Surrogate Mothers: Partners in Parenthood

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who will my surrogate mother be?

  Your surrogate mother will be a carefully selected and screened woman who meets strict medical, psychological, and lifestyle criteria. She will carry and deliver your baby, playing an essential role in helping you achieve parenthood.

• What are the qualifications that my surrogate mother met to be considered?

  Your surrogate mother must meet strict eligibility criteria, including:

  • Between the ages of 18–36 (age limits may vary by country).
  • Have at least one healthy child and an uncomplicated pregnancy history.
  • Be in good physical and mental health.
  • Must lead a healthy lifestyle, free from smoking, alcohol, or drug abuse.
  • Passed medical and psychological evaluations.

  For more information, please see: Eligibility Criteria for Surrogate Mothers

• How are surrogate mothers selected?

  Surrogate mothers are rigorously screened by our partner clinics. This includes:

  • Medical evaluations to ensure they are physically fit for pregnancy.
  • Psychological assessments to confirm emotional readiness for pregnancy.
  • Background checks to verify a safe and healthy lifestyle.

• How will I choose my surrogate?

  The selection process starts with Vireo presenting you with profiles of surrogate mothers who meet your preferences. You can review their details, ask questions, and even meet the surrogate (virtually or in person) to ensure a good match. Once you approve, the match is finalized, and legal agreements are drawn up.

• Do I get to choose who my surrogate mother is?

  Yes, your preference is the heart of the selection process, and you have the option to choose the surrogate mother to carry your child. Vireo provides detailed profiles of surrogate mothers, including their medical history and personal background. This ensures you feel confident and comfortable with your choice.

• Is there an age limit for surrogate mothers?

  Yes, surrogate mothers are typically required to be within a specific age range, usually between 18 to 40 years old. The exact range may vary depending on the destination country.

• How long is the selection process?

  Matching timelines vary depending on your preferences and surrogate availability. On average, the matching process typically takes a few weeks to a few months. Vireo ensures careful consideration for every match to create a positive experience.

• Can we meet our surrogate mother before the process begins?

  Yes, you can meet your surrogate before the process starts. Vireo facilitates these meetings—either virtually or in person— helping build trust, establish expectations, and ensure compatibility for a smooth and collaborative journey.

• Can we communicate with the surrogate mother during the pregnancy?

  Yes, if both parties agree, you can communicate with your surrogate mother throughout the pregnancy. This helps build trust and ensures you're updated on the baby’s progress. Communication methods are discussed and agreed upon during the matching process.

• Can intended parents attend the baby’s birth?

  Yes, in most cases, intended parents can attend the birth of their baby. This depends on hospital policies and agreements made with the surrogate during the process.

• What happens after my baby is born?

  The surrogate hands over the baby to the intended parents immediately after birth, as agreed upon in the surrogacy contract, and we assist with the legal documentation process.

• Can a surrogate mother decide to keep the baby?

  No, surrogate mothers do not have legal rights to the baby. Gestational surrogacy agreements include contracts that establish intended parents as the legal parents. This ensures that the surrogate mother cannot claim parental rights after the birth.

• What legal protections ensure the surrogate cannot keep the baby?

  Gestational surrogacy agreements are legally binding and establish intended parents as the child’s legal parents. The surrogate mother has no parental rights, ensuring a clear transfer of parental responsibilities after birth.

• What happens if there are medical complications during the pregnancy?

  If medical complications arise, surrogate mothers receive immediate care and support from trusted medical professionals. Surrogacy agreements often include provisions to cover medical expenses and ensure the surrogate’s well-being throughout the pregnancy.

• What happens if the surrogate is unable to complete the pregnancy?

  In the rare event that a surrogate cannot complete the pregnancy, Vireo has protocols in place to support both the surrogate and the intended parents. This may include finding an alternative surrogate or adjusting the timeline for the journey.

• Can a surrogate mother decide to work with the same intended parents again?

  Yes, if both the surrogate and the intended parents agree, they can work together for another surrogacy journey. Many surrogates choose to help the same family grow if the initial experience was positive.