You know that feeling when you see a family struggling to have a baby, and you think, “I wish I could help them”? With surrogacy, you can make that wish a reality.
The questions you’re asking yourself right now are the same ones we hear from women every day: Do I qualify? What would this mean for my family? How do I even begin? These are all the right questions to ask when exploring such an important decision.
This guide will walk you through becoming a surrogate in Texas, including the legal landscape and compensation. Ready to explore whether this life-changing path might be right for you? Learn more below, or fill out our form to speak with a surrogacy professional.
Ready to Become a Surrogate in Texas? Here’s What You Should Know
Let’s clear up something important: When people talk about surrogacy in Texas, they’re referring to gestational surrogacy. This means you’d carry an embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material. There’s no genetic connection between you and the baby.
Here’s the truth: Becoming a gestational carrier in Texas is one of the most generous decisions you could make. The path ahead involves medical procedures, legal agreements and more, but it also offers the chance to give someone the greatest gift imaginable.
The Surrogate Process in Texas: Step-by-Step Breakdown
Each step of the journey has its own timeline, requirements and considerations. Most women tell us that having a clear roadmap helps them feel more confident about moving forward.
Here’s how the surrogate process in Texas unfolds:
- Step 1: Application Phase. You’ll complete detailed health and lifestyle questionnaires, provide medical records and talk with agency staff.
- Step 2: Medical Screening. This step involves comprehensive fertility testing, physical exams and psychological evaluations to ensure you’re prepared for the journey ahead. It sounds intense, but it’s designed to protect you.
- Step 3: Matching. You can review profiles of intended parents to see whose values, communication style and vision for the pregnancy align with yours.
- Step 4: Legal Process. You’ll work with attorneys (yours and the intended parents’) to create contracts that protect everyone involved and clearly outline expectations, responsibilities and compensation.
- Step 5: Medical Procedures. You will prepare your body for embryo transfer through medications and monitoring, followed by the transfer procedure itself. Your medical team will guide you through every step.
- Step 6: Pregnancy Journey. Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll receive regular medical care and maintain contact with the intended parents. You’ll also have support from your agency through the entire process.
- Step 7: Birth and Beyond. You’ll deliver the baby to their parents and receive post-birth support as you recover and transition back to your regular routine.
Surrogacy Laws in Texas: Explained
You might be wondering, “Is surrogacy even legal in Texas?” The answer is yes. Texas law recognizes gestational surrogacy agreements and allows intended parents to be listed directly on the birth certificate. The state also permits reasonable compensation for surrogates, meaning you can be fairly paid for your time, effort and the physical demands of pregnancy.
These favorable legal conditions mean you’ll have clearer protections and more straightforward processes compared to other states. However, you’ll still want to work with an experienced agency and attorney who understands Texas surrogacy law.
Surrogate Mother Requirements in Texas: Do You Qualify?
While surrogate requirement in Texas can vary between agencies, here are the general qualifications you’ll need to meet:
- Health and Age: You’ll typically need to be between 21 and 45 years old, with a healthy BMI and no significant medical conditions that could complicate pregnancy.
- Pregnancy History: You need to have had at least one successful, uncomplicated pregnancy and be currently raising at least one child.
- Lifestyle Factors: You’ll need to be a non-smoker with minimal alcohol consumption and have a stable living situation.
- Emotional Readiness: You need a clear understanding of what surrogacy involves and strong support from family and friends.
- Financial Stability: While compensation can certainly help your family financially, agencies want to ensure you’re not finally dependent on it.
The screening process exists to protect both you and the intended parents, ensuring everyone enters the arrangement with realistic expectations and the best possible chance for a positive experience.
Surrogate Compensation in Texas: What You Can Expect to Earn
So, how much do surrogates make in Texas? You can typically expect to earn $35,000 to $85,000 or more. The exact amount depends on factors like your experience level, the agency you work with and any unique circumstances. For instance, first-time surrogates typically earn less than those with previous surrogacy experience.
Your total package usually includes:
- Base compensation paid in monthly installments throughout pregnancy
- Monthly allowances for expenses like maternity clothes and other pregnancy-related costs
- Medical coverage for all pregnancy and birth-related expenses
- Additional compensation for procedures like C-sections or carrying multiples
Here’s what’s important to remember: This compensation is meant to acknowledge the significant time, physical demands and lifestyle adjustments you’re making. You deserve fair payment for this extraordinary commitment, and reputable agencies ensure your compensation package reflects the true value of what you’re providing.
Surrogacy Journey Options: Agency-Supported vs. Independent
While some women choose independent arrangements, most find that agency support makes the process smoother, safer and way less stressful.
Here’s why a Texas surrogate program through an established agency is usually your best bet:
- Comprehensive Support: You’ll have professional guidance every step of the way.
- Legal Protection: Agencies work with experienced attorneys who understand surrogacy law and can protect your interests.
- Medical Coordination: They handle the complex logistics of medical appointments, procedures and coordination between multiple healthcare providers.
- Matching Services: Professional matching increases the likelihood of finding intended parents who share your values and communication preferences.
- Financial Security: Agencies typically manage all financial aspects, ensuring timely payments and handling expense reimbursements.
The peace of mind that comes with surrogate agencies in Texas can be invaluable during this journey. You don’t have to figure out the surrogacy process alone — and honestly, you shouldn’t have to.
Emotional Considerations for Texas Surrogates
Beyond the medical and legal aspects, there’s an important emotional dimension to surrogacy that we need to talk about.
Many surrogates describe feeling a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment from helping create families. You might develop meaningful relationships with the intended parents and feel incredibly proud of your role in their story. At the same time, pregnancy brings hormonal changes and emotional ups and downs that affect everyone differently.
Here’s what we’d encourage you to consider: How does your family feel about your decision? Your partner and children will be part of this journey, too. Their support can make a significant difference in your experience. It’s also worth thinking about your motivations. Understanding what’s driving your interest can help you make the best decision for your situation.
Surrogacy in Texas FAQ
How Long Does the Process Take?
From application to birth, most surrogacy journeys take 14 to 20 months.
What if I Don’t Get Pregnant on the First Transfer?
Most contracts account for multiple transfer attempts, and you’re typically compensated for your time regardless of the outcome.
What Happens if There Are Complications?
All medical expenses are covered, and you’ll have support from both medical professionals and your agency throughout any challenges.
Taking the First Step
If you’re ready to become a gestational carrier in Texas, your next step is connecting with a reputable surrogacy agency. They can answer any questions you have after reading this Texas surrogacy guide and guide you toward the application.
Get in touch with a surrogacy specialist today to explore whether surrogacy might be the right path for you.