Intended Parent Timeline

Initial video conference: In order to create the most personalized journeys for our clients, Roots likes to do an initial meet and greet via video chat to introduce ourselves, the business and walk through the surrogacy process with you. We want to get to know you and your expectations and start building our relationship with you as clients. We look forward to chatting with you “face to face”.

Agreement for Services: We will ask that you sign the Agreement for Services and pay the retainer fee. The Agreement for Services is the scope of service that we provide and gives details into the process, payment schedule and agency expectations. We understand this is a big step and one that is complete with trepidation and excitement, so we are here to talk through any questions you may have during this time. ($25,000 Agency Fee )

Matching: We take pride in our ability to match like-minded parents and surrogates, ensuring a positive opportunity for friendship and trust throughout the process. We consider the expectations and wants of each party and connect accordingly. We will send you a profile of the surrogate we think best fits your needs. If you approve, we will then share your profile with her. If she agrees to the match, we move on to next steps.

Pregnancy records reviewed: Your surrogate’s pregnancy records will be sent to the third-party coordinator at your chosen clinic. This review process can take anywhere from 48 hours to 7 weeks (in rare cases, longer, depending on the clinic).

Video chat with surrogate (Match Call): Once your surrogate’s pregnancy records have been approved by the clinic, we will schedule a video call with the agency, the surrogate and you. This chat is a low stress, informal introduction where we get to know each other. Roots will walk through the surrogacy process and we will then discuss the specifics pertaining to your personal journey. This video call should be set within 1 week of pregnancy record approval and will be scheduled and facilitated by Roots.

Medical Screening: Once we receive the retainer payment and signed Agreement for Services, we will schedule the medical screening appointment for your surrogate. An agent from Roots will attend the screening with your surrogate to ensure a level of comfort and to answer any questions that may arise. This is scheduled based on the menstrual cycle of your surrogate and can take up to 30 days.

Medical Clearance: Once your surrogate attends the medical screening, her lab work will go out to the lab for results. The clinic should receive results in 7-14 business days.

Legal Clearance: Once your surrogate has medical clearance and you have paid the agency, your attorney will draft the Gestational Carrier Agreement. This document is the legal binding contract between you and your surrogate. It will detail all information related to payments, medical parameters, travel, safety and health expectations. This document will be reviewed with you by your attorney and then will be sent to the attorney representing the surrogate. The surrogate’s attorney will then review the contract with her and her partner (should one exist). Once both parties agree, each party will need to sign AND NOTARIZE the contract. This is true whether the parent is domestic or international. Timelines vary in this process but can range from 2 weeks to 4 weeks depending of various scheduling factors. Once legally cleared, your second agency payment of $20,000 is due.

Funding Escrow: After legal contracts are signed, you will need to fund escrow with $100K- $150K, depending on a few factors. Your Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA) will detail the amount needed. This amount is only an estimate about total costs. If the escrow account falls below $25,000, additional funding will be required.

Medications and Transfer: Once both surrogate and Intended Parent have signed the legal agreement, a calendar will be sent to the surrogate detailing her medications protocol and transfer date. This process is typically 4-6 weeks long and varies from clinic to clinic. It is important to note here that not all first-time transfers are successful, and it may take several attempts to have a successful pregnancy. We caution both surrogates and Intended Parents to be cautiously optimistic during this time.

Pregnancy and Delivery: Once your surrogate completes her medication protocol and has confirmed pregnancy through both blood work and fetal heartbeat (at about 6-8 weeks gestation), the surrogate will ‘graduate’ to her own OB/GYN. The surrogate will attend regular appointments (typically monthly) to monitor her, as well as the baby’s health.

Delivery: Approximately 10 months after transfer, your surrogate will deliver in a hospital near her home. She will not be required to deliver at or near the original IVF clinic. If the Intended Parents are international, they should expect to spend 4-8 weeks in the United States both leading up to and post birth. Domestic parents will be able to travel with their baby shortly after he/she is released from the hospital.

**This document is aimed to outline the basic timeline for Intended Parents and is not a substitute for an agency or professional representation. Roots Surrogacy offers unlimited client consults to educate, inform and answer questions regarding the process.