Becoming Parents Through Surrogacy: What Every First Time Intended Parent Needs to Know

If you’re exploring surrogacy for the first time, feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. The process involves medical, legal, financial, and emotional decisions, often across borders, and no two journeys look exactly the same.

As The Surrogacy Insider, an independent surrogacy consultant who has guided intended parents worldwide, my goal is to help you understand the big picture first, before you dive into details. This page is designed as a starting point - a clear roadmap that links you to deeper guides when you’re ready.

Where do we even begin with surrogacy?

At its core, surrogacy is a process where embryos are created through IVF and carried by a gestational surrogate, with the intended parents becoming the legal parents of the child.

Most journeys include these key stages:

• Choosing a country and surrogacy model

• Creating embryos (with your own or donor eggs/sperm)

• Matching with a surrogate

• Signing legal agreements

• Pregnancy and ongoing medical care

• Birth, exit process, and returning home
  

If this feels like a lot - that’s because it is. The important thing is that you don’t need to understand everything at once.

For a clear, step-by-step explanation, start here: How surrogacy works:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-process

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/how-does-surrogacy-work-a-complete-guide-to-the-process
  

If you’re still weighing whether surrogacy is right for you, this comparison can also help:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/pros-and-cons-of-surrogacy

How much does surrogacy cost?

This is often the first big concern, and for good reason.

There is no universal price for surrogacy. Costs vary widely depending on:

• The country

• Legal framework

• Medical needs

• Whether donors are involved

• Insurance and contingency planning
  

Globally, intended parents typically spend anywhere from €50,000 to €250,000+, depending on where and how they pursue surrogacy.

Rather than giving one number, it’s more useful to look at country-specific breakdowns, because laws, compensation, and medical systems differ dramatically.

Start with detailed cost guides here:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-usa

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-canada

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-mexico

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-colombia

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-greece

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-georgia

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-armenia

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-ukraine
  

You can also explore in-depth cost and legal updates here:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-colombia-laws-and-prices-for-2026

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-georgia-updates-for-2025-and-2026

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/understanding-the-true-cost-of-surrogacy-in-canada

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/does-insurance-cover-surrogacy

  
  

How long does a surrogacy journey take?

Surrogacy is not fast, and anyone promising speed should raise questions.

Most journeys take 15–24 months, sometimes longer.

Timing depends on:

• Whether you already have embryos

• How long it takes to match with a surrogate

• Legal steps required in each country

• Pregnancy and post-birth paperwork

  
  

Instead of thinking in deadlines, it’s healthier to think in phases.

For realistic timelines explained across different scenarios, explore:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-process

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/what-is-gestational-surrogacy

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/embryo-cryo-shipping-for-international-surrogacy-a-comprehensive-guide

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/embryo-grading-chart

Which countries are “best” for surrogacy?

There is no universally best country for surrogacy.

The right destination depends on:

• Your family structure (couple, single parent, LGBTQ+)

• Legal recognition of parenthood

• Budget

• Medical needs

• Citizenship and exit process

• 
  

What works beautifully for one family may be impossible for another.

These guides help compare destinations thoughtfully:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/key-things-to-compare-when-choosing-an-international-surrogacy-destination

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/hybrid-surrogacy

What about legal parenthood and birth certificates?

Surrogacy is as much a legal process as it is a medical one.

Parentage, contracts, and birth certificates depend entirely on the country where the baby is born, and often also on your home country’s laws.

Some countries recognize intended parents immediately. Others require court orders or legal steps after birth.

Legal frameworks are explained within each country guide, such as:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-canada

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-greece

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/surrogacy-in-albania

  
  

Understanding this before you start is critical.

Is surrogacy an option for LGBTQ+, single, or HIV-positive parents?

Yes, but only in the right countries and clinics.

Surrogacy is widely used today by:

• Gay male couples

• Lesbian couples

• Single parents

• HIV-positive intended parents

  
  

However, access depends on legal eligibility and medical expertise.

Dedicated guides:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/lgbt-surrogacy

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/single-parent

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/hiv-positive-parents

Should we work with an agency or an independent consultant?

This is one of the most important strategic decisions you’ll make.

Agencies manage their own programs.Independent consultants help you choose the right program - and stay on your side throughout the journey.

Learn how support options work:

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/services-and-packages

• https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/quiz

Final thought

Surrogacy is complex, but it doesn’t have to be confusing.

This page is your starting point, not the finish line. Take it step by step, explore the guides linked above, and remember: the right path is the one that fits your family, your values, and your reality.

If you’d like help navigating your options, I’m here.

Schedule Free Consult Now