FAQ's

Yes, intended parents can often use their own fertility doctor for the initial IVF process, including egg retrieval and embryo creation. However, the surrogate’s medical care and embryo transfer typically take place at a fertility clinic that meets legal and medical requirements for surrogacy. Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) works closely with leading fertility specialists to ensure a seamless process while accommodating your preferences whenever possible.

Yes, intended parents may have the opportunity to meet their egg donor, depending on the level of openness agreed upon. At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we offer anonymous, semi-known, and known egg donation options, allowing flexibility based on legal guidelines and personal preferences. While many egg donors choose to remain private, some are open to limited or direct communication. If both parties consent, EDSI facilitates a structured and comfortable meeting process to ensure a positive experience. Our goal is to provide intended parents with a smooth and ethical surrogacy journey while respecting the privacy and wishes of all involved.

If your egg donor or surrogate lives in a different location, the surrogacy process can still move forward smoothly. At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we coordinate all necessary travel, medical screenings, and legal arrangements to ensure a seamless experience. Many donors and surrogates travel to the intended parents’ chosen fertility clinic for key procedures, while most prenatal care for surrogates occurs locally. Our team handles all logistics, ensuring a stress-free journey for intended parents, egg donors, and surrogates, regardless of location.

Reserving an egg donor at Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) is a streamlined process designed to match intended parents with the ideal donor. First, intended parents browse our exclusive egg donor database, filtering candidates by health, genetics, ethnicity, education, and personal traits. Once a donor is selected, EDSI facilitates medical and psychological screenings to confirm eligibility. Legal agreements are then established to ensure a secure and ethical arrangement. After finalization, the donor undergoes the egg retrieval process, and the journey toward parenthood begins. Our expert team provides full guidance to make selecting and reserving an egg donor a seamless experience.

Intended parents can access detailed egg donor profiles that include medical history, genetic background, physical characteristics, education, and personal interests. At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we provide comprehensive egg donor screening, ensuring all donors meet strict medical and psychological criteria. Depending on the donor’s preferences, intended parents may also view childhood photos, read personal essays, or, in some cases, arrange a meeting. Our expert team guides intended parents through the egg donor selection process, helping them find the best match for their family-building journey.

At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), intended parents can browse basic egg donor information without registration. However, to access detailed egg donor profiles, including medical history, education, and background, intended parents must complete a confidential registration process. This ensures privacy and compliance with ethical guidelines while providing families with a personalized experience in selecting the ideal egg donor.

By registering, intended parents receive exclusive access to top egg donors, expert guidance on the selection process, and a dedicated team to support them throughout their fertility journey. EDSI prioritizes transparency, discretion, and a seamless path to parenthood.

The egg retrieval process in IVF for egg donation is a carefully monitored medical procedure performed by a fertility specialist. The process begins with the egg donor undergoing ovarian stimulation, where she takes hormonal medications to produce multiple mature eggs. Once the eggs are ready, the retrieval is performed under light sedation using a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided aspiration technique. A needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to collect the eggs from the ovaries, which typically takes about 20 minutes. After retrieval, the donor rests briefly and can usually resume normal activities within a day.

At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we work with top fertility clinics to ensure a safe, efficient, and ethical egg retrieval process, prioritizing the donor’s health and the success of the intended parents’ IVF journey.

Yes, HIV-positive men can safely use their sperm for IVF and surrogacy with the right medical protocols in place. Advanced techniques such as sperm washing for HIV-positive intended fathers effectively remove the virus from the sperm before fertilization, significantly reducing the risk of transmission. Additionally, pre-implantation testing and strict medical screening ensure that the embryo remains unaffected.

With modern assisted reproductive technology, the risk of HIV transmission to the gestational surrogate or unborn baby is nearly eliminated when medical guidelines are followed. Clinics specializing in HIV-positive sperm IVF procedures work closely with infectious disease experts to maintain safety at every step. At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we collaborate with top fertility specialists to help HIV-positive intended parents build their families safely and successfully.

Yes, surrogacy contracts are generally enforceable in surrogacy-friendly states that have clear legal frameworks. However, enforceability depends on state laws where the surrogate resides. Some states fully recognize and enforce surrogacy agreements, while others prohibit or limit them. To ensure legal protection, intended parents and surrogates will work with an experienced surrogacy attorney in the Surrogates’ state.

Surrogacy laws vary by country and state, regulating agreements, parental rights, and compensation. Some places fully support and enforce surrogacy, while others restrict or ban it. Key legal aspects include eligibility, contract enforceability, parental rights establishment, and financial regulations. Consulting a surrogacy attorney is essential for compliance and protection.

Surrogacy-friendly states are those with clear laws that recognize and enforce surrogacy contracts, protecting both intended parents and surrogates. Examples include California, Illinois, Connecticut, Washington, and Colorado. These states allow compensated surrogacy, pre-birth orders, and legal protections for all parties. Laws vary, so working with a surrogacy attorney is essential.

Surrogacy coverage depends on the insurance policy. Most health insurance plans do not cover surrogate-related medical costs, but some may cover pregnancy-related expenses for the surrogate. Intended parents can purchase surrogacy-specific insurance or a supplemental policy to help with costs. Always review policies carefully and consult an expert.

Yes, surrogacy can be financed through loans, grants, payment plans, and employer benefits. Many intended parents use fertility loans, home equity loans, personal savings, or crowdfunding to cover costs. At EDSI we have partnered with CapexMD to offer payment plans to help manage expenses. You can complete their application here to check your eligibility.

Yes, surrogates can carry twins, but this is discussed during the matching process. Surrogates are asked if they agree to carry twins, and if they do, the surrogacy contract will outline the terms, including medical considerations and additional compensation. Most professionals still recommend single embryo transfer to minimize risks.

Yes, surrogacy can fail due to factors such as failed embryo implantation, miscarriage, or medical complications. Success depends on various factors, including embryo quality and medical protocols. If surrogacy fails, intended parents may need to try another embryo transfer, work with a different surrogate, or explore other family-building options.

At EDSI, we understand these challenges and offer a rematching program to support intended parents in finding a new surrogate if needed, ensuring continuity in their journey to parenthood.

Starting your surrogacy journey with EDSI is a structured yet personalized process:

1. Consultation – Schedule a free consultation with EDSI to discuss your goals and the surrogacy process.
2. Application & Screening – Complete intake forms, medical evaluations, and legal requirements.
3. Matching Process – EDSI carefully matches you with a surrogate based on preferences and compatibility.
4. Legal Agreements – Contracts are drafted and finalized to protect all parties.
5. Medical Procedures – The surrogate undergoes medical screenings, IVF, and embryo transfer.
6. Pregnancy & Support – The surrogate’s pregnancy is monitored, and intended parents stay involved.
7. Birth & Legal Finalization – The baby is born, and parental rights are legally secured.

We offer a boutique, relationship-driven approach, ensuring an exceptional experience with expert legal, medical, and emotional guidance. As one of the pioneers in surrogacy, EDSI is internationally recognized for its expertise, having navigated all types of journeys. Our deep experience allows us to anticipate challenges and proactively create seamless solutions, ensuring a smooth and successful process.

Surrogacy is an option for:

• Individuals or couples facing infertility or medical conditions preventing pregnancy.
• LGBTQ+ couples looking to grow their family.
• Single parents who need a surrogate to carry their child.
• International parents seeking surrogacy in a legally supportive environment.

EDSI welcomes all intended parents and provides personalized guidance to help you start your journey.

Surrogacy in the U.S. is a highly regulated process that involves significant medical, legal, and logistical coordination,  which is why many intended parents choose to work with a trusted agency like Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI).

While altruistic surrogacy (where a friend or family member carries the baby without compensation) is possible, it still requires:

• Medical & IVF Costs – Surrogacy involves fertility treatments, embryo transfer, and prenatal care, which can be expensive.
• Legal Contracts & Parentage Rights – Ensuring all parties are protected requires experienced legal guidance.
• Screening & Coordination – The surrogate must pass medical, psychological, and background screenings.
• Pregnancy Management – From appointments to travel logistics, surrogacy requires ongoing oversight.

Surrogacy involves a structured process to ensure a safe and successful journey:

1. Consultation & Matching – Intended parents connect with EDSI to find the right surrogate.
2. Legal & Medical Screening – Both parties complete legal agreements and medical evaluations.
3. IVF & Embryo Transfer – The surrogate undergoes IVF to carry the intended parents’ embryo.
4. Pregnancy & Monitoring – The surrogate receives medical care while intended parents stay involved.
5. Birth & Parental Rights – The baby is born, and legal steps ensure parental rights are secured.

Surrogacy in the UK follows a legal and ethical framework to ensure a smooth process:

1. Find a Surrogate – Intended parents connect with a surrogate independently or through trusted networks.
2. Legal Agreements – While surrogacy agreements are not legally binding in the UK, they help set expectations.
3. IVF & Embryo Transfer – The surrogate undergoes medical screening and IVF to carry the baby.
4. Pregnancy & Support – The surrogate receives medical care, and intended parents stay involved.
5. Parental Order – After birth, intended parents must apply for a Parental Order to become the legal parents.

Due to legal complexities and restrictions in the UK, many intended parents choose U.S. surrogacy for its clear legal protections, enforceable contracts, and experienced surrogacy framework.

EDSI provides expert guidance for UK and international intended parents navigating surrogacy in the U.S. Contact us to learn more!

Surrogacy in South Africa is regulated by the Children’s Act of 2005 and follows a structured legal process:

1. Legal Agreement – A surrogacy contract must be approved by the High Court before any medical procedures begin.
2. Eligibility – Intended parents must prove a medical necessity for surrogacy and at least one parent must be genetically related to the child.
3. IVF & Embryo Transfer – Once the court approves the agreement, the surrogate undergoes medical screening and IVF.
4. Pregnancy & Monitoring – The surrogate receives medical care, but she has no parental rights once the baby is born.
5. Automatic Parental Rights – Upon birth, the intended parents are recognized as the legal parents without needing a separate adoption process.

Due to strict legal requirements and court approvals in South Africa, some intended parents explore U.S. surrogacy for a more flexible and streamlined process.

EDSI provides expert guidance for South African and international intended parents considering surrogacy in the U.S. Contact us to learn more!

Surrogacy in Australia is regulated by state laws, with some key national guidelines:

1. Altruistic Only – Commercial surrogacy is illegal; surrogates can only receive reimbursement for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.
2. Eligibility – Intended parents must demonstrate a medical or social need for surrogacy, and at least one must be genetically related to the child.
3. Legal Agreements – A formal surrogacy agreement is required but is not legally enforceable in most states.
4. IVF & Embryo Transfer – After legal and psychological assessments, the surrogate undergoes medical screening and IVF.
5. Parentage Order – After birth, intended parents must apply for a Parentage Order to become the legal parents.

Due to strict regulations, limited surrogate availability, and state-by-state variations, many Australian intended parents choose U.S. surrogacy for greater legal protections and access to experienced surrogates.

EDSI specializes in helping Australian intended parents navigate surrogacy in the U.S. Contact us to learn more!

Surrogacy in Canada is regulated by the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) and follows these key steps:

1. Altruistic Only – Commercial surrogacy is illegal; surrogates can only be reimbursed for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.
2. Finding a Surrogate – Intended parents connect with surrogates independently or through agencies, as paid matching services are prohibited.
3. Legal Agreements – A surrogacy contract is required to outline responsibilities, though laws vary by province.
4. Medical Process – The surrogate undergoes medical screening, IVF, and embryo transfer.
5. Birth & Parental Rights – Laws differ by province, but intended parents typically obtain a Declaration of Parentage to secure legal rights.

Due to limited surrogate availability and legal complexities, many Canadian intended parents choose U.S. surrogacy for a clearer legal framework, enforceable contracts, and a faster process.

EDSI specializes in helping Canadian intended parents navigate surrogacy in the U.S. Contact us to learn more!

Surrogacy for gay parents involves using an egg donor, whose eggs are fertilized via IVF with sperm from one or both intended fathers. The resulting embryo is then transferred to a gestational surrogate, who carries the pregnancy but has no genetic connection to the baby. Legal agreements are established to protect parental rights, often finalized before birth. Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives medical care, and the intended parents remain actively involved. Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) provides expert guidance at every stage, ensuring a smooth, ethical, and legally protected journey to parenthood.

The surrogacy process typically takes 15 to 24 months from start to birth. This timeline includes matching with a surrogate (1–6 months), medical screening and legal contracts (2–4 months), embryo transfer and pregnancy (9 months), and any post-birth legal processes. Factors such as surrogate availability, embryo readiness, and legal requirements can affect the timeline. Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) ensures a smooth, well-guided journey to parenthood.

The surrogacy process includes selecting an egg donor (if needed), matching with a surrogate, completing medical and legal steps, and transferring an embryo via IVF. Once pregnant, the surrogate receives prenatal care while the intended parents remain involved. After birth, legal procedures finalize parental rights. Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) ensures a smooth, ethical, and well-supported journey from start to finish.