Illinois Surrogacy Timeline: How Long Does the Process Take?
December 30, 2025 by Frank Golden
One of the most common questions women ask when considering surrogacy is simple: How long does this actually take? Understanding the Illinois surrogacy timeline helps you plan, prepare, and feel confident about your journey ahead!
The truth is, surrogacy isn’t a sprint. It’s a carefully paced journey with multiple steps designed to protect your health, safety, and well-being. Most surrogacy journeys in Illinois take between 14 and 18 months from application to delivery. Some journeys may be shorter, while others extend to 24 months depending on individual circumstances.
This guide walks you through each phase of the timeline. You’ll learn what happens at every stage, why each step matters, and what you can realistically expect. No surprises. No confusion. Just clear, honest information to help you decide if this path is right for you.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Illinois Surrogacy Timeline
- Application and Initial Screening Phase
- Medical and Psychological Screening
- Matching With Intended Parents
- Legal Contracts and Medical Preparation
- Embryo Transfer, Pregnancy, and Delivery
- Factors That Can Affect the Illinois Surrogacy Timeline
- What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Illinois Surrogacy Timeline
- Making an Informed Decision About the Surrogacy Timeline
Overview of the Illinois Surrogacy Timeline
Surrogacy is a journey, not a single event. It involves multiple phases that build on each other. Each step exists for good reasons, primarily to protect you and ensure the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
The typical Illinois surrogacy timeline spans 14 to 18 months from your initial application through delivery. This includes several distinct phases:
- Getting started and pre-screening
- Matching with Intended Parents
- In-person medical screening
- Legal contract finalization
- Embryo transfer
- Pregnancy and delivery
Why does it take this long? Because preparation matters! Rushing through surrogacy creates unnecessary risks. A thoughtful, well-paced process leads to healthier pregnancies, stronger relationships, and better experiences overall.
At Golden Surrogacy, founder Frank Golden leads our team with one guiding principle: every Surrogate is treated like family. That means we take the time to do things right, not just fast.
Application and Initial Screening Phase
Your surrogacy journey begins with a simple step: submitting your application! This phase typically takes two to four weeks.
During this time, you’ll share basic information about yourself, your health history, and your motivations for becoming a Surrogate. Our team reviews your application to confirm you meet the Illinois surrogate requirements and to understand your goals.
What happens during this phase:
- You complete an online application
- Our team reaches out to discuss your interest
- We answer your questions and explain what comes next
- Initial eligibility is confirmed
This phase is conversational and low-pressure. We want to learn about you, and we want you to learn about us! There’s no commitment required at this stage.
If you’re curious about the financial aspects, this is also a great time to explore surrogate compensation in Illinois so you understand what to expect.
Medical and Psychological Screening
Once you pass the initial screening, you’ll move into more detailed evaluations. This phase typically takes four to six weeks.
Medical screening involves working with a fertility clinic. You’ll complete blood work, a physical examination, and a review of your previous pregnancy and delivery history. Clinics follow guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) to ensure Surrogate safety.
Psychological screening assesses your emotional readiness for surrogacy. A licensed mental health professional will talk with you about your motivations, support system, and expectations. This isn’t about judging you. It’s about making sure you feel prepared and supported!
Important note: In-person screening must align with your menstrual cycle timing. This is standard practice at fertility clinics, so some flexibility in scheduling may be needed.
These Surrogate clinic screenings protect your health. They also give you valuable information about your own readiness. Many Surrogates find this phase reassuring because it confirms they’re in great shape for the journey ahead.
Matching With Intended Parents
Matching is often the most exciting part of the process! This phase typically takes one to two weeks, though it can vary based on your preferences.
During matching, your agency presents profiles of Intended Parents whose values and expectations align with yours. You’ll have the opportunity to communicate with potential matches through video calls or phone conversations.
What makes a good match?
- Shared communication preferences
- Compatible expectations about the pregnancy
- Mutual respect and comfort
- Alignment on important topics
You always have the right to decline a match that doesn’t feel right. This relationship will last throughout your pregnancy, so comfort and trust matter. Take the time you need to feel confident in your decision.
If you’d like to understand how Illinois protects Surrogates during this process, check out our guide to Illinois surrogacy laws.
Legal Contracts and Medical Preparation
After you’re matched, the legal process begins. This phase typically takes four to eight weeks.
Here’s a key point: Legal steps happen only after you receive medical clearance from the fertility clinic. This sequence protects everyone involved.
During this phase, you’ll work with your own independent attorney to review and finalize your surrogacy agreement. Illinois law requires that Surrogates have separate legal representation from Intended Parents. This ensures your rights and interests are fully protected.
Your contract covers important topics like:
- Compensation and expense reimbursement
- Medical decisions and communication
- Expectations during pregnancy
- Postpartum considerations
Once contracts are signed, you’ll begin medical preparation for the embryo transfer. This may include hormone medications to prepare your body. Your fertility clinic will guide you through every step.
The legal framework in Illinois is highly protective of Surrogates. Understanding these protections can give you peace of mind as you move forward.
Embryo Transfer, Pregnancy, and Delivery
This is the longest phase of your journey, lasting approximately 10 months from embryo transfer through delivery.
Embryo transfer is a quick, straightforward procedure. It typically takes less than an hour at the fertility clinic. Afterward, you’ll rest and wait for confirmation of pregnancy.
Once pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll begin regular prenatal care. The CDC recommends consistent prenatal visits throughout pregnancy to monitor your health and the baby’s development.
During pregnancy, you can expect:
- Regular check-ins with your dedicated Care Team
- Ongoing communication with your Intended Parents
- Support from Golden Surrogacy every step of the way
In the second trimester, birthrights and hospital coordination begin. This ensures everything is in place for a smooth delivery experience.
Your Agency Director remains available via phone, text, and email throughout your pregnancy. You’re never alone on this journey!
Factors That Can Affect the Illinois Surrogacy Timeline
Every surrogacy journey is unique. Several factors can influence how long your specific timeline takes.
Medical considerations: Sometimes additional testing or appointments are needed. Fertility clinic schedules also vary, which can affect timing.
Legal timing: Contract negotiations may take longer if there are complex situations to address. This is normal and ensures everyone’s interests are protected.
Matching preferences: If you have specific preferences for your Intended Parents, matching may take additional time. That’s okay! Finding the right match is worth waiting for.
Personal availability: Your schedule matters too. Work commitments, family obligations, and travel needs can all affect timing.
Cycle timing: As mentioned earlier, in-person screening must align with your menstrual cycle. This is a standard medical requirement.
The key takeaway? Timelines vary based on individual circumstances and clinic processes. Flexibility and patience lead to better outcomes.
What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
Throughout your journey, Golden Surrogacy provides consistent support and clear communication.
Communication cadence: You’ll hear from your Care Team regularly. During active phases like screening and transfer, communication is more frequent. During pregnancy, you’ll have scheduled check-ins plus access to support whenever you need it.
What we manage for you:
- Coordination with fertility clinics
- Communication facilitation with Intended Parents
- Appointment scheduling and reminders
- Expense reimbursement processing
- Ongoing emotional support
What you handle:
- Attending scheduled appointments
- Following medical protocols
- Communicating openly with your team
- Taking care of your health
Our dedicated Care Team supports Surrogates throughout every phase. You’ll never feel like just a number. Founder Frank Golden built this agency on the belief that Surrogates deserve guidance, respect, and genuine care.
To learn more about the surrogacy process, explore our comprehensive guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Illinois Surrogacy Timeline
How long does surrogacy usually take in Illinois?
Most surrogacy journeys in Illinois take between 14 and 18 months from application to delivery. Some journeys may be shorter or longer depending on individual circumstances, medical factors, and matching timelines.
Can the timeline be shorter or longer than expected?
Yes! Every journey is unique. Some Surrogates move through screening and matching quickly, while others take more time. Medical factors and clinic scheduling can also affect timing. The important thing is that each step is completed thoroughly.
What typically causes delays in the surrogacy timeline?
Common factors include clinic scheduling availability, medical testing requirements, contract negotiation complexity, and personal scheduling constraints. These delays are usually minor and help ensure a safe, successful journey.
Can Surrogates pause the process if needed?
Yes. Life happens, and we understand that! If you need to pause your journey for personal reasons, communicate openly with your team. We work with Surrogates to find solutions that respect your needs while keeping the process moving forward when you’re ready.
When does compensation begin?
Compensation details are outlined in your legal contract. Typically, certain payments begin after contracts are signed, with additional compensation distributed throughout pregnancy. Learn more about surrogate compensation in Illinois.
Making an Informed Decision About the Surrogacy Timeline
Understanding the Illinois surrogacy timeline empowers you to make a confident decision. You now know what to expect at each stage, why each step matters, and how long the journey typically takes.
Patience and preparation lead to the best outcomes. Surrogacy isn’t something to rush. It’s something to approach thoughtfully, with the right support behind you.
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate in Illinois, take your time. Ask questions. Learn everything you need to feel ready.
Golden Surrogacy is here whenever you’re ready to take the next step. We’d love to learn about you, answer your questions, and help you explore whether this path is right for your life. Reach out when you feel informed and ready. We’ll be here!
