under the medical protocol.
• Evaluation of pregnancy and delivery risks.

Many professional guidelines regard at least one previous successful pregnancy without major complications and the birth of a healthy child as important selection criteria. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also emphasizes health screening, informed consent, psychological evaluation and independent legal advice in its ethical guidance.

Precise carrier eligibility requirements vary by country, clinic rules and physician judgment.

4.3. Psychological Assessment and Informed Consent

Surrogacy can be emotionally and socially complex for the carrier, her family and the intended parents. Psychological counseling helps all parties understand expectations, boundaries and responsibilities.

The carrier must be able to make a free, informed decision without financial, family or emotional coercion.

4.4. Legal Advice Before Treatment

Before starting, the following should be clarified:

• Who will be parties to the agreement?
• How will the child’s legal parentage be established after birth?
• How will medical and nonmedical expenses be paid?
• What happens in the event of complications, disputes or changed circumstances?
• How will the child obtain identity documents and permission to travel?

Independent legal advice in both the treatment country and the intended parents’ home country is important. Contact us to discuss legal coordination.

5. The Surrogacy Process: From First Assessment to Birth

Surrogacy usually involves several stages. Their duration depends on the availability of documents, medical status, carrier matching, donor requirements, the number of treatment attempts and the applicable laws.

Step 1: Medical Review, Clinic Selection and Treatment Planning

The initial review includes medical records, selection of the treatment method, determination of egg and sperm sources, cost estimates and preliminary legal assessment.

The care team reviews the case to determine the most appropriate pathway. Early decisions may involve the type of surrogacy, whether donated eggs or sperm are needed, the anticipated expenses and legal requirements.

Before buying airline tickets or paying substantial fees, prospective parents should verify eligibility for foreign nationals and the process for the child to leave the country after birth.

Step 2: Selecting and Screening the Gestational Carrier

This stage covers physical and psychological health, previous pregnancies, required tests, informed consent and legal advice.

Carrier selection should be based on medical, psychological, ethical and legal criteria rather than cost or speed alone.

Before a final agreement, the carrier’s medical and obstetric history, screening results and family support should be evaluated. The parties should also agree on confidentiality, communication during pregnancy, reporting arrangements and expectations.

Step 3: Creating Embryos Through IVF

If needed, the process includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm preparation and laboratory fertilization.

When the intended mother uses her own eggs, ovarian stimulation medication may be required. The eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm. If donor eggs are needed, donor selection and related medical and legal checks become part of the plan.

Fertilization may use conventional IVF or, where medically indicated, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Embryos are cultured in the laboratory after fertilization. The clinical team may choose fresh or frozen embryo transfer depending on the case. Learn more about frozen embryos and why they may be used.

Step 4: Preparing the Endometrium

The carrier’s endometrium is prepared according to the treatment protocol and the embryo-transfer schedule. Preparation may occur in a natural cycle or involve hormonal medication.

The method depends on menstrual cycles, medical history, the carrier’s circumstances and the clinic protocol. Medication timing and appointments should follow the physician’s instructions precisely.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer

During embryo transfer, the clinician uses suitable instruments and imaging guidance to place the embryo in the uterus. This is not abdominal surgery and the procedure itself often takes around 20 minutes, although exact timing varies.

The number of embryos transferred should be chosen to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy. Single-embryo transfer is often preferred to protect the carrier and child.

Transfer does not guarantee pregnancy. Implantation may fail, or a pregnancy may stop developing at an early stage despite an appropriately performed transfer.

Step 6: Pregnancy Testing and Early Follow-up

A blood beta-hCG test is performed at the interval set by the clinic, commonly around two weeks after embryo transfer (the original care plan describes approximately 15 days). Results must be interpreted according to transfer timing and the treatment protocol.

The source care instructions recommend avoiding sexual intercourse for approximately two weeks, strenuous activity for one week, taking prescribed medications, eating a healthy diet, avoiding kebab, liver and fast food, and otherwise maintaining normal activity without unusual bed rest. These are protocol-specific recommendations, not universal medical requirements. In particular, dietary restrictions and activity advice should be confirmed with the treating clinic; routine prolonged bed rest is generally not required after embryo transfer.

If the first test is positive, repeat testing and ultrasound are arranged to assess pregnancy location, the number of embryos, development and ongoing maternal and fetal health.

Step 7: Prenatal Care

Once pregnancy is confirmed, routine prenatal care continues. It may include screening tests, appropriate ultrasound examinations, blood pressure checks, fetal growth assessment and management of any complications.

Step 8: Delivery, Legal Formalities and Postnatal Care

The delivery method is determined by maternal and fetal medical needs. Surrogacy alone does not make cesarean delivery necessary.

Care for the carrier and newborn is followed by birth registration, determination of legal parenthood, arrangements for the child’s care and any required identity and travel documentation under the relevant laws.

Where requested and legally feasible, Iran Surgery Center can help coordinate planning for birth records, necessary documents and the child’s departure process with appropriate professionals. Such coordination does not guarantee that authorities will issue documents or approve travel.

6. How Long Does Surrogacy Take?

There is no single timeline for every family. Medical documents, egg retrieval when the intended mother uses her own eggs, finding a suitable carrier, donor needs, embryo availability, transfer scheduling and the destination country’s rules all affect the total duration.

If the first transfer fails, reassessment or another transfer may be necessary, extending the process.

Two timelines should be calculated separately: the time needed for treatment and pregnancy, and the time needed for legal formalities and the child’s documents after birth.

7. Must Intended Parents Be Present in the Treatment Country?

The amount of required travel depends on the treatment method, the selected country’s regulations and the individual case. The same number of visits or days abroad cannot be assumed for all families.

Some preliminary consultations and assessments may be completed remotely, while certain steps may require in-person attendance:

• Medical examinations that the clinic requires in person.
• Egg retrieval when using the intended mother’s own eggs.
• Providing a sperm sample when required under local rules.
• Signing documents or completing legal procedures that require personal attendance.
• Post-birth attendance where necessary for registration, parentage or documents.

If embryos have already been frozen, parts of the treatment schedule may differ.

Questions to Ask Before Booking Travel

1. Which tests can be completed in the home country?
2. Which documents need certified translation or legalization?
3. Must both intended parents attend treatment appointments?
4. When exactly must the parents be in the destination country?
5. How would a delayed embryo transfer affect travel plans?
6. Who must attend birth registration and document applications?
7. Does the child need a test, permit or other document before departure?

The clinic and a legal adviser familiar with the parents’ nationality should provide case-specific answers.

8. How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?

There is no fixed worldwide surrogacy price. The total depends on the country, clinic, contract type, medical circumstances, egg and sperm sources, donor needs, number of treatment attempts and prenatal care.

Price comparisons are meaningful only when the services included in each quotation are clear. One program may include medication, prenatal care and legal work, while another charges for these separately.

8.1. Main Components of Surrogacy Costs

This is a checklist rather than a claim that every item applies in every country or case.

8.2. What Can Increase the Cost?

• Need for donor eggs or donor sperm.
• A further egg retrieval or a new IVF cycle.
• Multiple embryo transfers.
• Embryo genetic testing where clinically indicated.
• Additional medical treatment or monitoring.
• High-risk pregnancy or hospitalization.
• Premature delivery or neonatal intensive care.
• Extended accommodation because of treatment or document delays.
• Legal advice in both the home and treatment countries.
• Regulatory changes or extra administrative procedures.

8.3. Surrogacy Costs in Different Countries

Prices advertised online are not necessarily comparable. Some cover fertility treatment only; others include portions of carrier-related expenses, delivery or legal services.

Without up-to-date written quotations and a clear description of included services, a definitive numerical comparison could mislead families.

A meaningful comparison should clarify:

• Total cost through birth, not merely embryo transfer.
• Cost of each additional transfer.
• Whether medication and testing are included.
• Carrier expenses and permitted payments.
• Delivery and complication-related costs.
• Insurance and responsibility for unforeseen bills.
• Cost and duration of obtaining the child’s documents.
• Travel, accommodation and possible extensions.

A lower initial price is not automatically better. Unclear legal parenthood, inadequate complication coverage or an uncertain path for the child to travel can create much greater costs and risks.

9. Surrogacy Laws Around the World

Surrogacy laws differ considerably. Some jurisdictions permit surrogacy within a defined legal framework; some allow only noncommercial arrangements; others restrict or prohibit commercial agreements. In some places, surrogacy contracts or the establishment of legal parenthood after birth face significant obstacles.

Four distinct questions must be asked:

1. Is surrogacy legally permitted in the country?
2. Is compensation to the carrier permitted, or only reimbursement of approved expenses?
3. Can foreign nationals access the program?
4. Will the intended parents be legally recognized after birth, and can the child obtain travel documents?

9.1. Commercial Versus Altruistic Surrogacy

Commercial surrogacy: The carrier receives agreed compensation for participating, in addition to relevant expenses, where the law permits it.

Altruistic surrogacy: Commercial payment may be prohibited, while certain documented expenses, such as medical costs, transport or pregnancy-related expenses, may be reimbursed under specific rules.

Legal definitions differ across countries. Permission for altruistic surrogacy does not imply that every payment or agreement is lawful.

9.2. Overview of Selected Countries

The following table is a starting point for understanding different legal approaches, not a definitive determination of eligibility. Rules change and may vary by state, region, nationality or family circumstances.

Professional and official fertility regulators emphasize the complexity of these issues and the need for independent legal advice. For example, UK fertility regulation explains that intended parents may need post-birth legal steps to establish parenthood.

Legal notice: This table is not a substitute for checking current law. Verify the treatment country’s rules, the parents’ nationality laws and the child’s intended country of residence separately. Foreign nationals may face different requirements from local citizens.

9.3. Why Both Countries’ Laws Matter

Imagine intended parents undertake surrogacy in Country A but plan to return to Country B after the child is born. Even if the treatment is permitted in Country A, Country B may apply different rules to legal parentage, foreign birth registration, citizenship or the child’s documents.

Before starting, clarify:

• Who will be listed on the birth certificate?
• Is a court order or additional administrative approval required?
• Will both intended parents be recognized as legal parents?
• On what basis will the child acquire citizenship?
• Is a special permit required to leave the treatment country?
• What lawful options exist if the home country does not recognize the agreement?

These questions should not be postponed until the final days of pregnancy or after birth.

10. Surrogacy in Iran

Iran is among the countries where surrogacy is performed in certain fertility centers and has been discussed in medical, ethical and Islamic jurisprudential literature.

Published research on surrogacy in Iran describes its clinical use and acceptance by a number of Shia religious authorities.

10.1. Is Surrogacy Legal in Iran?

The fact that surrogacy is practiced in Iranian clinics does not mean that every aspect is governed by one comprehensive, unambiguous law. Current rules and administrative practices require particular scrutiny when intended parents are foreign nationals or intend to take the child abroad.

Questions such as whether the intended parents are legally married, whether donated eggs or sperm are used and the carrier’s nationality may affect the legal analysis. An individualized legal review is therefore essential.

10.2. Can Foreigners Pursue Surrogacy in Iran?

Eligibility for foreign nationals cannot be confirmed without reviewing the particular case and current regulations. Important factors include:

• Nationality and marital status of the intended parents.
• Type of surrogacy and sources of reproductive cells.
• Identity and medical records.
• The treatment center’s admission policy, which may differ among clinics.
• Legal requirements for agreements and birth registration.
• Obtaining the child’s documents and lawful permission to leave Iran.

10.3. Benefits and Considerations When Choosing Iran

Medical criteria: Experience of the fertility team; embryology laboratory standards; quality of prenatal and maternity care; carrier and child safety protocols; transparent information about treatment outcomes.

Financial criteria: Full program price; additional transfers; medication, tests and prenatal care; who pays unforeseen expenses; travel, lodging and documentation costs.

Legal criteria: Whether the program can lawfully proceed for the relevant nationality; clarity of agreements; responsibilities and dispute resolution; birth registration and legal parentage; documents and return travel.

Communication and practical criteria: Access to a team in a language the family understands; medical interpreters if necessary; coordination among clinic, hospital and legal counsel; appropriate remote follow-up; emergency planning.

Iran should be recommended only when these criteria genuinely fit the family’s medical and legal circumstances.

Iran Surgery Center can assist with reviewing and coordinating these practical matters so families can focus on their medical care. Independent medical and legal decisions remain with the relevant qualified professionals and authorities.

11. Surrogacy in Islam and Shia Jurisprudence

Surrogacy raises religious and ethical questions as well as medical and legal ones: Is it permissible? How is lineage determined? May the carrier be compensated? What rules govern inheritance, kinship restrictions (mahram relationships) and the child’s rights?

Islamic opinions are not uniform. The legal school, type of surrogacy, source of eggs and sperm, marital status and the opinion of a particular religious authority can affect the answer.

11.1. General Views in Islamic Jurisprudence

Some Sunni jurisprudential views do not accept placing an embryo into another woman’s uterus, citing concerns about lineage and a pregnancy carried by a woman other than the married couple who provided the embryo.

By contrast, a number of Shia jurists have permitted assisted reproduction and surrogacy provided no otherwise prohibited act is committed in the process. Even among permissive opinions, questions concerning motherhood, inheritance, mahram relationships and custody may remain disputed.

It is therefore too broad to say that surrogacy is universally “halal” or universally “haram” in Islam without identifying the school of thought, technique and relevant jurist.

11.2. Shia Jurisprudential Perspectives

A number of Shia religious authorities have expressed permissive views about a woman carrying an embryo for another family, subject to the condition that no prohibited act occurs during the procedure.

The original Persian article also states that, according to Shia scholars, the carrier and child are mahram to one another and inherit from one another, and that the genetic mother inherits from the child but waives inheritance rights because of donor confidentiality. These are not established as universal Shia rulings. Kinship, inheritance and the possibility or validity of waiving rights depend on the relevant jurist and applicable civil law; obtain a specific religious and legal opinion rather than relying on this general statement.

11.3. Is Surrogacy Halal Under Shia Islam?

The careful answer is that some Shia jurists permit surrogacy subject to conditions. This article does not issue a fatwa and cannot replace a question submitted to the family’s chosen religious authority.

Families should seek guidance from a trusted religious authority. This respects religious beliefs and avoids unsupported blanket claims.

12. Potential Risks and Complications of Surrogacy

Surrogacy can help some people build families, but like other fertility treatments and pregnancies it is not risk-free.

12.1. IVF-Related Risks

Depending on the treatment, possible issues include:

• Side effects of ovarian stimulation medication.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in the person undergoing stimulation.
• Rare complications of egg retrieval.
• Failure to create embryos or arrested embryo development.
• Failure of implantation.
• Miscarriage.
• Need for repeat treatment.

The likelihood and severity of complications depend on the individual and treatment protocol.

12.2. Pregnancy Risks for the Carrier

The carrier faces the usual risks of pregnancy, including:

• High blood pressure and preeclampsia.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Bleeding.
• Preterm birth.
• Cesarean delivery and related complications.
• Postpartum health problems.
• Psychological stress associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Risk depends on age, medical and pregnancy history, general health and the pregnancy itself.

12.3. Risks of Multiple Pregnancy

Multiple pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and certain maternal and neonatal complications. The number of embryos transferred should therefore follow professional guidance and individual clinical circumstances.

12.4. Psychological and Emotional Risks

Surrogacy may involve complex emotions for the carrier, her partner and children, and the intended parents. Concerns about pregnancy outcome, relationships between families, privacy and the child’s future should be discussed from the beginning.

Pre-treatment psychological counseling and support during pregnancy and after delivery are important.

12.5. Legal Risks

In international arrangements, some risks arise outside the medical setting:

• Disagreements over contract terms.
• Failure to recognize the intended parents legally.
• Delayed birth registration or documents.
• Citizenship or travel-permission problems.
• Disputes over unexpected costs.
• Changes in laws or new restrictions.

Legal advice should be obtained before treatment begins, not only after a dispute develops.

13. Rights and Responsibilities of the Gestational Carrier

The carrier is not merely a party to a treatment contract. She experiences the pregnancy, and her physical health, psychological well-being and legal rights must be respected throughout.

Important Rights of the Carrier

• Full information about risks and potential consequences.
• Free decision-making without coercion.
• Access to appropriate medical care.
• Psychological counseling.
• Independent legal advice.
• Clear information about financial commitments.
• Privacy and confidentiality.
• Authority over her own medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine emphasizes independent legal representation for the carrier and her authority over her own medical decisions.

Agreed Responsibilities

Depending on the law and valid agreement, responsibilities may include attending medical care, communicating important developments, paying specified expenses and maintaining confidentiality.

14. Rights and Responsibilities of Intended Parents

Intended parents should understand from the outset what obligations they accept and which circumstances might change during treatment.

Important matters include:

• Payment of agreed costs.
• Cooperation with the treatment team and completion of documentation.
• Understanding medical limitations and the possibility of unsuccessful treatment.
• Assuming legal responsibilities after birth under applicable law.
• Planning for newborn care.
• Reviewing the child’s identity, nationality and travel documents.
• Respecting the carrier’s privacy and medical confidentiality.

Before treatment, the agreement should clarify each party’s responsibilities if treatment fails, a multiple pregnancy occurs, a serious complication develops, birth is premature or expenses increase.

15. How to Choose the Best Country for Surrogacy

The best destination is not necessarily the cheapest or the most heavily advertised. The decision should reflect medical circumstances, nationality, marital status, budget and whether the process can legally be completed.

You can consult Iran Surgery Center to discuss potential destinations and the questions that must be checked.

Criteria for Selecting a Destination

Legal feasibility: Is the procedure allowed for your nationality and marital status? Is there a clear route for agreements, legal parenthood and the child’s departure?

Medical quality: Does the clinical team have relevant experience? How are laboratory standards, prenatal care and hospital access assessed?

Total cost: Does the quote include all services? How are additional attempts, complications and longer stays billed?

Contract transparency: Are the terms clear? Do the carrier and intended parents have independent legal advisers?

Travel and child documentation: Have required stays, visits, paperwork and the legal route home been checked in advance?

How to Compare Countries Accurately

Rather than ranking countries using promotional claims, prepare a dated information sheet for each destination that records:

• Current legal status of surrogacy.
• Eligibility of foreign nationals.
• Permitted payments to the carrier.
• Medical standards and availability of clinics.
• Total cost and included services.
• Legal parenthood and birth registration.
• Nationality and travel documentation requirements.
• Likely timeline and causes of delay.
• Official and legal sources supporting the assessment.

Where reliable legal confirmation is unavailable, state clearly that the position requires verification. This helps families make informed decisions.

16. How to Choose a Reputable Surrogacy Center

A treatment center should be selected using verifiable information, not simply promises of success, low prices or online advertising.

Questions to Ask a Surrogacy Center

1. Does the center hold the licenses required for the services it offers?
2. Which specialists are responsible for treatment?
3. Are suitable embryology laboratory and maternity-care facilities available?
4. Does the team explain realistic success probabilities and limitations?
5. Are fees provided in writing with itemized details?
6. Are refunds, repeat attempts and unforeseen complication costs addressed?
7. Does the carrier receive independent medical, psychological and legal counseling?
8. Is the contract provided in a language all parties understand?
9. Can the center clearly explain the child’s legal status after birth?
10. Is there a defined prenatal and delivery care plan?
11. For foreign families, are the child’s documents and travel procedures assessed?
12. Are personal and medical records handled confidentially?

Can You Trust Advertised Success Rates?

Success rates require careful interpretation. One clinic may report positive pregnancy tests, while another reports live births.

For a fair comparison, ask:

• What is the outcome measured: positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy or live birth?
• Is the result calculated per embryo transfer or per treatment cycle?
• Which age groups and case types are represented?
• Are the data specific to surrogacy or pooled across all IVF treatments?
• Are the number of cases and calculation method disclosed?

Without these answers, comparing percentages may be misleading. No reputable center should guarantee the birth of a child.

Important Medical, Legal and Religious Disclaimer

This guide provides general information, not personalized medical care, legal advice or a religious ruling. Laws and administrative practices can change, especially in international surrogacy. Before committing to treatment, obtain individualized guidance from qualified fertility specialists, independent legal counsel in all relevant countries and, if needed, your religious authority.