Surrogacy in West Virginia

If you’re wondering how to become a surrogate in West Virginia or how intended parents can find a surrogate, this guide can help.

Surrogates and intended parents typically go through the following steps during their West Virginia surrogacy journey:

1. Decide that surrogacy is the right choice
2. Choose a surrogacy agency to work with
3. Qualify via surrogacy screenings
4. Sign a surrogacy contract
5. Start the medical surrogacy process
6. Confirm a pregnancy and enjoy pre-birth visits
7. Finalize parental rights after the baby is born

If you know that surrogacy in West Virginia is right for you, you can contact us today to start the process. But, if you want to find out more about how to become a surrogate in West Virginia and how surrogacy works, continue reading.

What is Surrogacy in West Virginia?

A surrogacy involves a surrogate and intended parents who match and sign a contract to work together. The surrogate carries the baby for the intended parents. When the surrogate delivers the baby, the intended parents become the baby’s legal guardians and take their child home.

What is Gestational Surrogacy in West Virginia?

Gestational surrogacy in West Virginia is the most common (and safest) type of surrogacy. This type of surrogacy is when a surrogate is unrelated to the baby they carry. An embryo is created with the sperm and egg from the intended parents or donors via in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Surrogacy Laws in West Virginia

Surrogacy is legal in West Virginia because no surrogacy laws prohibit the practice. The only surrogacy law in West Virginia states that commercial surrogacy is legal. This means that surrogates can receive base compensation for their services in the state.

What do Surrogacy Agencies in West Virginia do?

Surrogacy agencies in West Virginia ensure that your surrogacy is 100% legal and that the rights of intended parents and surrogates are protected. 

Professionals who work at surrogacy agencies in West Virginia also are connected with other surrogacy professionals to ensure that:

• Screenings happen quickly
• You match with the perfect intended family/surrogate for you
• Your surrogacy attorney creates your legal contract
• And more

If you’d like to speak with a surrogacy agency professional in West Virginia, here are a few you could consider:

• American Surrogacy
• Growing Generations
• Baby Steps Surrogacy Center Inc.

How to Become a Surrogate in West Virginia

People interested in becoming a surrogate in West Virginia can start the process by following these seven steps.

Step 1: Decide That Surrogacy is the Right Choice

Surrogacy is a life-changing process, but it is also a challenge. Think about if you are comfortable carrying a baby that’s not yours. Also, be prepared to commit at least a year of your time to the surrogacy medical process and pregnancy.           

Step 2: Choose a Surrogacy Agency to Work With

Work with a surrogacy agency that will help set up your surrogacy screenings, match with an intended family, and support you throughout the surrogacy process in West Virginia.

Step 3: Qualify via Surrogacy Screenings

You’ll go through medical, psychological, and physical screenings to ensure you can safely complete a surrogacy with zero complications.

These screenings may sound stressful, but don’t worry. Your surrogacy professional wants you to succeed and will fully prepare you for the process.

Step 4: Match with Intended Parents and Sign a Surrogacy Contract

Your surrogacy agency will show you profiles of intended parents and ask you to list the family qualities you admire. Intended parents will view your profile, too.

If you and the intended parents decide to work together, your specialist will set up a call. If everyone agrees to the match, your surrogacy attorneys will create a contract.

Step 5: Start the Medical Surrogacy Process

Your surrogacy professional will guide you through the embryo creation and transplant process. This process may take some time, but you’ll also receive help from the fertility clinic.

Step 6: Confirm a Pregnancy and Enjoy Pre-Birth Visits

Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the intended parents may come to some of your OBGYN visits and more. These visits help the intended parents bond with their baby and give them a chance to enjoy the pregnancy. During this time, you’ll also start receiving your base pay in monthly amounts.

Step 7: Finalize Parental Rights After the Baby is Born

Once the baby is born, the surrogacy agency and attorney will ensure all paperwork is finalized, and you’ll receive your final base pay installment. You will go home and reflect on the amazing gift you gave the intended family, and the intended parents will go home with their baby. 

How Much do Surrogates get Paid in West Virginia?

In general, first-time surrogates get $45,000-$50,000 for their time and energy. Experienced surrogates can receive up to $75,000 for their services. Additionally, every surrogate will receive compensation for their surrogacy- and pregnancy-related expenses.

The following are the two financial surrogacy terms you should know.

Compensated Surrogacy

Compensated surrogacy (commercial surrogacy) is when a surrogate receives monthly base pay for the surrogacy. It is legal to receive payment for your surrogacy in West Virginia.  

Altruistic Surrogacy

Altruistic surrogacy is when a surrogate waives her right to monthly surrogate payments. Surrogates sometimes choose this type of surrogacy because they want to give a beautiful gift to their family member or friend. But, surrogate specialists advise surrogates to accept base compensation to ensure they can get everything they need during their surrogacy.

Next Steps Toward Surrogacy in West Virginia

Contact us today if you’re ready to start your West Virginia surrogacy journey.