Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Starting Surrogacy

Starting a surrogacy process requires careful planning, legal understanding, and financial preparation. Knowing the right questions to ask can help avoid unexpected complications and allow for better decision-making. Here are the most important aspects to consider before beginning.

1. What Are the Legal Requirements and Restrictions?

Surrogacy laws differ depending on the country, and overlooking legal details can lead to delays or unexpected restrictions. In Georgia, surrogacy is legal only for married couples or those in a domestic partnership for at least one year​. The intended parents are recognized as the child’s legal parents immediately after birth, and the surrogate has no rights to the child.

Before making arrangements, check whether the country allows foreign intended parents to participate, what documentation is required, and whether any restrictions apply based on marital status or nationality. Some countries, including Armenia, offer alternative options for single parents​.

2. What Are the Total Costs and How Is Payment Structured?

Surrogacy involves multiple expenses, and pricing varies depending on medical procedures, legal services, and surrogate compensation. At SILK Medical, surrogacy programs range from $38,900 to $70,000, with costs divided into several stages​.

A typical surrogacy program includes:

• Medical procedures such as embryo creation, genetic testing, and embryo transfer.
• Surrogate compensation, which is paid in installments during pregnancy and after delivery.
• Legal fees for contract drafting, birth registration, and documentation.
• Pregnancy care, including routine medical check-ups, medication, and monitoring.

Additional costs may arise, such as fees for premature birth-related care, extra embryo transfers, or replacing a surrogate if needed. Many clinics require payments to be made at specific milestones—contract signing, confirmation of pregnancy, and birth. It’s worth reviewing payment schedules in advance to avoid financial surprises.

3. How Are Surrogates Screened and Selected?

Surrogate selection plays a key role in the process. At SILK Medical, surrogate candidates undergo a thorough medical and psychological evaluation before being approved for participation​.

Selection criteria typically include:

• Age range of 20-35 years to reduce health risks.
• A history of at least one successful pregnancy and delivery.
• No history of serious pregnancy complications.
• No tobacco, drug, or alcohol use.

The waiting period for a suitable match varies, but it usually takes up to three months. An expedited selection process is available for an additional fee.

It’s helpful to ask how many surrogates are available, whether the intended parents have a say in the selection, and what happens if a replacement is needed.

4. What Medical Procedures Are Involved?

Understanding the medical steps involved can help set expectations. The process typically begins with in vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory​.

The key stages include:

1. Embryo creation – Fertilization of eggs using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to improve success rates.
2. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A/PGT-M) – Screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or inherited conditions​.
3. Embryo transfer – Implantation of a selected embryo into the surrogate’s uterus.
4. Pregnancy monitoring – Regular hormone tests and ultrasounds to track development​.

At SILK Medical, advanced technologies such as the AI-powered EmbryoScope help monitor embryo growth, while the IVFID Witness System ensures the correct handling of genetic material​.

It’s worth asking about the clinic’s approach to embryo selection, how many transfers are included in the program, and what happens if an embryo transfer is unsuccessful.

5. What Are the Success Rates and Risks?

The likelihood of success depends on factors such as the surrogate’s health, embryo quality, and medical protocols. At SILK Medical, surrogacy programs report:

• A 70% success rate for women under 35 using their own eggs​.
• 100% live birth rates for guaranteed surrogacy programs​.

Common risks include:

• Failed embryo implantation – Multiple transfers may be required.
• Miscarriage – Even with medical screening, pregnancy loss is possible.
• Premature birth – This may lead to additional medical expenses.

When reviewing success rates, ask whether the figures include first-attempt pregnancies or multiple attempts. Some clinics include unlimited embryo transfers until a live birth is achieved, while others offer a set number of attempts​.

6. What Legal Steps Are Required After Birth?

Parental recognition procedures vary by country, and it’s important to confirm legal details before proceeding. In Georgia, intended parents are listed as the child’s legal parents on the birth certificate immediately after birth, without the need for a court process​.

After birth, intended parents must:

• Obtain a birth certificate listing their names.
• Apply for the child’s citizenship and passport, following their home country’s legal process.
• Finalize travel documents for the newborn.

Some countries require additional documentation, such as DNA tests or post-birth court approvals, before granting citizenship. It’s advisable to check whether the process will involve any delays or additional legal steps.

7. What Support Is Available After Birth?

Arranging post-birth logistics can be as important as the pregnancy itself. Clinics may offer assistance with obtaining legal documents, coordinating travel, and ensuring newborn medical care.

At SILK Medical, intended parents receive:

• Legal guidance for birth certificate registration.
• Medical follow-ups for the newborn.
• Accommodation recommendations for parents staying in Georgia while waiting for paperwork​.

In cases of premature birth, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) expenses are not typically included in surrogacy packages and may require additional financial planning​.

Before finalizing an agreement, ask about:

• How long the legal and administrative process will take.
• What assistance is available for post-birth travel.
• What happens if medical care is needed beyond standard newborn care.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Parents

Surrogacy is a significant commitment that involves legal, medical, and financial planning. Asking the right questions helps clarify the process, making it easier to move forward with confidence.

At SILK Medical, intended parents benefit from:

• A legal framework that recognizes their parental rights immediately after birth.
• High medical success rates supported by advanced embryo selection technologies.
• A structured payment system with clear cost breakdowns.
• Full support throughout the process, from surrogate selection to post-birth legal procedures.

For those considering surrogacy, consulting with a clinic that provides transparent answers, and structured programs can help minimize uncertainty and make the process more straightforward.

If surrogacy is part of your family planning, schedule a consultation with SILK Medical to discuss program options in detail.