Frequently asked questions
Before the journey
Q 1. Why Patriot Conceptions?
Patriot Conceptions is a veteran-owned surrogacy agency dedicated to exuding honor, integrity, and selfless service. We have over 15 years of combined experience and helped over 700 families to reach their parental goals. We are committed to providing exceptional services to all surrogates and families.
Q 2. I have no idea about surrogacy, how should I start?
No worries! We will make the first step as simple as possible. Please book an appointment with our client specialist. We will learn your goals and walk you through the whole surrogacy process in steps. By the end of the first appointment, you will have all the information you need to know to make the right decision.
Q 3. What is the difference between gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy? What are the advantages of gestational surrogacy?
In gestational surrogacy, the baby is not biological-related to the surrogate. However, in traditional surrogacy, the baby has a biological connection with the person who carries the baby.
In gestational surrogacy, embryos are produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF), which utilizes sperm and eggs from the intended parent and/or sperm/egg donor. The embryo will be transferred to the surrogate after creation.
Because gestational surrogacy has nothing to do with the biological relation to babies, It is relatively easy to authenticate in terms of the law. You may prefer gestational surrogacy if you do not want a biological connection between the surrogate and your baby.
Q 4. As a single parent or same-sex couple, can I utilize surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy can be a perfect option for your parental plan. We are a single parent and LGBT-friendly agency and would love to work with you to help build your family. We also have ample resources regarding the selection of sperm/egg donors.
Q 5. How long the entire surrogacy process can take?
The surrogacy process can take anywhere from 12 months to 18 months for the majority of intended parents, depending on each case and the location of your surrogate.
Q 6. How much does the surrogacy cost?
Please see our surrogate cost page.
Q 7. In which states is surrogacy legal?
In the United States, surrogacy is considered legal, except for the following states:
-Michigan
-New York
Please note that in surrogate-friendly countries, the policy regarding when surrogacy is allowed may still vary from state to state.
We are headquartered in California which is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states and has many advantages toward selecting surrogates and the entire process.
Q 8. What should I know or prepare before starting the surrogacy journey?
During the first appointment, we will explain everything you need to know/prepare for starting the surrogacy.
Q 9. How do Patriot Conceptions find qualified surrogates and/or egg donors?
Since we have 15 years of combined experience, many potential surrogate mothers and egg donors are referred to us by current or former surrogates or donors who have had positive experiences in working with our agency. We are also widely recruiting surrogate applicants on our website, online forums, social media, and other outreach efforts.
We are vigilant about monitoring and responding to all contacts we receive to determine their eligibility to become surrogates or egg donors to ensure a robust pool of prescreened, qualified candidates. We are proud to strictly follow the surrogate screening process.
Q 10. What qualities does Patriot Conceptions look for in surrogate and/or egg donor candidates?
Qualified surrogates or egg donors must be mentally and physically healthy. Surrogates must already have given birth to at least one child of her own with no major complications during pregnancy and delivery.
To qualify, surrogates and egg donors may not use illegal drugs or tobacco for a period of time and must meet many health and emotional wellness standards. Please see our surrogate screening process for more details.
Qualified candidates also are asked to confirm their commitment to the surrogacy or egg donation process, expressing responsibility for their decision to participate and confirming they have met our requirements. A comfortable, trusting relationship between intended parent(s) and the surrogate is essential, so we do our best to get that relationship started on the right foot with properly vetted and qualified candidates.
Q 11. Why do the intended parents have to obtain a notarized legal contract with the surrogate?
In January 2013, the State of California’s Family Code regarding surrogate arrangements was re-written to include the requirement of a notarized legal contract between the parties. Therefore, the intended parent or parents, surrogate, and surrogate’s husband all must sign the surrogacy agreement and have their signatures legally notarized.
The notarization is performed by a notary public, a person legally empowered to witness and certify the validity of documents and personal identity. In this case, the notary public will certify that you are the individuals signing the signature page of the surrogacy agreement. A valid, current photo identification card or passport will be required of all parties signing the agreement. The State of California implemented this change to ensure legal and parental rights to the child were provided to the proper individuals.
During the journey
Q 12. How often should intended parents engage with the surrogate?
We will make the surrogate plan before your surrogate gets pregnant. You and your surrogate will discuss how often you will interact with each other to a comfortable level prior to the conception.
Q 13. I do not live in the United States, how many times will I be required to travel to California during my journey to parenthood via surrogacy?
If you are using your own sperm and/or eggs, all medical testing must be conducted in the U.S. to meet U.S. Food & Drug Administration guidelines and clinic requirements. Besides, you will be required to come to California for the egg retrieval process and/or to leave your sperm sample.
You may expect to remain in California for a period of at least five to seven days while the pregnancy is attempted. It is recommended, but not required, that you return to California at least once during the pregnancy and, of course, for the delivery of your child.
Because you will not know the exact day and time when your surrogate will go into labor, you should prepare to come to California on short notice during the final month of pregnancy, or at least two weeks before your surrogate’s due date, if she is carrying one child. If your surrogate is pregnant with twins, you should plan for a sudden trip to California at least three to four weeks before the due date; for triplets, make plans to travel at short notice during the final two to three months. Be sure to maintain close contact with your surrogate and with SLS staff during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Q 14. I do not live in the state of California, how many times will I be required to travel to California during my journey to parenthood via surrogacy?
Please refer to the answer to Question 13.
Q 15. Is there something that an intended parent can do to ensure the health of the child they create through surrogacy?
We highly recommend that all clients consider cord blood banking. Stored immediately after birth, the plasma from your baby’s umbilical cord can be used later in your child’s life to cure disease and potentially save his or her life.
We will provide information and resources for cord blood banking on request. However, arrangements for the procedure must be made in advance. If you decide to pursue cord blood banking, please let us know as soon as your surrogate becomes pregnant.
After the journey
Q 16. Will the surrogate keep my baby?
Surrogates who are qualified must already have given birth to at least one child of her own. There is no reason for her to keep your baby since she can give birth of her own. Also, the legal process we go through before the conception will make sure there is a clear legal agreement with intended parents and surrogate. Your attorney will assist you establish the contracts and your parental rights.
Q 17. I am a citizen of a country other than the United States. How do I obtain a California certified birth certificate and a passport for my child so I can return home?
The paternity establishment or pre-birth judgment will be filed with the court in the State of California when your surrogate is about 28 weeks pregnant, so you will be listed as the legal parent on your child’s birth certificate. You will receive your child’s birth certificate approximately seven to 10 days after the birth. Once you receive the birth certificate, and your baby has been released from the hospital, you can apply for a passport for your child. The passport process takes approximately two to seven days. We recommend that all new parents prepare to remain in the United States for a minimum of three weeks after the birth of their child or children to allow time for completion of these important documents.
To provide new parents with added assistance, SLS offers a concierge service to help you during the post-birth process. In some cases, we can refer you to a qualified fertility law attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced with the laws and policies of your home country.
Additionally, we highly recommend that you contact a family law attorney in your home country to ensure you are properly informed of the requirements in your own country once you return home. You may need to establish your child’s citizenship in your own country for your child to receive your country’s benefits.
