We connect
amazing moms
with the best surrogacy agencies.
We'll help you find the right agency, and support you throughout your journey. 100% free.
surrogates found their extra perfect agency with help from Surrogacy Is…
agencies approved in our program (out of over 100 agency applicants)

Here's what to know about how we work for you...
We help you find the right agency
We will ONLY refer you to agencies who are looking for candidates just like you, so you don’t waste hours filling out long-form applications only to be turned away or ignored.
We smooth out your surrogacy journey
A referral from us means you’ve already been vetted, so your application will be moved to the front of the line, for a smooth and fast intake process.
We help you find fair surrogacy compensation
We help you review your surrogacy compensation and benefits package to make sure it’s fair and you are getting what you deserve for the generous gift you’re giving!
We help you avoid an unpleasant experience
We’ll help you avoid undesirable agencies who don’t have the best reputation or track record when it comes to advocating for the surrogate!
We’re with you every step of the journey
We provide free coaching to navigate the complex journey, through webinars, our online groups, and one-on-one calls whenever you need it!
And the best part is...
Our help will never cost you a thing.


Take our short 8-minute quiz!
We are true
surrogate advocates



What is a surrogate advocate?
We take being surrogate advocates very seriously. Being a surrogate advocate isn’t a gimmick. It’s not a side-hustle. It’s everything. Surrogates, in our eyes, are the most important piece of this equation.
A surrogate advocate is a person or group who’s sole purpose is to advocate for brave, amazing moms who decide to become surrogates.
Why do I need a surrogate advocate?
While most agencies say they “advocate” for the surrogate, do they really? In our experience, it’s mostly talk.
But if you think about it, it’s just human nature. Most agencies are intended parent focused, because that’s the ultimate client they’re designed to serve. And that’s okay! The purpose of a surrogacy agency is to help intended parents achieve their dream of having a baby, and we think that’s an absolutely noble purpose.
But far too often, the surrogate’s interests can come second to intended parents, so a true surrogate advocate helps balance that equation.
Are all surrogate advocates the same?
No, we don’t think so. If someone truly advocates for surrogates, the interests and experience of the surrogate will be their singular focus. Their organization should be structured in such a way where their sole motivation is to advocate for the surrogate.
A true surrogate advocacy group should not be owned by a surrogacy agency or umbrella company that owns surrogacy agencies.
Why is it important who owns a surrogate advocacy group?
Most surrogacy agencies have long lists of intended parents waiting to be matched with their perfect surrogate. If an advocacy group is owned by an agency, it would be difficult for them to truly encourage any surrogate who enters their process to consider all of her options when they really want her to work with their agency—regardless of whether that’s the best fit for her.
By remaining independent, we don’t have any motivations to show a surrogate candidate one agency over another. We simply allow every surrogate to have options and make fully informed decisions on what’s best for her!
Surrogacy stories from
Real-Life Supermoms
Scroll & click to view our real surrogate stories.
We understand
every surrogate is unique.


The journey of surrogacy is an amazing, life-changing experience.
Moms get to help another family get started while bringing herself the opportunity to do the things she’s always dreamed of for her own family.
Every single woman who volunteers to take on this journey to help another family become whole, does so with lots of different ideas, expectations, and motivations.
Whether you’ve seen first-hand the struggles of infertility for someone you love and care about, or you are simply exploring the idea out of curiousity, it’s important that you are informed about the process, the risks, and the rewards of helping someone else in such a tremendous way.
As much as intended parents have ideas about who they want their surrogate to be, and how they imagine her lifestyle and values while caring for their unborn child, surrogates also have expectations and hopes for the type of family they want to share this journey with. It’s our goal to connect amazing moms with the right surrogacy agencies to bring their dream to life, too.
We believe with all our hearts that surrogacy is family, sisterhood, strength. Surrogacy is… Love.
Kristina
Experienced Surrogate
There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.
Mandy Hale


A smooth journey requires
the right professionals.

A good surrogacy agency matches surrogates with hopeful people who want to have a baby. They thoroughly screen potential surrogates and parents and guide them through the entire process, including timely disbursement of funds to the surrogate, and providing support until a short while after delivery.
BUT, NOT ALL SURROGACY AGENCIES ARE CREATED EQUAL.
There are so many parties involved in the delicate emotional, legal and financial process and agency oversight is a must.
The right agency will make sure all medical bills are taken care of by the trust and escrow so that nothing remains on the surrogate’s shoulders after delivery.



We empower you to
choose your agency.

Unlike going directly to an agency, we allow you to make an educated decision on the agency you choose.
Once you choose an agency, they will be responsible for communicating between attorneys, doctors, psychologists and others to make sure everyone is in the loop at all times so you don’t have to balance all the details.
Many fly-by-night agencies, more focused on collecting their fees than they are on helping people, are competing for the same pool of potential surrogates.
Women who fall for their alluring ads and false promises of high compensation can end up having to fend for themselves after matching.

And that's where
we come in...

Our founders have been surrogates 2 and 3 times each, and have worked closely with dozens of agencies throughout their careers.
Our surrogate advocates, who are also experienced surrogates, know what it’s like to be in your position both as novice first time surrogates and with more experience.
We know what it’s like to pick an agency and wonder, “was that the right choice? Did I choose the right agency?”
Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know, so we’re here to help you choose from a list of vetted agencies who will consider what you want out of your surrogacy journey, too.
We’ve been called “Surrogacy Doulas”… we think that fits us well!




A referral from us SAVES you dozens of HOURS and potential heartache.

Our short quiz will make sure you meet the deal-breaker requirements for any reputable agency, and it will also tell us which agencies you will qualify for and which ones you won’t.
While the basic guidelines are the same across the board, every agency is looking for certain types of candidates to match with their intended parents, and some have stricter BMI or Lifestyle requirements than others.
Your time is valuable and so are YOU!
See if you qualify to be a surrogate!
Kelsey
Experienced Surrogate
So... what's it like
to be a surrogate?
We’re looking for unicorns like you
You may not realize it, but your body’s ability to create a healthy baby AND bring it into the world isn’t just amazing — it’s rare.
You may not have felt special as you struggled to see your feet and you stopped fitting into your bras, but we promise: you really are so, so freaking special.
And we need moms just like you to bring joy to a family in the making and to your family as well.
Take our short 8-minute quiz!
Are we the real deal?
Check out more stories on Insta!
Meet Our Founders...❤️
Sunshine Hanson
Founder, President, 3x Surrogate
Sunshine is fiercely independent, pragmatic and resourceful. As a teen mom, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Education from CSULB and went on to teach High School English, empowering students who needed to feel seen and heard by teaching them the art of written expression.
It was the example of a friend that inspired Sunshine to go out on a limb and try something as “crazy” as surrogacy and it absolutely changed her life for the better.
Sunshine has helped to bring four babies into the world, completing two families, across two continents, not including her own!
Now she is using her passion and experience to advocate for and support women in realizing their dreams of creating the most beautiful life they can for their families.
Casey Bojorquez
Founder, Vice President, 2x Surrogate
Everyone needs a mama, and at Surrogacy Is… that mama is Casey.
Casey Bojorquez is a big-hearted wife, mama, two-time surrogate, Co-Owner and Vice President of Surrogacy Is,. . . which really means she’s the go-to lady for anything and everything related to surrogate connection and community.
Casey joined forces with Sunshine and Kyle at the end of 2020 with the goal of providing a more comprehensive surrogate outreach and community focus to the company. Since the start of the partnership, she’s helped steer the direction of Surrogacy Is… to create a space where surrogates are truly advocated for and supported—every step of the way.
When Casey’s not making waves for surrogates, she can be found spending time with her family, at the beach or on another adventure finding a great hiking trail!
Kyle Hanson
Founder, CEO, CMO, Husband to 3x Surrogate
(that counts, right?)
Kyle is our OG surrogate-skeptic-turned-unashamed-cheerleader at Surrogacy Is…
He’s a dedicated father, husband, and ‘wizard behind-the-curtain’ of everything you see at Surrogacy Is. Motivated, logical, and hardworking, Kyle loves knowing how his team is making a difference every day.
As he’ll often share, he initially thought his wife, Sunshine, was crazy when she first said she wanted to be a surrogate. . . but after seeing the impact of surrogacy and the lives that were truly being changed, he was on board. And since then, has tirelessly helped build a company at advocates for the most integral part of surrogacy—the surrogates.
Kyle recently moved from San Diego to just outside of Savannah, Georgia with his incredible wife, Sunshine, their daughter, Jasmine, and their dogs, Dee Dee and Adora. When he’s not putting out fires, answering emails, or jumping on Zoom calls, he can be found trying to plan a “little party” or cruising the saltwater rivers of the Low Country. Despite now living in The South, he’s only said “y’all” once.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Sometimes, it takes a village to have a child.
Sara Walsh

Real Surrogates. Real Stories.
Kristina’s surrogacy story

Kids talk about surrogacy

Cheyenne’s surrogacy story

Morgan’s surrogacy story
Real Surrogates.
Real Stories.

Yamilet’s surrogacy story
Frequently
asked questions
Take our short 8-minute quiz now.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where a woman carries and delivers another person or couple's child. This pregnancy happens through in vitro fertilization (IVF), which means this woman does not have any biological connection to the baby.
The surrogate is the ‘gestational carrier;’ this means she is providing the womb to carry the embryo for the Intended Parents (IP’s).
In surrogacy, there are Intended Parents, agencies, and surrogates.
The Intended Parents (IP’s) are the individuals looking to build their family or bring a baby into the world. The agencies work directly with the IP’s, helping them find the right surrogate candidates, coordinating with attorneys, helping with logistics (insurance, psychologists, contracts, etc.) and supporting them in the decision-making process. This way the IP’s can focus on developing a relationship with the surrogate! And the surrogates are the incredible mamas who help make it all happen!
Is Surrogacy Is...❤️ an agency?
Not at all. We're Surrogate Advocates who support amazing moms in their surrogacy journeys. We help you choose from vetted, ethical surrogacy agencies who are motivated to do their best work for our candidates.
We're like your experienced surrogate best friend, who can guide you through this process... 100% free.
What are the requirements to become a surrogate?
We offer a quick (free!) quiz to help you see if you’d be a good candidate for surrogacy. Click here to take it now! |
There are several requirements for surrogates (in order to protect the health of both the surrogate and the baby). You can find them on our requirements page. Here are a few: - having at least one successful, full-term pregnancy - being within a recommended age range - having a ‘healthy’ BMI - free of tobacco and recreational drugs - having a strong support system To be honest, some of these requirements can be confusing (or, frankly, feel a bit limiting). So, once you take the quiz, if you have questions, feel free to reach out to us! We’d be happy to explain, provide clarity on your qualifications, or work with you on the next steps in your journey. |
Why can't I be a surrogate if my BMI is higher?
We put ‘healthy’ in quotes for a reason—because what’s considered ‘healthy’ is so different for each person! And, depending on a myriad of other factors, you may not need to fall exactly within this range.
However, a BMI between 18-32 is recommended because this is what is considered medically healthy for a surrogate undergoing IVF and other treatments along the journey.
A BMI that falls under the range may be too low for a safe pregnancy and delivery. It may also point to underlying health conditions for the surrogate. A higher BMI can impact the effectiveness of the IVF treatment, how your body responds to the medication, and ovarian function in general. A higher BMI can also lead to pregnancy and birth complications, too, which is why this requirement is set–not only for surrogates but at all fertility clinics.
In short, the BMI range is all about ensuring the healthiest pregnancy possible.
I qualified. What is my next step?
First of all congratulations! Only 4 out of 10 women who take the quiz meet all of the requirements, so it's super rare to have both the heart and the health history to qualify as a surrogate!
The next step after passing our 8-minute quiz is to schedule a Q&A with one of our awesome surrogate advocates. They’re experienced surrogates, too! They’ll walk you through the whole process, help to build your profile, determine your ideal compensation, and match you with the best agency out there specifically to match your unique wants, needs, and personality.
Can I be a surrogate if I had a tubal ligation?
Yes! You can become a surrogate if you’ve had tubal ligation.
Tubal ligation is a surgery that involves cutting and tying the fallopian tubes (which prevents an egg from entering the uterus or sperm from passing from the tube to the egg).
In surrogacy, pregnancy happens through IVF—where the fertilized egg/embryo is transferred directly to the uterus—which doesn’t involve the tubes at all! So, in short, you can still bring your IP’s baby into the world even after tubal ligation.
How do the payments work and how much are surrogates compensated?
- Typical compensation packages for surrogacy consist of a base compensation ranging from $45,000 – $75,000, based on several factors plus additional payments for milestones leading up to and throughout the pregnancy, such as medication start, embryo transfer, maternity clothing at second trimester, and more.
- All expenses are paid for the surrogate to meet with the parents’ IVF doctor for an in-person medical evaluation. If travel is required, those expenses are paid for as well as a per diem for meals and expenses.
- Compensation and Benefit Packages typically start once legal contracts are signed and a trust account is fully funded with the entire surrogate compensation and expenses.
- Surrogates receive their base compensation in monthly installments throughout the pregnancy.
Read more about surrogacy compensation: https://surrogacy.is/compensation/
Will my eggs be used?
No, your eggs won’t be used in the surrogacy process.
There are two types of surrogacy—traditional and gestational—and with gestational surrogacy (the type of surrogacy we focus on!), the IP’s eggs and sperm will be used.
So, in short, the surrogate will not be biologically related to the baby at all.
Why does my spouse/partner need a background check?
Although it might seem strange that your significant other needs a background check, this is a requirement in place to protect all aspects and all individuals in the surrogacy journey.
A background check (both for the surrogate and her spouse) helps to ensure the safety of the environment for surrogate and baby during pregnancy and birth.
(Don’t worry, the Intended parents undergo a background check too!)
Are there limits to how many live births or c-section I can have?
Yes, you can’t have more than 2 C-sections (or 3 with a clearance letter from your OB) or more than 6 live births
Do I need to be COVID vaccinated?
There are a few required vaccinations for surrogacy: TDAP, Varicella (chickenpox immunity), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). Others, for example flu and COVID are flexible.
Some IP’s may have specific requirements for their surrogate to ensure safety during pregnancy and delivery, or to match their lifestyle and values.
It’s best to first take our short quiz to see if you qualify as a surrogate candidate. When you take the quiz, you’ll be able to see and understand the basic requirements.
From there, we will connect with you to learn your goals, perspectives, and values—and connect you with an agency that honors your choices.
What are the age requirements for surrogates?
Must be between the ages 21 - 45
Every prospective surrogate must be at least 21 years old before she can be approved for surrogacy. This minimum age requirement is set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, based on what experts have identified as the best indicators of success for a gestational carrier.
But most importantly age restrictions exist only to protect the surrogate and the baby's health and give the best chance for successful outcomes!
Do I need to be a US citizen to become a surrogate?
To become a surrogate, you need to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Can I be a surrogate if I'm a single mother?
Yes! You absolutely can be a single mom and a surrogate. You just need to make sure you have a good support system. You might need emotional support or potentially someone to be with your kids while you are attending appointments or delivering your intended parents’ magical, miracle baby.
Will I be the one paying for medical expenses?
No. All medical expenses are covered by insurance or the intended parents/agency. All expenses are paid for the surrogate to meet with the parents’ IVF doctor for an in-person medical evaluation. If travel is required, those expenses are paid for as well as a per diem for meals and expenses.
Also, before surrogate pregnancy, typical benefits & compensation can include:
- Monthly non-accountable allowance starting at $250+ per month throughout the journey
- Mock Cycle Fee starting at $500+
- Medication Start Fee starting at $500+
- Signing and other bonuses starting at $1000+
- Embryo Transfer Fee starting at $1000+
- Health Insurance Monthly Premium (actual cost)
- Legal Counsel (actual cost)
What if the intended parents change their mind? Will I be stuck with the baby?
Parents that have decided to choose surrogacy have already been through a lot! The couples that I carried for had already fallen in love with the EMBRYOS before they transferred them to my uterus. They knew the sex of the future baby, and that they had all the normal chromosomes they should have. They knew for a decade before trying surrogacy that they would find a way to bring those embryos to life. And that’s the story of a lot of those couples. They have invested so much time, hope, tears, and resources to make it possible for their children to be born. They will never change their mind about it! But if they did (which they won’t!) there are fully enforceable legal contracts in place, as well as a fully funded trust account that has your entire compensation and medical expenses in it before you even begin IVF medications. The legal contract even has provisions in place for a next of kin, should anything happen to the parents before the baby is born, so there is someone ready and able to take them home and love them when they are born. When you get to the matching stage and hear the parent’s stories, you will see. Intended parents love their children just as much as we love our own.
How does gestational surrogacy work?
A gestational surrogate becomes pregnant via IVF. The embryo is created in a lab, where the intended mother or donor egg is fertilized with the intended father or donor’s sperm. The embryo is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. With this method, the surrogate is not related to the baby. The majority of surrogacy arrangements are gestational these days.
Won't I get attached to the baby?
At first glance, it would seem obvious that a surrogate would get attached to the child, right?!
But as a surrogate, you go into the process with eyes wide open to the fact that the child you are caring for is not your own.There is not that sense of yearning you have when you’re carrying your own child, wondering if it will have your eyes or your husband’s nose. You are not choosing the baby’s name. You’re not imagining all of the big moments the way you do with your own sweet babies!
You go into the pregnancy in a very non-romantic, science-based way, and you know that this kid’s parents loved her before she was ever conceived, and fought so hard to make her life a reality.
In fact, you probably will feel more attached to the intended parents, and not the baby.
Do I need to be close to you or my agency?
Nope! We partner with agencies all over the US, who work with surrogates, intended parents, and hospitals all over the US.
If you prefer a local match or less travel, we will help you find agency options that meet your needs, but geography won't hurt your ability to
Does it take a long time to get matched?
Once we review your agency options with you and you choose your ideal agency, you'll complete their intake process until you're cleared to match. There are a lot more intended parents than surrogates, so matching is usually fairly quick for surrogates. From the time you complete the intake process to match, it takes about 30 days on average.
Do I get to choose the Intended Parents I help?
💯 you do! We work hard to find you the right agency who has the type of intended parents you want to help. We have a great relationship with our agencies, and they know how important it is to us that they find you the intended parents you're hoping for!
Are all surrogate advocates the same?
While there are very few companies who call themselves surrogate advocates, we're definitely not all the same. For example, Surrogacy Is...❤️ is founded and privately owned by experienced surrogates whose singular focus is to advocate for other women entering this process, in the way we wish we'd had when we were starting out.
At Surrogacy is... being a surrogate advocate is not a "gimmick" or a sales pitch. It is in the DNA of each member of our organization, and our sole purpose for existing.
While there are others out there who call themselves "surrogate advocates" most are owned or funded by agencies whose interest is to recruit surrogates into their program, whether or not it's the right and best fit for each surrogate.
Take our short 8-minute quiz now.
Surrogacy is an amazing option for couples looking to build their family! Just like Kim shares, science has changed SO MUCH, and now having a gestational carrier bring your baby into the world isn`t just an idea. . . it`s a possibility!
And as a surrogate, YOU are the one making this miracle happen!
Ready to start your journey? Head to our website!
#surrogacyis
#surrogacyislove
#becomeasurrogate ...
Hey, Mama 💚 Here`s a little St. Patrick`s Day reminder that you are so deeply loved! As a surrogate, you are the ultimate babysitter, family-creator, and miracle-maker.
You are someone`s lucky charm. 🍀🍀
#HappyStPatricksDay #surrogacyis ...
Yes, if you`re wanting to become a surrogate, there are limits on live births & c-sections. Here`s why: Because as a surro, you`re bringing a baby into the world — and it`s important that you bring that baby safely!
A limit on live births & c-sections helps to lessen birth complications & leads to a happy, healthy, and safe delivery for baby—and for YOU!
Questions about this requirement (or others)?
Start here! — surrogacy.is/requirements
#surrogacyis
#becomeasurrogate ...
Our goal at Surrogacy Is. . . ❤️, is to make magic happen for surrogates! ✨
Just like La`Phadra shares in this clip, we work directly with incredible and high-quality agencies. And we match these agencies intentionally with the surrogates we work with!
We pride ourselves on ensuring that each surrogate has an informative, positive, and empowering agency match—and overall journey!
Ready to start your own #surrogacystory?
Let`s get in touch!
#surrogacyis
#surrogacyislove
#becomeasurrogate ...
Self-Care Reminders for Surrogates or Surrogates-To-Be ✨
→ Taking care of yourself can (and should!) come be prioritized, especially if you`re someone who`s always taking care of others.
→ One of the best things you can teach your children is how to show up for themselves by modeling how you love, advocate, and show up for yourself.
→ You`ll have bad days (and that`s okay!)
→ Putting your needs first doesn`t make you selfish, it makes you HUMAN.
#selfcare #selfcarereminders #surrogacyis ...
There`s a misconception around surrogacy and children, specifically that they won`t understand what`s happening or won`t feel comfortable with their parent becoming a surrogate. While surrogacy can be confusing, the misconception that children are not capable of understanding and accepting is just not true!
As Myka so perfectly shares in this clip, children are understanding, compassionate, and far smarter than we think!
If you`re nervous about talking to your child(ren) about surrogacy, the most important thing to do is be honest & open the conversation early.
Chances are, your kids will be on board. . . and excited for how they can be involved in the journey, too!
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#surrogacyis #surrogacyislove
#surrogacytruths #surrogacyandfamily
#surrogacyandchildren ...
“Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is the purest joy that anyone can experience.”
-Constance Zimmer ...
If someone tells you to go on an independent surrogacy journey. . . run!
But seriously, an independent surrogacy journey is not something I would choose to do. Why? Because there’s something to be said for working with a reputable agency and advocacy team that has your back every step of the way! While an independent journey can be great. . . there are just so many things that can go wrong!
When you’re working with a reputable agency, they will protect BOTH sides—the surrogate and the Intended Parents—and they will handle the paperwork, tough conversations, difficult questions, and everything else you may face. Your agency will also make sure that everything is 100% legal (which, let’s be honest, is SUPER important when you’re bringing a life into the world!)
Here’s the TLDR: While an independent surrogacy journey is an available option, as a surrogate, you are doing so much already! And to give yourself so much extra work and stress just doesn’t seem right.
PS: Surrogacy Is. . . ❤️ only works with agencies (and reputable ones!). Unfortunately, we don’t provide advocacy for independent journeys, so it’s another downside of going independent.
Questions? As a three-time surro, I’d love to answer them.
Let’s chat! DM me anytime!
#surrogacyis #pov #surrogacystory
#independentsurrogacyjourney ...
Yes, it`s true. In order for you to become a surrogate, your spouse or partner will need to get a background check. Here`s why:
There`s so much to the journey of surrogacy, for both the surrogate and the IP`s (Intended Parents), as far as safety, comfort, and security. IP`s are trusting you with one of the most important decision in their lives—starting a family!—and your partner will be directly involved in that process as a caregiver, confidant, and support system (physically, mentally, and financially). This is why it`s important for both you AND your spouse to be the right fit for this journey.
Questions? Just ask!
Or check out this page → surrogacy.is/requirements
#surrogacyis #becomeasurrogate
#surrogaterequirements #surrogacyislove ...