Proudly part of the City Fertility Network
Proudly part of the City Fertility Network
Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple.
It may be chosen due to infertility, medical conditions, or personal circumstances. Surrogacy is also an option for single men or gay couples. The eggs or sperm may be provided by the intended parents, or from donor sperm, eggs and embryos.
As surrogacy continues to grow in popularity, making an informed decision is essential. The surrogacy process can be complex, involving emotional, legal and medical considerations. Our expert team is here to guide and support you throughout your surrogacy journey.
Contact our team today to learn more about your surrogacy options.
Surrogacy eligibility depends on individual circumstances, but it is an option for a broad range of people wanting to grow their family. Intended parents may include individuals or couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical conditions such as uterine abnormalities, recurrent miscarriage, or other health conditions. It may also be considered after multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles.
Surrogacy for same-sex couples is a growing and important pathway to parenthood, particularly for male couples. Single men and women may also explore surrogacy as a family building option. In Australia, eligibility requirements differ slightly between states and may involve psychological assessments, legal advice, and medical evaluations to ensure the process is safe and informed for all parties involved.
At City Fertility, we support all intended parents, regardless of relationship status or sexual orientation.
While City Fertility cannot match you with a surrogate, we are here to support you every step of the way on your surrogacy journey. You will need to find your own surrogate, as Australian laws prevent IVF clinics from advertising for surrogates. In most cases, surrogate mothers are family members, friends, or people already known to the intended parents.
Each state and territory in Australia has its own laws regarding surrogacy arrangements and advertising. It’s important to understand your state’s legislation before proceeding. We recommend seeking legal advice early in the process to ensure compliance and informed decision-making.
There are two main types of surrogacies, each differing in terms of the surrogate’s genetic relationship to the child and the legal framework involved in Australia.
All parties involved in a surrogacy arrangement, including the intended parent(s), surrogate and the surrogate’s partner (if applicable), will attend a medical consultation with a City Fertility specialist. During this session, the specialist will outline the medical procedures involved in the surrogacy process and review the relevant medical history and results for each person. This step ensures everyone is fully informed and medically suitable to proceed. Open communication is encouraged, and any concerns can be discussed directly with your specialist.
The City Fertility Surrogacy Committee is made up of fertility specialists, national managers, counsellors and legal professionals. During the preliminary review, the committee assesses the medical histories and screening results of the surrogate and intended parent(s). Based on this assessment, they provide recommendations to your fertility specialist, who will confirm whether the arrangement can progress to the counselling and legal stage.
Victoria-specific note: In Victoria, surrogacy arrangements must also be approved by the Patient Review Panel. Visit health.vic.gov.au for more information.
Counselling is a mandatory part of the surrogacy journey. It provides a safe and confidential space for intended parent(s), the surrogate and her partner (if applicable) to explore personal concerns, relationship dynamics and emotional wellbeing. Participants must attend two individual counselling sessions, with a recommended two-week cooling-off period between them, followed by one joint session. Children may also be asked to attend where appropriate. Additional counselling may be required based on the counsellor’s recommendations to ensure all parties feel supported and ready to proceed.
Independent legal advice is required for all parties involved. The intended parent(s), surrogate and her partner (if applicable) must each arrange separate consultations with different legal advisers. These sessions ensure that everyone understands their rights, responsibilities and the legal implications of entering a surrogacy arrangement. Legal advice is a key safeguard that protects all parties and ensures compliance with the laws in your state or territory.
Once counselling and legal consultations are complete, and all parties are still willing to proceed, the case enters the final review stage. City Fertility compiles all necessary documentation, including medical records, legal reports and counselling summaries, and submits it to the Surrogacy Committee.
The committee ensures that all requirements have been met before providing a final recommendation. This recommendation is then shared with your fertility specialist, who will advise you on the next steps in the process.
After the surrogacy arrangement has been approved, all parties must attend a Patient Education Presentation at City Fertility. Led by a fertility nurse, this session explains: The treatment cycle for the intended parent(s)
This step ensures everyone understands the treatment plan and is fully prepared to begin.
To protect the health and safety of all parties, City Fertility requires that gametes or embryos used in surrogacy be quarantined for three months before embryo transfer. This applies whether the gametes are from the intended parents or from donors. After the quarantine period, repeat infectious disease screenings will be carried out. This ensures medical safety before treatment begins.
Treatment can begin once all required steps are completed.
A healthy lifestyle is strongly encouraged for both the surrogate and intended parent(s) before and during egg or sperm collection, embryo transfer and pregnancy. This includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity and limiting alcohol intake. Smoking should be ceased well before treatment. These lifestyle choices can positively affect egg and sperm quality, embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. Your City Fertility team will provide personalised support throughout your treatment cycle.
The surrogate cost can vary significantly depending on your personal circumstances and the services involved. Common costs include legal fees, medical assessments, IVF treatment, counselling, and City Fertility’s clinical charges. In some cases, you may also need to cover your surrogate’s out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel or additional healthcare needs.
As surrogacy is a complex process, it’s important to plan financially and understand what is and isn’t allowed under Australian law. For a personalised breakdown of expected costs, please contact us and our team will be happy to assist.
In Australia, legal advice is compulsory in all surrogacy cases. It is also important to understand that surrogacy laws vary between states and territories. These laws govern who can be an intended parent, who can be a surrogate mother, and what steps must be followed before, during and after the surrogacy arrangement.
City Fertility helps intended parents navigate these legal requirements by connecting them with experienced fertility specialists, counsellors and legal professionals. You’ll also need to complete independent legal advice, counselling, and formal agreements before treatment can begin.
Because legislation differs across the country, we encourage you to refer to your state or territory’s surrogacy laws Australia for detailed guidance, or speak with our team to ensure you’re on the right path.
Surrogacy is an arrangement in where a woman carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple. It is one of the several fertility options offered at City Fertility.
Surrogacy involves IVF, where an embryo is created and then transferred to the surrogate. The surrogate then carries the pregnancy to term.
Yes, altruistic surrogacy is legal in Australia, while commercial surrogacy is not. Surrogacy laws in Australia vary by state so it’s important to seek professional legal advice.
Speak with our team for guidance on your state’s requirements.
The cost of surrogacy depends on several factors including legal, clinical, and out-of-pocket expenses. Contact us for a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your situation.
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