GSHC Surrogacy School is in session! Read our in-house guide on the ins-and-outs of the journey.

中文

Your Guide to Surrogacy in Houston

Find or Become a Surrogate in Houston

Surrogacy can be a very special and rewarding experience, and GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation is proud to help both surrogates and intended parents throughout this unique journey. Our experienced, caring team has all the information and experience you need to feel comfortable and secure every step of the way. GSHC serves the entire Greater Houston area, from Pasadena to Pearland, Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Cypress, and beyond.

Surrogacy Law in Houston, Texas

Surrogacy laws vary from state to state. Click below to explore everything you need to know about Texas surrogacy law.
Learn More About Surrogacy in Texas

Becoming a Surrogate in Houston

Surrogates in Houston are compensated fairly for the unique physical and emotional commitment involved in surrogacy. Total compensation will vary depending on various factors such as prior surrogacy experience and special requirements agreed upon in the surrogacy contract. In addition to base pay, surrogates are also provided with monthly allowances, compensation for maternity clothing, reimbursement for insurance premiums, and more. On average, base compensation ranges between $40,000-$85,000. For eligible surrogates with previous experience, GSHC also offers a VIP Surrogate Program, where surrogates can earn up to $120,000 in compensation, plus benefits.
Learn More About Surrogate Compensation

Surrogate Requirements in Houston

To become a surrogate in Houston or anywhere throughout Texas, certain requirements must be met to ensure the safety of both the surrogate and the baby. Key requirements for GSHC include being within a certain age range, having good physical and mental health, and being in a stable financial and living situation. At GSHC, we maintain strict criteria to facilitate a happy, healthy experience for everyone involved and thoroughly review all surrogate applications.

Learn More About Surrogate Requirements

Become a Surrogate in Dallas

Do you live in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, or anywhere else in the area? 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

Find a Surrogate in Houston

If you’re seeking a surrogate in Houston or the surrounding area to help fulfill your dreams of parenthood, GSHC is here to help. As a diverse, vibrant city in a surrogacy-friendly state, Houston is the ideal place to begin your journey of growing your family.

Surrogacy Costs in Houston

Surrogacy costs in Houston can vary widely depending on the specifics of the individual situation. Costs typically include legal fees, medical expenses, insurance fees, and surrogate compensation, which will encompass base pay, monthly allowances, reimbursement for insurance premiums, and more. The team at GSHC will work with you closely to outline all expected costs and create a plan that works for you.

Learn More About Surrogacy Costs

Find a Surrogate in Houston

Dallas is one of the best cities 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 Surrogacy Process in Houston

The surrogacy process in Houston typically involves several key steps:

Step 1. Matching

The first step in a happy and healthy surrogacy process is creating the ideal match between the intended parents and the surrogate. At GHSC, we take various factors into account, including personalities, values, preferences, and expectations. Intended parents will be able to browse various surrogate profiles and choose any candidates they’re interested in. From there, introductory meetings can be set up to see if all parties feel good about the match.

Step 2. Legal and Medical Procedures

Once a match has been made, legal and medical processes can commence. The surrogate will undergo all physical and mental health necessary screenings to safeguard her well-being as well as that of the baby. This will include routine blood tests, ultrasounds, and more.

When it comes to legal matters, the intended parents will draft a surrogacy contract with their attorney. The surrogate will review this contract with her own attorney and note any questions they have or any changes they want to make. Once all parties are in agreement and the contract is signed, the surrogate can begin the initial fertility treatments in preparation for receiving an embryo.

Step 3. Pregnancy and Birth

The surrogate will take a blood test to see if she’s pregnant about two weeks after the embryo transfer. Once she’s been pregnant for eight weeks, she can begin weaning off fertility medications, and after 10 weeks, can stop seeing the fertility doctor and begin seeing an OB/GYN of her choice.

The surrogate will also have the opportunity to pick which hospital in which she’ll deliver the baby. During delivery, the intended parents are usually there to offer support and be part of the special day. Once the baby is born, the surrogate will have a little time with the baby before the intended parents take their new baby home with them.

Surrogacy in Houston FAQs

A surrogacy contract is a legally binding contract that is reviewed, agreed upon, and signed by both the surrogate and the intended parents. The intended parents’ attorney drafts it, after which the surrogate and her own attorney review it and note any changes they want to make or any questions they may have. The contract outlines in detail all expectations, preferences, and requirements for the surrogacy journey, from prenatal processes to post-delivery expectations. Having a detailed legal document like this is crucial for ensuring all parties are aligned and helps ensure a happy, fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
Traditional surrogacy — in which the surrogate uses her own eggs and is therefore genetically related to the child — is legal in Texas but is treated like adoption, in which the intended parents must adopt the child after birth and the surrogate has 48 hours to relinquish parental rights. This means that technically, the surrogate can decide within that time frame to keep the baby. Because of the emotional complications involved in traditional surrogacy, it’s much less common than gestational surrogacy, in which the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby. At GSHC, we specialize only in gestational surrogacy.
With gestational surrogacy, in which the surrogate is not related to the baby, the surrogate cannot decide to keep the baby, and legal processes are in place to ensure the intended parents’ parental rights. However, with traditional pregnancy, in which the surrogate uses her own eggs and is therefore genetically related to the baby, the surrogate technically can decide to keep the baby within 48 hours after giving birth. In these cases, all paperwork is filed after birth. Traditional surrogacy is much more complicated legally and emotionally, and is therefore much less common than gestational pregnancy. GSHC specializes solely in gestational surrogacy.
For most married couples with at least one genetic connection to the baby, pursuing surrogacy in Texas, parentage is established through a pre-birth order prior to pregnancy or a post-birth order immediately after delivery. This is typically a straightforward process. Unmarried couples and single people pursuing surrogacy can petition the court to obtain a pre- or post-birth order, but this is done on a case-by-case basis. Otherwise, unmarried couples and single people may need to complete an adoption process after birth. Working with a lawyer specializing in surrogacy will help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, no matter one’s unique circumstances.
In Texas, surrogates’ total compensation can vary depending on a range of factors, such as prior surrogacy experience, any special requirements established in the surrogacy contract, whether the pregnancy results in multiples (such as twins), and more. In general, surrogates can expect to receive a base pay of somewhere between $40,000 and $85,000, as well as monthly allowances; compensation for lost wages; major milestone allowances; reimbursement for insurance premiums, surrogacy-related transportation, maternity clothing; and more.
Texas is a surrogacy-friendly state, with a detailed legal framework in place to protect all involved parties and ensure parentage is established for intended parents pursuing gestational surrogacy. Under Texas law, gestational surrogacy contracts are enforceable and the intended parents are recognized as legal parents to the child immediately after delivery. Surrogates are also protected under Texas law through the agreed-upon surrogacy contract and can be compensated fairly for their time and commitment. Out-of-state married couples can also take advantage of the Texas law if the surrogate lives in Texas.

Latest blog posts

Learn the latest on family-building from our experts. Read Our Blog

Why GSHC: About Our Surrogacy Agency

GSHC Surrogacy Agency is an internationally recognized, full-service boutique agency dedicated to helping families grow through surrogacy and egg donation. With a core ethos centered on a passion for assisted reproduction and family building, we prioritize the highest level of service for both intended parents and surrogates. What sets us apart is our unique approach — 100% of our Case Managers are former surrogates themselves, providing unparalleled empathy and expertise. Our extensive pool of surrogates, close relationships with elite professionals, and commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity ensure a seamless journey toward parenthood. With GSHC Surrogacy Agency, you’re in safe hands every step of the way. Learn more about how we can help facilitate your surrogacy journey in California.

Start your surrogacy journey with us.

Apply Now