What is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a process where a woman carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple who is unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. It’s a generous and deeply meaningful way to help build a family.

What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?

The key difference is genetic connection.

• Gestational surrogacy involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), where the embryo is created using the intended mother’s (or an egg donor’s) egg and the intended father’s (or a sperm donor’s) sperm. The surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.

• Traditional surrogacy uses intrauterine insemination (IUI) and the surrogate’s own egg, meaning she is biologically related to the child.

  The Gift of Surrogacy works exclusively with gestational surrogates.

Why Idaho?

The Gift of Surrogacy is based in Boise, Idaho, in the heart of the Treasure Valley. Our surrogates are local women who reflect Idaho’s values: family-oriented, health-conscious, and community-minded.

Costs for a complete surrogacy journey in Idaho average $90,000–$120,000, including surrogate compensation, agency fees, clinical services, and legal/psychological support. This is often 30–50% less than similar arrangements in coastal states, with no compromise in quality or care.

Why choose The Gift of Surrogacy?

We’re proud to offer something truly unique in the surrogacy world:

• Over 500 births since our founding in 2005

• Idaho’s largest network of proven surrogates

• An average of 20 surrogate matches per year

• Monthly support groups attended by surrogates

• Personalized, boutique-level service

Surrogates are supported not just by our team—but by a community of women who’ve walked the journey themselves.

How often will intended parents need to travel to Idaho?

While we love when intended parents visit, it’s typically only necessary to travel to Boise for the birth. Most parents stay for just a few days and return home after hospital discharge. Legal finalization usually occurs within a month.

How much are surrogates compensated?

As of 2025:

• First-time surrogates: $55,000

• Proven surrogates: Minimum $65,000

• National range: $50,000–$100,000 based on experience and journey details

Why do proven surrogates earn more?

Proven surrogates have successfully completed a previous surrogacy and fully understand the emotional, physical, and logistical aspects. Their experience provides added reassurance to intended parents and typically results in smoother journeys and successful outcomes.

Will it ever cost money to be a surrogate?

No. Surrogates incur no out-of-pocket costs. Intended parents cover all medical bills, prescriptions, travel, insurance, and any reimbursements. If you happen to front a cost (e.g., a prescription pickup), you’ll be promptly reimbursed.

What does surrogacy cost intended parents?

A typical Idaho surrogacy arrangement ranges from $90,000 to $120,000, depending on:

• Surrogate compensation

• Singleton vs. multiples

• Clinic fees

• Egg or sperm donation

• Bed rest or travel needs

• Number of IVF cycles required

If you already have embryos, costs may be closer to $75,000.

How long do surrogates wait to be matched?

Match times vary based on compatibility and timing. Most surrogates are matched within a few months, though it may take longer. As of 2025, there’s a nationwide shortage of surrogates, and many intended parents wait 6–12 months to begin their journey.

What are the benefits of surrogacy over adoption?

Surrogacy offers:

• A genetic connection to the child for one or both intended parents

• Greater legal clarity and fewer emotional unknowns

• The chance to participate in the pregnancy from the very beginning

In contrast, adoption often includes long waiting lists, limited newborn placements, and more uncertainty throughout the process.

Will intended parents need to adopt their child?

No. In Idaho, a pre-birth order and legal documentation establish intended parentage. The surrogate terminates any legal rights, and the intended parents are placed on the baby’s birth certificate from the start. The baby is always in the custody and care of the intended parents.

What are the benefits of using an agency?

A reputable agency provides:

• Carefully screened surrogates

• Coordination of legal, medical, and emotional care

• Conflict resolution and emotional support for both parties

• Peace of mind, consistency, and professional oversight

Going independent can leave both surrogates and intended parents vulnerable to confusion, miscommunication, or unmet expectations.

What sets The Gift of Surrogacy apart?

• We’ve made surrogacy our life’s work and our passion.

• Our team meets daily to review client cases and keep each journey moving smoothly.

• We offer the perfect balance of individualized attention and reliable availability.

• We maintain 45 active surrogates at any given time—with about 25 pregnant—ensuring everyone receives personalized, highly-prioritized care.

• And above all, we do this because it feeds our souls. Each child born through surrogacy reminds us that there is no greater gift.

Surrogate Requirements

Surrogates must:

• Be between 22 and 42 years old

• Have at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy

• Be a non-smoker, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and be financially stable

• Have physical custody of their children and a safe, supportive home

• Be willing to limit caffeine and abstain from alcohol during pregnancy

• Have or be eligible for health insurance (private policies may be purchased through the Idaho Insurance Exchange)

Can surrogates use their own health insurance?

Yes—in the unlikely event that the policy does not contain a surrogacy exclusion. We review all policies to determine eligibility.

Do I have to be open to twins?

Yes, surrogates should be open to carrying twins, although the current IVF trend toward single-embryo transfers makes it less likely. Triplet pregnancies are strongly discouraged due to health risks. Intended parents and surrogates discuss this topic thoroughly before matching.

Can I request an epidural or pain relief during delivery?

Absolutely. While birth preferences are discussed in your legal contract, all medical decisions during delivery—including pain relief—are ultimately yours. Hospital policies and your comfort take priority.

What if the intended parents miss the birth?

This is rare, but in the case of a fast labor or scheduled C-section, only one person may be allowed in the delivery room. That person will always be the surrogate’s chosen support person. Intended parents will be united with their baby as quickly as possible.

If I don’t get pregnant on the first try, am I still a good surrogate?

Absolutely. Successful IVF depends on many factors, especially embryo quality. Many journeys require multiple transfers. Surrogates commit in good faith to up to three attempts, unless medically or emotionally advised otherwise.

Do surrogates really give themselves injections?

Yes—but it’s more manageable than it sounds. Hormone injections are part of the IVF process and typically last through the first 9 weeks. You’ll receive training from clinic nurses and ongoing support from our team. Most surrogates quickly adjust and feel empowered.

What if people close to me don’t understand why I want to be a surrogate?

It’s common for friends or family to be unfamiliar or uncertain about surrogacy at first. The best response is education. When you speak confidently and openly about your motivations, you may help shift their perspective. What matters most is that you and your partner are united in your decision.

Does The Gift of Surrogacy represent egg donors?

No, we do not. We work closely with fertility clinics that have established egg donor programs, and we can refer you to trusted egg donor agencies if needed.

Will I feel bonded to the baby I carry?

Surrogacy is emotionally different from carrying your own child. You prepare for a handoff—not a homecoming. While you may feel a sense of loss after birth (especially as hormones shift), our agency and fellow surrogates are here to support you. You’ll never walk that part of the journey alone.

Is it always going to feel this overwhelming?

Surrogacy is one of the great unknowns. It's daunting for everyone involved. It is hard to start any journey where the outcome is not guaranteed. And that is where you are now. Are there going to be speed bumps along the way? Yes. And they will seem infinitely less difficult if you consider yourself part of a team working toward a common goal. My best advice is to always keep the big picture in mind. Those speed bumps only turn into roadblocks if you allow them to.

Final note:

If you’ve made it to the bottom of our FAQ—congratulations! You’re now more informed than most people about surrogacy. And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’d be honored to walk it with you.