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Knowledge base
117 articles
Egg Donation FAQ Are egg donation payments taxable? What tax implications should I understand?
Yes, egg donor compensation is generally taxable income. Key tax considerations: compensation over $600 typically requires a 1099-MISC form, payments are.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Are surrogate payments taxable?
Surrogate compensation and reimbursements can have tax implications, but the answer is highly fact-specific.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents As a single parent or same-sex couple, LGBTQ member can I utilize surrogacy?
Yes! Gestational surrogacy can be a perfect option for your parental plan. We are a single-parent and LGBT-friendly agency and would love to work with you to.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Can I be a surrogate with my tubes tied?
Yes! Tubal ligation doesn't affect surrogacy because embryos are placed directly in the uterus, fallopian tubes aren't needed for IVF.
Egg Donation FAQ Can I become an egg donor if I am still breastfeeding?
Yes. You may still start the application process, but you will only be admitted into our program after you stop breastfeeding and start to have regular.
Egg Donation FAQ Can I become an egg donor if I don't live in Southern California?
Yes! Patriot Conceptions works with egg donors nationwide and internationally. While our headquarters is in Costa Mesa, California, we accommodate donors from.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Can I choose the individual or couple I am a surrogate for?
Yes, at Patriot Conceptions, you have the freedom to choose the individual or couple you would like to be a surrogate for.
Egg Donation FAQ Can I choose the intended parents I donate to?
While Patriot Conceptions primarily facilitates the matching process, you have options to review intended parent profiles before agreeing to match, participate.
Egg Donation FAQ Can I donate multiple times? What are the limits?
According to ASRM guidelines, you can donate up to six times. This limit exists to protect your long-term health, prevent oversaturation of genetic material.
Egg Donation FAQ Can I donate my eggs more than once?
Yes. An egg donor can donate up to 6 times. According to the rules and regulations set by ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) and the State.
Egg Donation FAQ Can I donate while breastfeeding?
You may begin the application while breastfeeding, but must have stopped breastfeeding before starting medications, need regular menstrual cycles resumed.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Can I use my own OB/GYN?
Medical care typically follows this pattern: First 10-12 weeks at IVF clinic monitoring, after 12 weeks with your chosen OB/GYN.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents Can international parents use Patriot Conceptions?
Yes! We regularly work with international families. Support provided includes visa assistance and documentation, coordination with consulates/embassies.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Can single parents be surrogates?
Absolutely! Single parents can be excellent surrogates with strong support system of family/friends, childcare arrangements for appointments, emergency contact.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Do I get to choose my intended parents?
Yes! The matching process is mutual. You can review intended parent profiles, participate in video interviews, ask questions about their expectations, decline.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents Do LGBTQ+ couples face different challenges?
Patriot Conceptions is LGBTQ+ experienced. Same medical process for all, may need egg donor selection, additional legal steps in some states, international.
General Overview FAQ Do you offer payment plans?
Financial options available include escrow account management, milestone-based payments, financial counseling services, fertility loan partnerships, insurance.
Checklists & Templates Donor/Surrogate Application
Personal Documentation: Photo portfolio (recent, diverse settings), Personal profile and motivation letter, References from family/friends, Educational and.
Disclaimers & Important Notices Financial Disclaimers
FINANCIAL NOTICE: Costs presented are estimates based on 2025 market conditions and may vary significantly.
Egg Donation FAQ How anonymous is anonymous egg donation? What about DNA testing and future contact?
True anonymity is increasingly difficult due to consumer DNA testing. Current reality: your profile removes identifying information but may include physical.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents How are parental rights established?
Legal process varies by state but typically includes pre-birth orders in surrogate-friendly states, parentage declarations filed with court, both parents can.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How do I become a surrogate with Patriot Conceptions?
The journey begins with Initial Assessment (complete online pre-screening questionnaire, basic eligibility review, virtual information session available).
General Overview FAQ How do I begin working with Patriot Conceptions?
For Intended Parents: Schedule free consultation, complete intake forms, meet with specialists, begin matching process.
General Overview FAQ How do I contact client relations?
You can call, message or email your contacts within the Your Contacts section To contact Admissions Agent or your Case Manager, you can use the My Contacts.
Portal How-To How do I fill out forms in the Patriot Conceptions Portal?
Open the Forms menu to start, resume from the dashboard checklist, and add subforms when needed.
Portal How-To How do I keep track of my appointments?
Track appointments from the Appointments tab or Calendar view, with tips on viewing details and filtering only appointment items.
Portal How-To How do I keep track of my medications on Patriot Conceptions Portal and label one as complete?
Use the Medication tab to review daily meds, mark them complete, upload photos, and manage items from the Calendar view.
Finance & Insurance Guide How do I maximize insurance coverage?
Strategic insurance optimization approach: Coverage Assessment - policy language analysis, exclusion identification, state mandate verification, network.
Portal How-To How do I request my Medical/OBGYN Records and send it to Patriot Conceptions?
Open the Medical Records tab, verify facility details, generate a request if needed, and upload records once received.
Portal How-To How do I set my available times in the Patriot Conceptions Portal?
Use Calendar > Set Availability to choose a date range and set start/end times, then save to see availability tiles.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents How do I start the surrogacy process?
Begin with Initial Consultation (free) to discuss family-building goals, review surrogacy process, financial planning discussion, with virtual or in-person.
Legal & Policy Guide How do pre-birth orders work?
Pre-birth orders establish intended parents as legal parents before birth. Requirements: filed during pregnancy (typically 2nd trimester), all parties.
General Overview FAQ How do you ensure ethical practices?
Ethical framework includes informed consent for all parties, fair compensation for surrogates/donors, psychological support throughout, transparent.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents How does Patriot Conceptions screen surrogates?
Rigorous screening includes Medical screening (previous pregnancy records review, current health assessment, infectious disease testing, psychological.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How does a surrogate become pregnant through IVF?
The IVF process involves Preparation Phase (medical clearance at IVF clinic, medication to prepare uterine lining, mock cycle to test response), Embryo.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How does a surrogate mother get pregnant?
A surrogate mother gets pregnant through the process of assisted reproductive technology, also known as IVF.
Medical Safety & Protocols How is OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) prevented?
Multi-layered prevention approach. Risk Assessment: AMH and AFC baseline measurements, previous response monitoring, BMI and metabolic considerations, genetic.
Egg Donation FAQ How is egg donor compensation determined?
Egg donor compensation varies by program and is documented in the legal agreement.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How is pregnancy different as a surrogate?
Physically similar, emotionally unique. Physical aspects same as your pregnancies, more frequent medical monitoring in first trimester.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How long after giving birth can I become a surrogate?
Timeline requirements: Application can start 2-3 months postpartum, active profile after breastfeeding ends, medical clearance 6-12 months post-delivery.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How long after my last delivery do I have to wait to apply for surrogacy?
You may begin the screening process 2 to 3 months after your delivery. Your profile would not become active on our database until you have stopped.
General Overview FAQ How long do programs typically take?
Timelines vary based on matching, medical screening, clinic scheduling, and legal steps.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How long does it take to be matched with Intended Parents?
Typically, it takes about 4-5 weeks, from intake form to match the confirmation.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How long does matching take?
Typically 4-5 weeks, including profile review by intended parents (1-2 weeks), initial interest and communication (1 week), video meeting arrangement (1 week).
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents How long does surrogacy take?
Typically 12-18 months total. Pre-conception (3-6 months): surrogate matching 1-3 months, legal agreements 1-2 months, medical clearance 1 month.
Egg Donation FAQ How long is the entire egg donation process?
Pre-matching phase includes application and screening (2-4 weeks), profile creation and listing (1 week), and waiting for match (few days to several months).
General Overview FAQ How long the entire surrogacy process can take?
The surrogacy process can take anywhere from 12 months to 18 months for the majority of intended parents, depending on each case and the location of your.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How much contact will I have with intended parents?
Contact varies by preference. During pregnancy: regular updates (weekly/monthly), attendance at key appointments, milestone celebrations together.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents How much contact will we have with our surrogate?
During pregnancy: regular updates (frequency varies), attendance at appointments (especially ultrasounds), direct communication via text/email/video, holiday.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates How much do surrogates earn?
Compensation follows a detailed 2025 structure. Base compensation: $35,000-$65,000 for first-time surrogates; $45,000-$91,000+ for experienced surrogates.
Finance & Insurance Guide How much does a surrogate make?
The base compensation for first-time surrogate mothers ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 depending on the state of residence.
Finance & Insurance Guide How much does surrogacy cost?
Surrogacy costs vary widely based on your medical plan, legal steps, insurance, and how your journey is structured.
Portal How-To How should I use the Calendar in the Patriot Conceptions Portal?
Use Calendar to track appointments, meetings, and medications, filter views, and manage availability.
Egg Donation FAQ How will egg donation affect my work or school schedule?
Being an egg donor carries responsibilities and commitments. When you are in the cycle, you are expected to refrain from alcohol, smoking, vaping, use of.
General Overview FAQ I know nothing about surrogacy, how should I start?
Our client specialists will be there for you. No worries! We will make the first step as simple as possible.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Is becoming a surrogate difficult?
While rewarding, surrogacy involves physical demands (pregnancy and delivery), time commitment (12-18 months total), and emotional journey.
Egg Donation FAQ Is egg retrieval painful? What can I expect during recovery?
The egg retrieval is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with manageable discomfort.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Is the process to become a surrogate mother difficult?
Overall, the process of becoming a surrogate mother can be complex and involves many different steps.
Egg Donation FAQ Is there any cost to the egg donor?
Almost none. The only cost would be your current pap smear and local transportation.
Checklists & Templates Journey Timeline Templates
Egg Donation Timeline (3-4 months): Month 1: Application and screening completion, Medical and psychological evaluations, Legal contract review and signing.
Disclaimers & Important Notices Legal Disclaimers
LEGAL NOTICE: This document does not provide legal advice. Laws vary significantly by state and change frequently.
Glossary & Terminology Legal Terms
Gestational Surrogacy: Surrogate carries embryo with no genetic connection to child.
Disclaimers & Important Notices Medical Disclaimers
IMPORTANT MEDICAL NOTICE: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Glossary & Terminology Medical Terms
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Blood test measuring ovarian reserve and egg quantity potential.
Checklists & Templates Pre-Journey Preparation
Research: Understanding egg donation/surrogacy process, legal implications in your state, medical requirements and timeline, compensation structure and tax.
Glossary & Terminology Process Terms
Cycle Synchronization: Coordinating donor and recipient menstrual cycles for optimal timing.
Disclaimers & Important Notices Regulatory Compliance
REGULATORY NOTICE: All procedures must comply with FDA, ASRM, and state regulations.
Egg Donation FAQ What are my legal obligations to any resulting children?
Zero legal obligations or rights. Full parental rights are transferred to intended parents.
Egg Donation FAQ What are realistic success rates with donor eggs, and how do various factors affect outcomes?
Success rates with donor eggs are significantly higher than with own eggs: fresh donor eggs achieve 55-65% live birth rates per transfer for recipients under.
Finance & Insurance Guide What are the complete costs for egg donation cycles?
Transparent cost structure for comprehensive planning: Agency Fees - matching and coordination: $8,000-$12,000, legal document preparation: $2,000-$3,000, case.
Medical Safety & Protocols What are the latest medical safety protocols?
Comprehensive safety framework for 2025. Pre-Procedure Safety: advanced genetic carrier screening (300+ conditions), comprehensive infectious disease panels.
Egg Donation FAQ What are the medical risks of egg donation?
Currently, there is no proven or clearly documented long-term side effects from the egg retrieval procedure, or associated with egg donation.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents What are typical success rates?
Success depends on multiple factors. Embryo quality is most important factor. First transfer success: 60-70% with good embryos.
Egg Donation FAQ What disqualifies someone from becoming an egg donor?
Common disqualifying factors include history of substance abuse or addiction, certain mental health conditions (severe depression, bipolar disorder.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates What do I need to do to match with intended parents?
Submit your available times in order for us to arrange a Match Meeting with intended parents. Then, go through the Matching Process before a decision is finalized.
Medical Safety & Protocols What emergency support is available?
Comprehensive emergency response system. 24/7 Medical Support: direct physician access hotline, nurse practitioners on-call, partnerships with emergency.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates What expenses are covered?
All expenses covered include medical care and procedures related to IVF, embryo transfer, prenatal care, delivery, and complications; medications and vitamins.
Egg Donation FAQ What expenses do I need to cover as an egg donor?
Minimal out-of-pocket expenses include current pap smear (if needed) and local transportation to appointments.
Finance & Insurance Guide What financing options are available?
Multiple pathway financing approach: Traditional Financing - fertility-specific loans (6.99%-24.99% APR), personal loans from banks, home equity lines of.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates What happens after the baby is born?
At delivery: intended parents typically present, immediate bonding time for parents, your wishes respected for involvement.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates What happens during the matching process?
Comprehensive matching includes Profile Presentation (your profile shared with compatible intended parents), Expression of Interest (intended parents review.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates What if I don't have health insurance?
No problem! Intended parents provide comprehensive surrogate-friendly insurance, coverage for all pregnancy-related care, coverage begins before transfer.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents What if we need an egg or sperm donor too?
We coordinate all aspects including in-house egg donor program, sperm bank partnerships, known donor agreements, simultaneous donor and surrogate matching.
Medical Safety & Protocols What increases a woman’s risk of Infertility?
Many things can reduce a woman's ability to have a baby. These include the following.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates What is the difference between gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy? What are the advantages of gestational surrogacy?
In gestational surrogacy, the baby is not biological-related to the surrogate. However, in traditional surrogacy, the baby has a biological connection with the.
Egg Donation FAQ What is the exact age range for egg donors and why is it so strictly enforced?
Egg donors must be exactly 21-28 years old as of their application date. This strict age range is enforced for critical medical and legal reasons: peak.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents What is the total cost of surrogacy?
Surrogacy costs typically range $130,000-$200,000+ including agency fees ($30,000-$40,000), surrogate compensation ($35,000-$91,000+ based on experience.
General Overview FAQ What is your success rate?
Success rates depend on many factors (clinic outcomes, embryo quality, patient health, and treatment plan).
General Overview FAQ What makes Patriot Conceptions different?
Veteran-owned with military values, 15+ years combined experience, 700+ families created successfully, full-service egg donation and surrogacy, transparent.
Egg Donation FAQ What medications are involved in egg donation?
The medication protocol typically includes three phases. Phase 1 (Synchronization, 3-4 weeks): Birth control pills to regulate your cycle, may include Lupron.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates What medications will I take as a surrogate?
Typical medication protocol includes Estrogen (pills, patches, or injections to build uterine lining), Progesterone (injections or suppositories for pregnancy.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents What qualities do you look for in surrogates?
Required: Age 21-38 years, previous healthy pregnancy/delivery, BMI under 33, non-smoker no drugs, financially stable, U.
General Overview FAQ What qualities does Patriot Conceptions look for in surrogate and/or egg donor candidates?
Surrogates or egg donors must be mentally and physically healthy. They also need to meet our strict requirements to be admitted into the program.
General Overview FAQ What regulations do you follow?
ASRM guidelines for reproductive medicine, FDA regulations for tissue donation, state laws for surrogacy and donation, HIPAA compliance for privacy, LGBTQ+.
General Overview FAQ What services does Patriot Conceptions provide?
Comprehensive third-party reproduction services. Egg Donation Program: donor recruitment and screening, matching services, legal coordination, cycle.
Legal & Policy Guide What special legal issues affect international intended parents?
Complex multi-jurisdictional considerations: Documentation Requirements - pre-birth orders in U.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates What support is available during surrogacy?
Comprehensive support system includes 24/7 case management from Patriot Conceptions, peer support groups with other surrogates, counseling services throughout.
Egg Donation FAQ What travel and infectious disease restrictions affect egg donors?
FDA regulations impose strict travel restrictions: travel to Zika-endemic areas (including Mexico, Central/South America, Southeast Asia) requires 6-month.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents What's the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?
Gestational Surrogacy (what we offer): embryo created via IVF, no genetic link to surrogate, legally preferred in all states, clear parental rights, higher.
General Overview FAQ Where are you located?
Headquarters in Costa Mesa, California. Service area nationwide and international.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents Where is surrogacy legal?
Most friendly states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.
Legal & Policy Guide Which states are most surrogacy-friendly in 2025?
Tier 1 (Highly Favorable): California - most progressive laws, pre-birth orders, all family types; Illinois - Gestational Surrogacy Act, comprehensive.
Finance & Insurance Guide Who pays for me to travel if I don’t live in California or near the fertility clinic?
The Intended Parents you match with will cover all costs associated with your surrogacy.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents Who typically needs surrogacy services?
Surrogacy helps various individuals and couples. Medical reasons include women without a uterus, uterine abnormalities, medical conditions preventing.
Egg Donation FAQ Why are there strict age and health requirements for egg donors?
Egg donors must be 21-28 years old and meet specific health criteria to ensure optimal egg quality for higher success rates, minimal health risks during the.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents Why choose Patriot Conceptions?
Patriot Conceptions offers 15+ years combined experience, 700+ successful families created, veteran-owned with military values (honor, integrity, service).
Egg Donation FAQ Why does matching with intended parents take variable time?
Matching timeframes vary because each intended parent has unique preferences and criteria, your specific characteristics may appeal to different families.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents Why is a notarized contract required?
California law mandates protection for all parties, clear financial obligations, medical decision protocols, parental rights establishment, lifestyle.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Why should I join Patriot Conceptions?
Joining Patriot Conceptions is an intimate and rewarding decision for both surrogates and intended parents.
Egg Donation FAQ Will I have to travel during the egg donor process?
Yes if you are not local to the recipients' clinic. If you are not living in the local area (within 60 miles) of the recipients’ clinic, travel will be.
Egg Donation FAQ Will I know who receives my eggs?
No for anonymous donations. Most donations are so-called anonymous donations. In this case, information related to personal identity will be removed when your.
Egg Donation FAQ Will my identity be protected? Can I meet the recipients?
Patriot Conceptions offers both anonymous and open donations. Anonymous donations (most common) remove your identifying information from profiles, protect.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Will the baby have any of my DNA as a gestational carrier?
As a gestational carrier, the baby will not have any of your DNA. The genetic material used for the embryo comes from the intended parents or donors, not from.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Will the baby have any of my DNA?
No genetic connection in gestational surrogacy. Embryo created from egg and sperm donors/intended parents.
Surrogacy FAQ for Intended Parents Will the surrogate want to keep the baby?
This virtually never happens. Surrogates have completed their families, no genetic connection to baby, extensive psychological screening, clear legal.
Finance & Insurance Guide Will there be any expenses for me during the surrogacy process?
Rest assured, all surrogate-related costs are covered by the Intended Parents. Initially, you may incur small expenses, such as mailing your medical records.
Surrogacy FAQ for Surrogates Will this pregnancy be different for me from my natural pregnancies?
A surrogate pregnancy can differ from natural pregnancies in various aspects. Emotionally, the connection may vary, as surrogates carry the baby for intended.
Support resources
Care programs, counseling, and mentor circles.
Mental Health
Emotional Wellness Toolkit
Resources for managing emotions throughout your surrogacy journey.
Support Group
Family Support Circle
Support group for partners and children of surrogates to understand and navigate the surrogacy process together.
Support Group
Journey Partners
Connecting surrogates with mentors who have completed at least one surrogacy journey.
Educational
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Information about the legal aspects of surrogacy.
Educational
Medical Procedure Explanations
Clear explanations of medical procedures involved in surrogacy.
Mental Health
Mindfulness for Surrogates
Guided meditation and mindfulness practices designed for surrogates.
Physical Health
Post-Birth Recovery Resources
Information and support for physical recovery after birth.
Physical Health
Pregnancy Fitness Programs
Safe exercise routines designed for surrogates.
Mental Health
Surrogacy Counseling Services
Professional counseling specifically for surrogates at all stages of their journey.
Educational
Surrogacy Process Library
Comprehensive information about each stage of the surrogacy process.
Physical Health
Surrogate Nutrition Guide
Nutrition recommendations for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Support Group
Surrogate Sisters
A community of current and former surrogates who provide emotional support and share experiences.
Events
Live sessions and community gatherings.
Family Building Conference
Annual conference bringing together surrogates, intended parents, and professionals in the field.
Surrogate Appreciation Retreat
A weekend retreat for surrogates to relax, connect, and be celebrated for their incredible gift.
Surrogacy Journey Workshop
A comprehensive workshop covering all aspects of the surrogacy journey with expert speakers.