Finding the right surrogate mother is the most important decision you'll make on your parenting journey. At New Grace, we've refined our matching process over 10+ years to ensure safety, transparency, and compatibility for both intended parents and gestational carriers.
Whether you're just starting your research or you're ready to begin the matching process, this guide walks you through every step of our proven 10-step process.
We coordinate your entire journey — from matching to embryo transfer to delivery — working with top fertility clinics, psychologists, and reproductive attorneys.
If your surrogate is unable to proceed due to medical reasons or failed embryo transfers, we provide a rematch at no additional agency fee.
Every surrogate undergoes medical record review and background screening before being approved for matching.
Here's exactly what to expect when you start your journey with New Grace Fertility.
Get the information you need to make the right decision. During your consultation, you'll learn about the entire surrogacy process, costs, legal considerations, and what to expect. Consultations are available in-person at our Irvine office or via video conference. Language support is available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
We'll have you complete a detailed profile so we can understand your expectations, preferences, and requirements for a surrogate. This includes your family-building goals, communication preferences, desired level of contact during pregnancy, and any specific criteria. This allows us to present only surrogate profiles that are a genuine match for your family.
Both the intended parents and the gestational carrier have the opportunity to review each other's profiles. A surrogate profile includes her medical history, prior pregnancy outcomes, lifestyle information, motivations for becoming a surrogate, and personal preferences. This step allows both parties to get acquainted and assess compatibility before moving forward.
Once both parties express interest and the medical records are approved, a match meeting is scheduled. This can be conducted via video call or in person. The meeting provides an opportunity for the intended parents and gestational carrier to connect on a personal level, discuss expectations around communication, birth plan preferences, and any other relevant topics. Both parties must feel 100% comfortable before moving forward.
Once you've decided on a match, all you need to do to get started is complete our agency agreement and return it along with a small initial deposit. That's it! You won't pay or sign anything with our agency until you and your surrogate are 100% comfortable moving forward. We believe in full transparency — no hidden fees, no surprises.
The gestational carrier undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to confirm her suitability for pregnancy. This includes a review of prior OB/GYN records, delivery notes, and potentially additional fertility testing. Your reproductive endocrinologist must approve the surrogate's medical records before a match can be confirmed.
The gestational carrier undergoes comprehensive medical and psychological screening at your chosen fertility clinic. This includes blood tests, hormone level assessment, uterine evaluation, STD screening, and a full psychological evaluation. Drug testing is required for both the carrier and their spouse/partner. This ensures everyone's safety and readiness.
Independent legal representation is required for both parties. Your attorney drafts the surrogacy contract covering compensation, medical decisions, communication expectations, and birth plan. Once both parties sign, we move to the final medical phase. New Grace Fertility coordinates all legal timelines.
After your surrogate clears medical and psychological screening and legal contracts are finalized, the clinic creates your surrogate's transfer calendar. This details which medications she'll take, when, and at what dosage. We ensure your surrogate follows the calendar precisely. She'll be monitored throughout the process to confirm she's responding well to medications. If the blood test is positive, she remains with the fertility clinic for her first 3 obstetric ultrasounds.
At around 10–12 weeks of pregnancy, your surrogate will be released to her personal obstetrician. From there, she'll attend monthly doctor appointments. We assist with travel arrangements so you can be present at delivery. During this time, the Pre-Birth Order is completed — a critical court document establishing you as the legal parent. We provide support throughout the pregnancy, parentage process, delivery, and beyond.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today. Available in English, Mandarin & Cantonese.
Request Free Consultation →Answers to the most common questions about how to find a surrogate mother, the matching process, requirements, and more — updated for 2026.
The most reliable way to find a surrogate mother is through a licensed, experienced surrogacy agency like New Grace Fertility. We maintain a database of pre-screened surrogates who have already completed medical and psychological evaluations. The process starts with a free consultation, followed by profile reviews, matching meetings, and contract signing. Working with an agency ensures legal compliance, proper screening, and ongoing support throughout the journey. Contact us to start →
Match timing varies depending on your specific preferences and the surrogate's criteria. On average, intended parents match within 2–4 months of completing their intake profile at New Grace Fertility. Factors that affect timing include: whether you're open to a first-time or experienced surrogate, your location preferences, and your communication preferences during pregnancy. We provide timeline estimates during your free consultation.
Surrogates at New Grace Fertility must meet these minimum requirements: age 21–39, prior full-term pregnancy with a healthy delivery, BMI between 18–31, U.S. citizen or legal resident, non-smoker and drug-free, and a stable home environment. All surrogates also undergo medical record review, psychological evaluation, and background screening before being approved for matching.
Yes. During your intake process, you'll complete a profile specifying your preferences for surrogate characteristics including age range, prior surrogacy experience, location, lifestyle factors, and communication preferences. While we cannot guarantee specific physical characteristics, we do our best to match you with a surrogate whose values and preferences align with your family's needs.
Yes. The law requires that both intended parents and the surrogate have independent legal representation. This means you and your surrogate each have your own attorney reviewing the surrogacy contract. New Grace Fertility works with experienced reproductive attorneys and can refer you to qualified counsel. Legal fees typically range from $6,000–$8,000 for intended parents.
New Grace Fertility provides a rematch guarantee: if your surrogate is deemed unable to proceed by your reproductive endocrinologist due to medical reasons, or if three embryo transfer attempts fail to achieve pregnancy, we will rematch you with a new surrogate at no additional agency fee. This gives intended parents peace of mind and financial protection as they embark on this journey.
Absolutely. New Grace Fertility serves families from around the world, with particular expertise helping families from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. We assist with travel planning, document preparation for international birth certificate and passport applications, and provide bilingual support throughout. Surrogacy-friendly state laws make it an ideal choice for international intended parents.
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