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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Intended Parents

Why Should the Surrogate and Intended Parents have Separate Legal Representation?

This is as simple as ensuring that all parties feel heard and that individual needs are being met. Each party deserves to know that their legal representation has their best interests at heart.

Does BFI assign the legal representation for the IPs and GC?

No, BFI does not assign legal represention. We gladly provide you with a list of attorneys that we have had excellent experience with, but the final choice is yours.

What clinics/doctors do you work with?

We will glady work with your preferred fertility clinic. We have established relationships with many in the course of our more than three decades in business. If you’d like to know if we have worked with your clinic, please send us an email at [email protected].

Will I have an opportunity to meet other IPs in the program?

Absolutely! BFI often hosts events (even internationally) for Intended Parents to mingle with each other. We will also be more than happy to put you in touch with IPs local to you.

Do you work with out-of-state and international Intended Parents?

Yes. BFI works with couples throughout the United States and globally.

How long does the process take?

Generally speaking, a surrogacy journey takes 12 to 15 months once you have been matched.

Do you work with out-of-state and international Intended Parents?

Yes. BFI works with couples throughout the United States and globally.

Where are you located?

Our main office is located in Lake Forest, CA and we have staff members located throughout the United States and Stockholm, Sweden.

What is the cost break down for a gestational surrogacy journey?

We will provide this information to you ahead of your consulation. During the consultation we will discuss and answer any questions you may have.

Does BFI help same-sex couples?

Absolutely! We help all couples that have a need and have since the beginning. Our first same-sex couple was in 1994; their ‘baby’ has long since grown into an adult themselves!

Am I able to reach someone 24/7?

We know that real life doesn’t only happen from 9-5! In an emergency, there will always be a team member available to you!

How long has BFI been in business?

Carol, the Founder and Program Director of BFI, has been facilitating surrogacy journeys since 1991!

What is gestational surrogacy?

Technically, Gestational surrogacy is a process where one person, who did not provide the egg used in conception, carries a fetus through pregnancy and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple. We prefer to explain it as a woman’s selfless act to help build a family that without her, could not exist.

How do we ensure that the relationship between us and our Surrogate Mother goes well?

Respect. That is the basis to most successful relationships. Rely on BFI to help you navigate through all the waters but especially the choppy ones. Never discuss money, eating habits or anything that can be viewed as confrontational. There are professionals in place to address any concerns you have. This preserves your relationship and allows you both to enjoy the journey!

How much contact should we have with our Surrogate after the birth of our child?

The contact with your Surrogate Mother after delivery typically depends on the relationship you have developed along the way. At minimum, you should send her pictures with updates periodically. Although you are not required to do this, it is greatly appreciated by the Surrogate and her Family.

What are some things I may be asked during my meeting with the psychologist?

Why have you chosen to pursue surrogate parenting? Have you told anyone of your plans to work with a surrogate, and if so what were their reactions? Do you need help in explaining surrogacy to a family member or friend? What qualities do you want your surrogate to have? What type of contact do you want to have with your surrogate during the pregnancy and after birth? Will you request your surrogate undergoes an amniocentesis, and if so what will you do with the results? Will you elect to terminate a pregnancy if there is a diagnosis for Downs syndrome, or only for something more severe? Will you choose selective reduction in the case of a triplet pregnancy? What changes will occur in your life after you have a child? What do you plan to tell your child about his/her unique origins? How has the struggle of infertility affected your marriage/relationship? How would you describe yourselves to a potential surrogate mother? How can we help make this a good experience for you?

Where is the consultation performed? Do we have to come to California to your offices?

If you are not local to California, your first meeting with our team can be done via videoconferencing.

How are finances handled?

At BFI, we want to be sure you can relax and focus on having a stress-free journey. Therefore, we require that the entire anticipated cost for your surrogacy journey be deposited into the escrow account prior to your surrogate starting any medications. This is necessary to ensure your obligations are met regardless of your status during and post delivery of your baby. Funds are held by an escrow fund manager, specializing in third-party reproductive journeys. All transactions are processed through the escrow account which is overseen by a member of our team to ensure accuracy.

How do we get started?

Submit our quick inquiry form here and a member of our team will be in touch to set up your consulation.

What is the purpose of the contract?

A well written contract provides a detailed outline of your surrogacy story. It will ensure that each party is fully aware and comprehends their role, rights, and obligations for the journey. It will provide peace of mind that all parties are represented and protected and will allow you to relax and enjoy the fun parts!

Why is the psychological screening necessary?

Our role is to support you through every step of your surrogacy journey. Part of that is being able to understand and anticipate your needs. The test results will provide us with information that will aid us in finding the perfect match for you and to support your journey.

What is the purpose of the surrogate support meetings? Are they mandatory?

Once in contract, your GC will be required to attend monthly support meetings. Alternating months they will meet alone with the program psychologist and in a group setting with the other surrogates in the program and the psychologist. This is to ensure that they have peer support and psychological support throughout their journey.

Once cleared, will I need to meet with the psychologist regularly throughout the journey?

No, you will not have scheduled meetings with the psychologist. If you would like to meet with them during your journey for a specific concern they will be available to you. However, if more consistent care is required they will be happy to provide a professional recommendation for you.

Where are your Surrogates from?

A majority of our Gestational Carriers are from Southern California. We also work with GCs in other surrogacy friendly states.

FAQs for Gestational Carriers

What is the purpose of the home visit?

This is not an inspection, no need to be nervous! You can get to know someone more quickly if you spend time with them in their home. Sitting in your living room, gives BFI the opportunity to explain the process and answer any questions that you or any of your support system have. In addition, when we present you to potential IPs we feel it is important to tell them we know you. We’ve met you and everyone who lives in your household. We know that their baby is growing in a safe home and we have seen it for ourselves.

How much say do I have in what goes into my contract? Do I get to make requests?

We have standard language that the attorney includes in the contract based on the benefits package you agreed to. And from there, the contract is tailored to the specifics of your case.

What is base compensation? What all is included in the benefit package?

We recognize that surrogacy is a mutually beneficial relationship and would love to discuss how a journey can financially benefit your family. Submit the this form and our GC Intake Coordinator will be in touch to help you determine if BFI is the right fit for you!

Why is the psychological screening necessary?

Our role is to support you through every step of your surrogacy journey. Part of that is being able to understand and anticipate your needs. The test results will provide us with information that will aid us in finding the perfect match for you and to support your journey.

What can I expect during the psychological evaluation?

Your psychological evaluation will consist of two portions. A multiple choice personality assessment and a conversation with the program psychologist. No need to be nervous, the psychologist is simply getting to know you, there are no wrong answers in the evaluation.

Are the Intended Parents evaulated as well? Why?

Yes! Just like your psychological evaluation prepares us to support your journey, it serves the same purpose for your IPs. Being able to truly understand you both helps us to provide you with the tools for a successful surrogacy journey.

How often will I meet with a program psychologist?

After you have been cleared, you will not meet with the program psychologist again until you are officially in contract with your Intended Parents. At this point, you will begin monthly meetings. Alternating months you will meet in a group setting with other gestational carriers in the program and the psychologist. In the opposite months you will meet with the psychologist alone. This allows you both the benefit of community with your fellow surrogates and the privacy to communicate with the psychologist one on one. During these meetings you will discuss any and all aspects of your journey.

What if I want to talk to the psychologist outside of support meetings?

If you need support outside of the designated time, you may contact the psychologist to set up an appointment. They are here to support you during your journey.

Why can’t I use my Intended Parents lawyer?

This is as simple as ensuring that all parties feel heard and that individual needs are being met. Each party deserves to know that their legal representation has their best interests at heart.

Will I be on medications for the entire pregnancy?

Not typically. Obviously, we can’t guarantee that a situation will not arise where you may need some sort of medication during your pregnancy, but the medications required to achieve pregnancy will generally discontinue around 8-12 weeks.

Can I choose my own OBGYN?

That is our hope! However, your health insurance plan will determine what OB and hospital we use. Keep in mind that your care will be managed by the Reproductive Endocrinologist’s team until at least 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Can I meet current GCs with the program before starting my journey?

Absolutely! BFI hosts regular events both in person and virtually. If you’ve submitted an inquiry, we will reach out with an invite. Our weekly zoom event is where potential GCs and current/past GCs meet to catch up and answer questions. Feel free to join us Tuesday nights at 7pm PST.

Why Should the Surrogate and Intended Parents have Separate Legal Representation?

This is as simple as ensuring that all parties feel heard and that individual needs are being met. Each party deserves to know that their legal representation has their best interests at heart.

Does BFI assign the legal representation for the IPs and GC?

No, BFI does not assign legal represention. We gladly provide you with a list of attorneys that we have had excellent experience with, but the final choice is yours.

Can I be a Surrogate if I don’t have health insurance? Will my personal health insurance be used?

The short answer is that a health insurance policy is required. The long answer is that if you do not have one, no worries, we will purchase one for you! An insurance specialist determines if your policy can be used for the surrogacy process and if not, or if you do not have one, they find a policy that works with your local doctor and hospital. You will never be out of pocket for medical costs relating to the pregnancy.

What are the requirements for becoming a Surrogate?

Here are some of the basic requirements:

  • Between the Ages of 21 and 40
  • BMI of 30 or less
  • Have previously given birth
  • Excellent Health
  • Non-smoker/drinker

If you have any other questions, fill out our inquiry form and we’d be happy to answer all of your questions!

Why is BMI so important?

BMI is a measure of your body weight to your height. This is necessary for your safety and to also ensure that the safety of the pregnancy. Each fertility clinic has their own BMI limit but most require the surrogate’s BMI to be 30 and under. Calculate your BMI now!

Do you have a network of support for the Surrogate?

Besides the monthly support meetings with our Program Psychologist, Dr. Rad, BFI sponsors events throughout the year for the Surrogate and her family. This gives you many opportunities to receive and give support to your fellow Surrogates.

Is there a limit of embryos that are transferred?

Yes, here at BFI, we advocate single embryo transfers. In rare cases, it may be recommended to transfer 2 embryos.

Do you work with out-of-state and international Intended Parents?

Yes. BFI works with couples throughout the United States and globally.

Do you use my eggs for the pregnancy?

No, at BFI we only offer Gestational Surrogacy. The Surrogate is never the biological mother.

How are finances handled?

We, at BFI, believe that you should never have to worry if your bills will be paid. We require that the Intended Parents fully fund the escrow account before you are scheduled for the embryo transfer. This allows you and the intended parents to relax and enjoy the amazing journey together.

Are couples screened? If so, for what?

Yes. Medical and psychological screening is critical, but we go one step further and perform a background check on the Couples. We have an obligation to you and their child to ensure their home environment is safe.

Is there a wait to be matched with a Couple? Do I get to choose my Couple?

BFI’s priority is to make sure that you have the best experience possible. To that end, we present you with a profile of a Couple who shares your views and beliefs. We never try to match you with just the next couple on the list. There are always more Couples that need help than there are Surrogate, so typically there is no wait.

How long does the process take?

Generally speaking, a surrogacy journey takes 12 to 15 months once you have been matched.

Where are you located?

Our main office is located in Lake Forest, CA and we have staff members located throughout the United States and Stockholm, Sweden.

Does BFI help same-sex couples?

Absolutely! We help all couples that have a need and have since the beginning. Our first same-sex couple was in 1994; their ‘baby’ has long since grown into an adult themselves!

Am I able to reach someone 24/7?

We know that real life doesn’t only happen from 9-5! In an emergency, there will always be a team member available to you!

How long has BFI been in business?

Carol, the Founder and Program Director of BFI, has been facilitating surrogacy journeys since 1991!

What is gestational surrogacy?

Technically, Gestational surrogacy is a process where one person, who did not provide the egg used in conception, carries a fetus through pregnancy and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple. We prefer to explain it as a woman’s selfless act to help build a family that without her, could not exist.

What is the purpose of the contract?

A well written contract provides a detailed outline of your surrogacy story. It will ensure that each party is fully aware and comprehends their role, rights, and obligations for the journey. It will provide peace of mind that all parties are represented and protected and will allow you to relax and enjoy the fun parts!

Where do your Intended Parents come from?

Literally all over the world! We have had couples here in Southern California, throughout the United States, and Europe, South America, and Australia.