Oregon Surrogacy Timeline: How Long Does the Process Take?
December 3, 2024 by Frank Golden
One of the first questions women ask when considering surrogacy is simple: How long does this actually take? It’s a great question! Understanding the Oregon surrogacy timeline helps you plan your life, prepare your family, and move forward with confidence.
The truth is, surrogacy is a journey with many stages. From your first application to postpartum recovery, you can generally expect the process to take anywhere from 14 to 18 months. Sometimes it’s shorter, sometimes longer. Every journey is unique!
Oregon’s supportive surrogacy laws and experienced fertility clinics help keep things moving smoothly. But the timeline also depends on factors like clinic scheduling, matching, and your own readiness. Let’s walk through each stage so you know exactly what to expect.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Oregon Surrogacy Timeline
- Getting Started: Application and Initial Screening
- Pre-Screening: Medical and Psychological Evaluations
- Matching With Intended Parents
- In-Person Screening at the Fertility Clinic
- Legal Contracts and Coordination in Oregon
- Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer
- Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period
- Factors That Can Affect the Oregon Surrogacy Timeline
- What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Oregon Surrogacy Timeline
- Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence
Overview of the Oregon Surrogacy Timeline
The complete Oregon surrogacy timeline typically spans 14 to 18 months from start to finish. This includes everything from your initial application through pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Why does it take this long? Because surrogacy involves careful coordination between you, the agency, fertility clinics, legal professionals, and Intended Parents. Each step exists to protect your health, your rights, and the success of the journey.
At Golden Surrogacy, founder Frank Golden leads the team personally. He guides every Surrogate like family. That means you’re never just a number in the process!
Getting Started: Application and Initial Screening
Your journey begins with a simple application. This is where you share basic information about yourself, your health history, and your motivation to become a Surrogate.
Once submitted, the Golden Surrogacy team reviews your application. You’ll have an initial conversation to learn more about the process and ask any questions. This phase typically takes one to two weeks.
During this time, you’ll also receive educational materials about gestational surrogacy. There’s no pressure here! It’s all about making sure this path feels right for you. You can learn more about what’s involved on our surrogacy timeline page and by watching our surrogate intake process video.
Pre-Screening: Medical and Psychological Evaluations
Once you move forward, the pre-screening phase begins. This includes gathering your medical records, completing background checks, and preparing for psychological evaluation.
The psychological screening isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s a supportive conversation with a licensed professional who specializes in surrogacy. They want to ensure you feel emotionally prepared and have a solid support system at home.
This phase can take 30 to 90 days depending on how quickly records are gathered. Meeting the Oregon Surrogate requirements is an important part of this stage!
Matching With Intended Parents
Matching is one of the most exciting parts of the journey! This is when you’re connected with Intended Parents who share similar values and expectations.
At Golden Surrogacy, matching is never rushed. The goal is to find a connection that feels comfortable and respectful. You’ll have the opportunity to review profiles and participate in an introductory call or video chat.
Matching timelines vary. Some Surrogates match within a few weeks, while others may take a couple of months. It all depends on finding the right fit!
In-Person Screening at the Fertility Clinic
After matching, you’ll travel to the fertility clinic for in-person medical screening. This is a thorough evaluation to confirm you’re physically ready for pregnancy.
Here’s something important to know: In-person screening must align with your menstrual cycle timing. The clinic will coordinate with you to schedule this appointment at the right point in your cycle.
The clinic will perform bloodwork, ultrasounds, and other evaluations. This step typically takes one to two days at the clinic, though scheduling may take a few weeks to coordinate. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine provides helpful resources on what these screenings involve.
Legal Contracts and Coordination in Oregon
The legal process begins only after you receive medical clearance from the fertility clinic. This protects everyone by ensuring all health screenings are complete before finalizing agreements.
In Oregon, a written surrogacy agreement is required. You’ll have independent legal counsel paid for by the Intended Parents. Your attorney will review every detail of the contract with you, including compensation, responsibilities, and expectations.
This phase usually takes two to four weeks. Your Program Manager is available via phone, text, and email throughout this process to answer questions!
Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer
Once contracts are signed, you’ll begin medical preparation for embryo transfer. This involves taking medications to prepare your uterine lining for pregnancy.
The clinic will monitor you through bloodwork and ultrasounds. When your body is ready, you’ll travel to the clinic for the embryo transfer procedure. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward process!
After transfer, you’ll have a waiting period of about 10 to 14 days before your first pregnancy test. This can feel like the longest two weeks of your life, but your dedicated Care Team supports you throughout!
Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period
Congratulations! Once pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll enter the most rewarding phase of your journey. A gestational pregnancy follows the typical 40-week timeline.
During your second trimester, birthrights and hospital coordination commence. This means working with your agency and legal team to ensure everything is in place for delivery.
Golden Surrogacy provides ongoing support throughout pregnancy. Your Care Team checks in regularly, and you’ll have resources for any questions or concerns. After delivery, you’ll have a postpartum recovery period before your journey is officially complete.
Factors That Can Affect the Oregon Surrogacy Timeline
Every surrogacy journey is different! Several factors can influence your personal timeline:
Clinic scheduling: Fertility clinics have busy calendars. Appointment availability can affect timing.
Matching timeline: Finding the right Intended Parents takes different amounts of time for everyone.
Legal review: Contract negotiations may take longer if there are complex considerations.
Your readiness: Your own schedule, health, and personal circumstances play a role too.
Cycle coordination: Medical procedures must align with your menstrual cycle.
The good news? Working with an experienced agency helps streamline the process and minimize delays!
What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
Throughout your journey, communication is key. Here’s what Golden Surrogacy manages for you:
- Coordinating with fertility clinics and legal professionals
- Scheduling appointments and travel arrangements
- Managing escrow and compensation disbursements
- Providing emotional support and resources
Your responsibilities include attending appointments, following medical protocols, and communicating openly with your team. The agency handles the logistics so you can focus on what matters most!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oregon Surrogacy Timeline
How long does surrogacy usually take in Oregon?
Most journeys take 12 to 18 months from application to postpartum recovery. Timelines vary based on individual circumstances.
Can timelines be shorter or longer?
Yes! Some journeys move faster, while others take more time. Matching speed, clinic availability, and personal factors all play a role.
What causes delays?
Common reasons include clinic scheduling, extended matching periods, cycle coordination, and legal review timelines.
Can Surrogates pause the process?
Absolutely. Life happens! If you need to pause for personal reasons, communicate with your agency. Your timeline can be adjusted.
Do I need to live in Oregon to be a Surrogate there?
Not necessarily. Oregon’s laws are friendly to both in-state and out-of-state Surrogates. Your agency can help determine the best path for you.
Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence
Understanding the Oregon surrogacy timeline empowers you to make informed decisions. You now know what each stage involves and why the process takes time.
Remember, every step exists to protect you. The screenings, legal agreements, and careful coordination ensure your health, rights, and well-being come first.
When you’re ready to learn more, Golden Surrogacy is here. Explore whether becoming a Surrogate is right for you. Take the next step at your own pace, with all the information you need to move forward confidently!
