Surrogacy is a meaningful and trusted way for intended parents to grow their families with the help of a surrogate. Luxe exclusively offers gestational surrogacy where the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby (unless surrogate is a known family member). Whether you’re considering becoming a surrogate or exploring surrogacy as an intended parent, having a clear understanding of the process, expectations, and terminology can help you move forward with confidence.

What Exactly is Surrogacy? Who Uses a Surrogate?

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of someone else. It provides a pathway to parenthood for individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. As a form of assisted reproduction, surrogacy allows intended parents to work closely with a surrogate who nurtures and delivers their baby until birth.

People turn to surrogacy for many personal and medical reasons. Some are unable to carry a pregnancy due to health concerns, fertility struggles, or previous pregnancy complications, while others face age-related challenges that make pregnancy difficult or impossible. Surrogacy also opens the door to parenthood for LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents. For same-sex male couples, working with a gestational carrier allows for a biological connection to their child, and single parents can achieve their dream of raising a family through this process.

Luxe IVF also supports lifestyle surrogacy, helping individuals or couples grow their families by choice, without any medical necessity.

Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy

The key distinction between gestational and traditional surrogacy lies in the surrogate’s biological connection to the child.

The Role of Genetics
A gestational surrogate has no genetic link to the baby she carries—she is not biologically related in any way. In contrast, a traditional surrogate contributes her own egg, making her both the genetic and gestational mother, and she legally transfers parental rights to the intended parents after birth.

Medical Approach: IVF vs IUI
Gestational surrogacy always uses in vitro fertilization (IVF), while traditional surrogacy can often be completed using intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Why Luxe Offers Only Gestational Surrogacy
At Luxe IVF, we exclusively provide gestational surrogacy, the most widely used and preferred approach today. Because the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby, the process tends to be emotionally smoother for the surrogate and minimizes legal complexities for intended parents establishing parental rights. However, we do allow some instances in which the surrogates are known family members of the intended parents.

How Does Surrogacy Work?

Surrogacy is a complex process that involves medical and legal guidance, along with a strong support network throughout the journey. In most cases, a fertility specialist uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos in a lab at a fertility clinic. These embryos may be made from the intended parents’ own genetic material, or an egg and/or sperm donor may be involved if needed.

Once embryos are ready, we implant one or two into a gestational surrogate. She then carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby on behalf of the intended parents.

How Does Our Agency Help?

At Luxe, we’re a full-service surrogacy agency dedicated to supporting intended parents and surrogates through every stage of the journey. Our agency fee covers application and screening services, personalized matching, and ongoing communication. It also includes emotional guidance, post-birth support, and help with travel plans.

Working with a surrogacy agency ensures careful management of each step. They guide matching, medical coordination, legal contracts, and emotional support. Surrogacy involves many personal and complex steps. We provide case management to ensure transparency, organization, and compassionate support.

At Luxe, we go beyond traditional agency support. We believe in fostering genuine relationships between intended parents, surrogates, and donors, creating a positive and connected experience for everyone involved. Our screening, personalized guidance, and focus on emotional well-being make every surrogacy journey smooth, ethical, and empowering.

Surrogate Requirements

Not everyone qualifies to become a surrogate. Agencies and clinics follow thorough medical and psychological screening standards to ensure both the surrogate’s well-being and the health of the baby. While specifics can vary with programs, we require surrogates to:

• Be between 19-40 years old
• Have a healthy BMI of 32 or below
• Have a history of healthy pregnancies and deliveries
• Have given birth at least once, and no more than 3 c-section births
• Be tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, and drug-free
• Have no history of alcoholism, substance abuse, or other addictions
• Be financially independent and not participate in government aid programs
• Be mentally and emotionally stable to handle the surrogacy process
• Have a support system of friends and family
• Have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to the IP’s clinic for IVF
• Have flexibility and be able to make the medical appointments
• Be a permanent resident in the U.S. in a surrogacy-friendly state

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

Deciding to build your family through surrogacy is a meaningful and hopeful choice. While every journey is different, the process—from joining an agency to welcoming your baby—typically takes around 15–18 months. Knowing what to expect along the way can help you plan ahead and feel confident throughout the experience.

Is Surrogacy Right For You?

Gestational surrogacy offers an amazing opportunity for intended parents to build the family they’ve always dreamed of when carrying a baby isn’t possible. At Luxe IVF, we’re a full-service agency dedicated to making your surrogacy journey smooth, supportive, and fulfilling. If you’re ready to begin and find the perfect gestational carrier, start by completing our intended parent application today. If you are considering being a surrogate, either contact us or fill out our surrogate application! We look forward to working with you.

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