The Surrogacy Journey in Seattle, Washington

Your Guide to Becoming or Finding a Surrogate in Seattle, WA and Across the Evergreen State

Embarking on a surrogacy journey in Seattle, Washington is a deeply personal and profound way to either grow your family or help someone else build theirs. Whether you're a hopeful parent ready to take the next step, or a local woman curious about becoming a surrogate to make a difference, know this: surrogacy is an act of courage, compassion, and love, and you don’t have to walk the path alone.

Here in Seattle, GSHC offers expert legal guidance, a local support network, one of the most competitive compensation packages in the Pacific Northwest, and a caring team to help you navigate the process with heart and professionalism.

Let’s walk through what you need to know about surrogacy in Seattle, including how it works, what the law says, and why so many families and surrogates choose this inclusive, rain-kissed corner of the Pacific Northwest to begin their journey.

Who Becomes a Surrogate?

Deciding to become a surrogate is a choice that is rooted in compassion, purpose, and a desire to make a real difference. For many women in Seattle, WA, it’s a way to not only give the incredible gift of parenthood but also create new opportunities for their own families.

Women choose to become surrogates for a variety of heartfelt and practical reasons, including:

  • A deep desire to help intended parents experience the joy of raising a child
  • The chance to create a stronger financial foundation for their own family
  • A genuine enjoyment of pregnancy, having already completed their own parenting journey

Surrogates in Seattle, WA are typically women between the ages of 21 and 38 who have had at least one uncomplicated full-term pregnancy and have a strong desire to help others in their community build the family they’ve long dreamed of.

As a surrogate, you’ll become a central part of someone’s life for well over a year, supporting them through medical screenings, fertility treatments, pregnancy, delivery, and post-birth recovery. It’s a significant emotional and physical commitment, and that’s why having a trusted, close-to-home agency like GSHC by your side can make all the difference. We’re here to guide, protect, and support you through every stage of the journey, all with compassion, clarity, and care.

Who Uses a Surrogate?

Surrogacy offers a pathway to parenthood for many people who might not otherwise be able to experience it. Intended parents in Seattle, WA come from all walks of life, but share one common thread: a deep desire to build or expand their family. Many intended parents include:

  • Couples facing infertility or medical complications preventing pregnancy
  • LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who want a child
  • Single individuals who want to create their own family on their terms

In Washington State’s inclusive and family-friendly environment, these parents are supported by a community that respects and values all paths to parenthood.

Become a Surrogate in Seattle, WA

If you're a woman in Seattle considering becoming a surrogate, first, thank you. Your willingness to help another family grow is a powerful and selfless act. In Washington State, surrogacy is fully legal (according to RCW.26.26A), with both gestational and traditional surrogacy supported.

  • Gestational surrogacy: A person carries and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple and is not biologically related to the baby
  • Traditional surrogacy: The surrogate mother uses her own egg and is artificially inseminated using sperm from the intended father or a donor.

While both types of surrogacy are legal, traditional surrogacy is not recommended or practiced due to the legal and emotional complexities.

Here’s a look at what the process to become a surrogate typically involves:

  1. Initial Screening & Qualifications: When you work with an agency like GSHC, we will begin with a simple application and screening process, ensuring you meet the following criteria:
    • Between 21 and 38 years old
    • Have had at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy
    • Live a stable and healthy lifestyle
    • Have a BMI between 18-34
  2. Medical & Psychological Evaluation: Next, you'll undergo a full physical and psychological assessment to ensure you're ready for the impending journey. These are not hurdles to scare you but safety nets, designed to support your well-being.
  3. Matching With Intended Parents: After approval, you’ll be matched with intended parents who share your values and vision for the surrogacy relationship. You’ll meet, ask questions, and make sure it feels like the right fit for everyone.
  4. Legal Contracts & Protections: In 2019, Washington passed the Uniform Parentage Act, which established clear legal guidelines for surrogacy. All parties must be represented by separate legal counsel, and a comprehensive legal agreement is required before any medical procedures begin. This protects your rights as a surrogate and ensures everyone is on the same page.
  5. Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy: After legal contracts are signed, you’ll begin the medical process, which includes taking medications to prepare your body for embryo transfer. Most transfers take place at trusted local fertility clinics in Seattle that GSHC partners closely with, like Seattle Reproductive Medicine or Pacific Northwest Fertility.

Once there’s a confirmed pregnancy, everything becomes a little more real and a lot more rewarding. From that point on, you’ll receive regular prenatal care, emotional check-ins, and compensation according to your surrogacy agreement.

Delivery Hospitals for Surrogates in the Seattle Area

Fertility Clinics for IVF & Monitoring in the Seattle Area

At every step, GSHC provides expert guidance, legal protection, and the compassionate support of a local team that understands the surrogacy process. We’re proud to partner with local women in Seattle, WA to make a powerful difference, one family at a time.

Surrogate Compensation in Seattle, WA: How Much Are Surrogates Paid?

Surrogacy is a significant commitment, and gestational carriers in Seattle, WA, are fairly compensated for their time, effort, and the physical toll of pregnancy.

Surrogates in Seattle can earn between $50,000 and $70,000, depending on their experience, and with additional allowances for:

  • Maternity clothing
  • Lost wages
  • Travel and childcare (if needed)
  • Medical expenses not covered by insurance

Additionally, altruistic surrogacy is also legal in Washington State, often chosen when helping a friend or relative that you are close to, and involves no financial compensation outside of reasonable expenses.

Learn More About Surrogate Compensation and Pay

Become a VIP Surrogate

Have you been a surrogate before? Unlock VIP status with GSHC!* Help another family while earning up to $100,000 + benefits and $3,000 signing bonus.
Apply today!

Become a VIP Surrogate

Must meet all requirements, including a BMI of under 28, a great family and home environment, financial stability, and previous pregnancies with no complications.

Become a Surrogate in Seattle

Do you live in Seattle or anywhere else in Washington? Do you dream of helping someone grow their family? The path of surrogacy may be your calling. Connect today with GSHC and answer the call to become a surrogate.

Apply Today!

Find a Surrogate in Seattle, WA

Seattle’s progressive values, strong legal protections, and world-class fertility care make it an ideal place for surrogacy, but what truly sets the city apart is its heartfelt celebration of family in all its forms.

Finding the right surrogate in Seattle is a thoughtful, collaborative journey that includes:

  • Initial Consultation: Begin by meeting with our experienced surrogacy professionals to learn about the process, discuss your goals, and share your hopes for the journey ahead.
  • Surrogate Screening: Every potential surrogate undergoes a thorough screening process, including medical, psychological, and lifestyle evaluations, to ensure they’re fully prepared for the responsibilities of surrogacy.
  • Matching Process: You'll review detailed surrogate profiles and select someone whose values, personality, and expectations align with yours. Factors like age, background, lifestyle, and communication style may all play a role in your decision.
  • Introduction Meeting: Once a match is made, surrogates and intended parents will have an opportunity to meet. This meeting helps establish a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and open communication, which is essential for a positive surrogacy experience.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Seattle?

Intended parents in Seattle, WA, can expect the total cost of a surrogacy journey to range from $100,000 to $200,000. This figure includes both fixed and variable expenses, such as:

  • Surrogate Compensation: 35%
  • Agency Fees: 21%
  • Matching: 15%
  • Screening: 12%
  • Medical Procedures: 11%
  • Legal Fees: 6%

Also, IVF averages $20,000-$24,000 per cycle, depending on medication, medical needs, etc. While Washington State does not mandate insurance coverage for infertility or surrogacy-related expenses, some insurance policies may offer partial coverage, something GSHC will be able to help you navigate.

While the overall cost may feel overwhelming at first, many families manage expenses through a combination of employer fertility benefits, grants, personal savings, and financing options. With expert guidance and careful planning, surrogacy can be a financially manageable and profoundly fulfilling path to parenthood.

How to Find a Surrogate in Seattle

While it’s possible to pursue an independent surrogacy journey in Washington State, many intended parents in Seattle and beyond choose to work with a surrogacy agency like GSHC to help navigate the complexities of the process with confidence and clarity. Partnering with an experienced agency can greatly reduce the stress, confusion, and uncertainty that often come with going it alone.

When you work with GSHC, you gain a dedicated advocate who will:

  • Guide you through every stage of the process, from initial consultation to post-birth support
  • Carefully screen and match you with a surrogate who aligns with your values, preferences, and family goals
  • Connect you with essential professionals, including fertility clinics, reproductive attorneys, and medical providers
  • Offer ongoing support throughout the pregnancy, especially in the event of medical or emotional challenges

Because the relationship between a surrogate and intended parents can be lifelong, a surrogacy agency can also help nurture and support that bond, whether you wish to maintain ongoing contact or define clear boundaries after the birth. With compassionate, experienced guidance, your surrogacy journey in Seattle, WA, can be as smooth and meaningful as possible.

Using an Egg Donor and Surrogate in Seattle, WA

Washington State law permits both gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy, with no statutes prohibiting the use of any donors.

LGBTQ+ Surrogacy in Seattle, WA

Washington State laws are inclusive for families of all backgrounds, and courts regularly grant pre‑birth and post-birth orders for same‑sex, unmarried, and single intended parents, allowing intended parents to be listed on the birth certificate.

Surrogacy Laws in Washington State

Washington is a surrogacy-friendly state with clear legal protections for both gestational and traditional surrogacy, thanks to the Uniform Parentage Act (RCW 26.26A).

Surrogacy contracts are not only required — they’re legally enforceable. These agreements must be completed before any medical procedures begin, and they must be in writing, outline compensation, and include provisions around topics like termination or selective reduction. Because embryos are not legally recognized as people in Washington, pre-birth parentage orders are a key step to ensure the intended parents are recognized from the moment the baby is born and listed on the birth certificate.

This legal clarity provides confidence and peace of mind for everyone involved.

Find a Surrogate in Seattle

Seattle is one of the best places in the U.S. to find a surrogate, and GSHC is here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with us and let us help you find your ideal surrogate match.

Find a Surrogate!

The GSHC Surrogacy Process in Washington State
GC Step 1. Application & Screening
Every prospective surrogate begins their journey with a thorough application and screening process to assess their readiness and eligibility for the program.
IP Step 1. Initial Consultation
The surrogacy process begins with a consultation, where intended parents can discuss their goals, have questions answered, and receive a personalized plan outlining the process ahead.
GC Step 2. Profile Creation
Surrogates complete detailed profiles that showcase their personal values, motivations, and experiences. This helps intended parents find the perfect match.
IP Step 2. Seeking a Surrogate
GSHC evaluates surrogate profiles and compares them with the intended parents' preferences, values, personalities, and expectations to identify ideal matches.
Step 3. Making a Match
After reviewing surrogate profiles, intended parents can decide whether to move forward with particular candidates. GSHC arranges in-person meetings for everyone to connect and assess compatibility.
Step 4. Legal Contracts
Once a match is made, the intended parents’ attorney drafts a surrogacy contract outlining the expectations and requirements for all parties. The surrogate has the opportunity to review the contract with her attorney and address any concerns.
Step. 5 Medical Procedures
Once the contract is finalized, medical procedures begin, starting with hormone treatments to prepare the surrogate’s body for pregnancy. Embryos are then created and transferred via a straightforward procedure.
Step 6. Prenatal Care
Following a successful pregnancy, the surrogate receives continuous care from expert medical professionals, with the intended parents often attending appointments. After fertility treatments are completed, the surrogate transitions to her OB/GYN and chooses the hospital for delivery.
Step 7. Birth
As labor begins, intended parents are typically present to support the surrogate and share in the joy of their baby’s arrival. Legal documents are finalized to establish the intended parents' legal rights.
Step 8. Parental Rights & Post-Delivery Support
After birth, the surrogate may briefly hold the baby before the intended parents take their child home, as per the surrogacy agreement. The surrogate receives postpartum care and support to help her recover and reflect on her amazing journey.
Step 9. An Exciting New Chapter
This final step marks a beautiful new beginning for the intended parents, as they step into their new role and start life with their long-awaited baby.

Surrogacy in Washington FAQ

  • Yes, courts routinely enforce surrogacy contracts and issue pre‑birth parentage orders, even for same‑sex and unmarried gestational carriers in Washington State.

  • Yes, Seattle, WA is known for its progressive values and inclusive communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex couples can pursue parenthood through surrogacy.

  • In Washington, both the surrogate and intended parents must be represented by legal counsel when entering a surrogacy agreement.

  • No, intended parents cover all medical expenses related to the surrogacy process, including prenatal care and delivery costs.

  • No, you can pursue surrogacy as a path to parenthood, regardless of marital status.

  • Surrogates receive comprehensive support, including medical care, psychological counseling, legal assistance, and guidance from their surrogacy agency.

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Why GSHC: About Our Surrogacy Agency

Surrogates in Seattle choose GSHC because we offer more than just a process. We provide a partnership rooted in trust, experience, and heartfelt support. In collaboration with top Washington reproductive attorneys, our expert legal team ensures your rights are protected at every stage of the journey. We offer some of the highest surrogate compensation in the Seattle area, with additional benefits for wellness, travel, and childcare because your commitment deserves to be honored in every way. Plus, with strong relationships across local clinics and hospitals in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Tacoma, and surrounding areas, your care stays close to home and easy to access.

Most importantly, our team truly understands what this journey means, with many of our coordinators having been surrogates themselves, and they’ll walk with you every step of the way, offering guidance, empathy, and unwavering support from your first conversation to delivery day.

Instead of navigating this journey alone, let GSHC guide you and manage every detail. Apply now!

Start your surrogacy journey with us.

Apply Now

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