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    Surrogacy Timeline

    Definition

    Surrogacy Timeline is defined as: the typical duration of a gestational surrogacy arrangement from initial agency engagement to birth, generally spanning 15 to 24 months. The timeline includes agency matching, legal contracting, medical screening, IVF and embryo transfer, pregnancy, and post-birth legal proceedings.

    The surrogacy process is not a single event: it is a coordinated sequence involving medical, legal, and logistical milestones. Timelines vary based on matching speed, IVF outcomes, and jurisdictional legal requirements.

    Phase 1: Agency Selection and Matching

    Typical duration: 1 to 3 months

    Research agencies, sign with an agency, complete intended parent profiles, and match with a gestational carrier.

    Phase 2: Legal and Medical Screening

    Typical duration: 1 to 2 months

    Carrier undergoes medical and psychological screening. Both parties retain independent legal counsel. Surrogacy contract is drafted, negotiated, and executed.

    Phase 3: IVF and Embryo Transfer

    Typical duration: 1 to 3 months

    Intended parents complete IVF (if not already done). Carrier's uterine lining is prepared. Embryo transfer occurs. Two-week wait for pregnancy confirmation.

    Phase 4: Pregnancy

    Typical duration: 9 months

    Carrier carries the pregnancy with regular obstetric monitoring. Intended parents coordinate legal parentage proceedings (pre-birth order in most states).

    Phase 5: Birth and Post-Birth Legal

    Typical duration: 1 to 2 months

    Birth occurs. Pre-birth parentage order is executed (or post-birth proceedings begin). Birth certificate is issued naming intended parents. International intended parents begin home-country recognition process.

    Surrogacy JourneySurrogacy AgencyGestational Carrier AgreementPre-Birth Parentage OrderIVF Timeline

    Knowledge Graph

    Related reference pages and tools in this system.

    Sources

    This page is part of the IVF Daddies reference system explaining IVF, surrogacy governance, and fertility decision structures. Content is educational, non-advisory, and independently maintained. For more information, visit www.ivfdaddies.com.

    IVF Daddies is an independent editorial and reference platform. It does not provide medical, legal, psychological, or therapeutic advice.

    No medical records, test results, diagnoses, embryo data, or other PHI are collected or stored.

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