Surrogacy for Gay Parents & Same-Sex Couples 

Can gay men and same sex couples build their families through surrogacy? Yes, absolutely! Through surrogacy, gay men and same-sex couples have more opportunities to expand their families than ever before! With the right agency and guidance, it is a safe and rewarding path to parenthood.  

  • A surrogate is a women who chooses to carry a child on behalf of another. 
  • In gestational surrogacy, a surrogate who is not genetically related to the baby she is carrying, carries your baby to term. 
  • Most couples have each father create a set of embryos with an egg donor. 
  • Surrogacy laws vary state to state. 
  • The cost of surrogacy can cost up to $100,000. 
  • You can find a surrogate independently or through an agency. 

How does surrogacy work? 

Many same-sex couples choose gestational surrogacy. It has gained popularity in recent years as a great way for same-sex couples to become parents. No matter how you approach surrogacy, there are a few steps you'll take before birth. 

  • Complete a legal contract with your surrogate that outlines the responsibilities of all parties. 
  • Undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), a process where an egg is removed from a donor's ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab.  
  • Then the resulting embryo will then be placed inside your surrogate, who will carry it to term. 

How does surrogacy work for two dads? 

Often, gay couples would like to have children related to both parents. In this case, each father would create a set of embryos with an egg donor. 

Some couples choose to transfer two embryos into a surrogate with the hope of having twins. And though it sounds logical to believe that transferring two embryos will double your chances of becoming a parent, this is not actually the case. 

Transferring two embryos at once will only marginally increase your chance of conceiving. It does, however, greatly increase the chances of complications. A twin pregnancy is risky for both the surrogate and the babies. Issues like hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor are much more likely in a twin pregnancy. Twin pregnancies also have a higher rate of miscarriage. 

What are the legal concerns? 

The laws surrounding surrogacy vary from state to state, so make sure you're familiar with where your state stands before pursuing a surrogate pregnancy. For example, surrogacy is not legal in all states (hence why we recommend working with an agency like Family Source Consultants), so it's imperative to check your local laws before starting. 

Even in states where surrogacy is legal, same-sex couples may face scrutiny from those around them. LGBTQ+ families have historically faced discrimination when starting a family, and in some places, they still do today. 

Some states allow both same-sex parents to be included on their child's birth certificate after they are born, making it possible for both parents to have legal custody regardless of genetics; others do not have these laws on their books. 

How much does surrogacy cost? 

The cost of gestational surrogacy varies widely with each journey. Although costs vary, you can expect to pay upwards of $100,000 in total expenses which includes: 

  • Agency fees 
  • Legal fees 
  • Surrogate compensation 
  • Egg donor expenses (can range from $7,000-$10,000+) 

Every journey is different, and every intended parent has different needs. Choose an agency you trust, that understands what's important to you, and who is committed to helping guide you through an often-challenging process. 

Where can I find a surrogate? 

The most important part of finding a surrogate is choosing someone you trust and feel comfortable with. 

Although it's possible to find a surrogate independently—without going through an agency—there are pros and cons to doing so. 

Surrogacy agencies like Family Source Consultants help by: 

  • Matching you with potential candidates based on location, age, medical history, and other factors.  
  • Providing listings of reputable clinics and doctors for medical and psychological screenings. 
  • Connecting you with attorneys who specialize in fertility law, so you can get all your legal questions answered. 

Contact Us 

For more information on surrogacy and how you can become a parent with Family Source Consultants, contact us today. We're here to help with any questions or concerns you may have. To get started, fill out a request for a no-cost consultation or give us a call.

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Staci Swiderski, CEO and owner of Family Source Consultants, has been a prominent leader in reproductive medicine for over two decades. Through her strategic vision and dedication, she has developed Family Source Consultants into a globally recognized agency specializing in comprehensive egg donation and gestational surrogacy services. Under Staci’s leadership, the agency has become a trusted partner for intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors worldwide, known for its rigorous standards, compassionate support, and commitment to excellence in third-party reproduction.

Her professional insight is uniquely informed by her own family-building experiences. As an intended parent, Staci welcomed her son via gestational surrogacy in 2005, and as a known egg donor, she assisted an infertile couple in expanding their family. These experiences lend a rare depth to her leadership and have fueled her ongoing dedication to ethical, empathetic, and professional support within the field of reproductive medicine.