Surrogacy as we know it today really has only been around since the 1980s, but infertility and pregnancy loss have been around for centuries, making it hard to pinpoint when surrogacy started. One thing is for sure: it has evolved tremendously since its very beginnings. We’ll cover the history of surrogacy from biblical times to today, including the medical and legal advancements that had to take place to get where we are. Surrogacy continues to play a pivotal role in society by helping families achieve their dream of having children. How Long Has Surrogacy Been Around? Surrogacy In The 20th ..read more

Many intended parents have grown their families with the help of fantastic surrogates in the state of Minnesota. While it has yet to introduce specific laws around surrogacy, Minnesota still reliably permits the practice and is known across the country as a surrogacy-friendly state. IARC continues to help pave the way by empowering and supporting aspiring surrogates and intended parents with up-to-date information on all state laws. To ensure you’re prepared for your surrogacy journey, continue reading to learn what to expect as a surrogate in Minnesota.  Why Become a Surrogate in M ..read more

Lauren is a Program Coordinator who joined the IARC team in 2021. She spent eleven years in the childcare field before coming to IARC. Having gone through her own journey of IVF, she is dedicated to helping other parents build their families and loves the connections she has with all of the parents and surrogates she works with. Have a coworker describe you. Lead Program Coordinator Morgane had this to say about Lauren: Lauren is a joy to work with. It has been a real pleasure to see her grow at IARC this past year. She is absolutely thriving as a Program Coordinator. If you have the chance t ..read more

Surrogacy is an incredibly rewarding experience that forever changes another family’s life for the better and creates lifelong relationships between surrogates and the family they help. It is important that surrogates are fully informed as they undertake this journey, and it is normal for those women to consider surrogacy pros and cons before deciding whether to move ahead. This list outlines the pros and cons of becoming a surrogate and what protections are in place to minimize any risk to the incredible women who decide to be a surrogate. Interested in learning more about the surrogacy proc ..read more

During these unusual times, we recognize that many surrogates will have questions about how COVID-19 may impact their surrogacy journey.  The good news is that even though COVID-19 is changing many aspects of our lives, parents and surrogates have been able to continue their family-building journeys together with some extra precautions taken to help keep everyone safe.   Research and recommendations related to COVID-19 are ongoing, but here are some key things we want to point out as you begin this process of helping another family through surrogacy.   IARC’s prescreening and m ..read more

If you’re considering becoming a Surrogate, you’re already an amazing person. Thinking of helping others to build their family is an incredible thing to consider. One of the most common and first questions is: “How much do Surrogates get paid?” Though your motivation is compassionate, it’s only natural to wonder if Surrogates get paid at all. When working with a Surrogacy Agency, there is indeed compensation as you go through the process.  Be careful! Some agencies will use compensation to entice potential Surrogates and often lump many things into that figure as an “all-inclusive packag ..read more

Despite the immense progress that has been made in recent years towards equal rights for LGBTQ people, the community is still hugely affected by hate crimes, discrimination, and harmful biases. In order to achieve equal rights and fair treatment, the LGBTQ community still needs allies to support them. Allyship is an ongoing commitment that protects members of the LGBTQ community from harm and affirms their agency. Here’s how to be an LGBTQ ally in five easy steps. How to Be a Good Ally  Allyship is a critical aspect of developing a safe, inclusive society for members of the LGBTQ commun ..read more

Whitney joined the IARC team in 2020 and quickly jumped into her role. She has often said that this felt like a missing puzzle piece coming together at the right time in her life by working here and we couldn’t agree more! She is dedicated to our mission of creating families and her positive and bubbly personality make her a joy to work with daily. Have a coworker describe you. Program Coordinator Kayla had this to say about Whitney: Whit is one of our newest program coordinators but what she lacks in experience she makes up for in enthusiasm and intellect.  She’s quick as a whip, extrem ..read more

  Whether you’re looking to become a surrogate and carry a baby for someone else, or you are an intended parent looking for a surrogate yourself, this guide will walk you through the most important steps to take when considering surrogacy.  For many prospective parents, surrogacy is the only option to have and raise a child of their own. For prospective surrogates and parents who are considering the gestational surrogacy process, having the right information is crucial in deciding when to consider surrogacy. In this blog, we will explain the process of gestational surrogacy for surr ..read more

Perhaps you have heard the term surrogacy, surrogate, gestational carrier, or surrogate mother and thought to yourself, “I could do that!” But then you were left to wonder, “where do I begin?” In this blog, we will walk you through the steps and what to expect in the process of becoming a surrogate. The beginning steps of becoming a surrogate might not be what you expect, so you will first want to do your research and become informed. Learn more about what surrogacy is and why it might be of interest to you. Think about what you are looking for in an agency and make sure you are qualified to ..read more