Know What to Expect at Each Step

Golden Surrogacy guides every Surrogate through a carefully managed process designed to feel clear, supportive, and easy to follow. Below, we outline the major steps of the Surrogacy Journey so you know what to expect from application through pregnancy.

Every journey is unique, but this timeline provides a helpful overview of the typical process, how long each stage may take, and how Golden supports you along the way.

It is also important to know that you do not need to live in Illinois or near our office to become a Surrogate with Golden. If you are wondering whether the agency itself needs to be close to you, read our guide on why a surrogacy agency does not need to be local.

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Take the next step to become a Surrogate with Golden Surrogacy.

 

  • Getting Started

     

    1-2 weeks

    Your journey begins with an application and an initial consultation with our Surrogate Intake Specialist. This is your chance to ask questions, review the process, and better understand Golden’s requirements, timeline, and unique approach to support and matching.

    If you decide to move forward, Golden will conduct a detailed intake interview so you can share your preferences, background, and goals. Our team will also send the agency documents needed to begin the process.

    If you are still deciding whether surrogacy may be a good fit, read What Makes a Good Surrogate? Qualities Agencies Look For for a broader look at the personal, practical, and emotional traits agencies value beyond the basic checklist.

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  • Pre-Screening

     

    30-90 Days

    During pre-screening, Golden collects records from your previous pregnancies and deliveries while coordinating the steps needed to review your overall eligibility. You will also be asked to complete a physical exam, updated PAP, and basic infectious disease testing, along with any other required medical clearances.

    At the same time, Golden initiates your background check, helps schedule your in-person psychological assessment and home visit, and reviews any applicable insurance coverage.

  • Matching

     

    1-2 weeks

    Once Golden identifies a potential match, profiles are exchanged and your dedicated care team helps facilitate a matching conference call. Both parties must agree to move forward together before the match becomes official.

    After matching is finalized, Golden notifies the fertility clinic and begins coordinating your in-person screening with the Reproductive Endocrinologist.

  • In-Person Screening

     

    4-8 weeks

    The Reproductive Endocrinologist will examine your reproductive organs in person before granting final medical clearance. Additional FDA-required infectious disease and drug testing is also completed during this stage.

    Because this appointment often needs to align with a specific point in your menstrual cycle, scheduling and completion typically take several weeks after matching.

  • Legal

     

    4-8 weeks

    Once you have official medical clearance, the legal process can begin. Golden will refer you to an Assisted Reproductive Technology attorney licensed in the state where delivery will take place to represent your interests in the agreement with the Intended Parent(s).

  • Embryo Transfer

     

    15-30 days

    After contracts are finalized, your fertility clinic will begin preparing you for transfer with a prescribed medication protocol. Golden helps coordinate communication, scheduling, and any required travel arrangements as you move toward embryo transfer.

    Once the transfer takes place, your clinic will monitor the early outcome of the cycle and guide the next steps.

  • Pregnancy!

     

    9 months

    Once pregnancy is confirmed, your dedicated care team continues to support both you and the Intended Parent(s) throughout the journey. Golden stays closely involved with communication, coordination, and ongoing support to help create a harmonious and well-managed experience.

    During the second trimester, Golden begins coordinating the legal birth-order process and works with the delivery hospital so everyone is prepared well before birth.