By Alex D
What is your country of residence?
Alex D: USA
What is the name of the agency you’ve been working with? When did you sign the contract with them? What did the contract include? What was the cost of the contract? Share as much as you’re comfortable with.
Alex D: I worked with Circle Surrogacy, signing the contract with them in December 2022. The contract covered all key aspects of the surrogacy process, including medical procedures, legal support, surrogate compensation, and post-birth documentation assistance. It also outlined the responsibilities of both the intended parents and the agency, as well as provisions for unforeseen circumstances, such as medical complications or changes in legal requirements.
The total cost of the contract was approximately $95K, which included clinic fees, surrogate compensation, legal fees, and administrative costs. There were some additional expenses along the way, such as extra medical tests and document processing fees, but overall, the pricing was mostly transparent.
While the experience was largely positive, I would recommend future parents clarify all potential extra costs upfront to avoid surprises.
What is your experience with the agency? What did they do well and what (if anything) could have been done better?
Alex D: The agency was overall professional and efficient, making the surrogacy process smoother than I had expected. They handled most of the logistics well, including legal paperwork, surrogate coordination, and clinic communication. Their responsiveness was generally good, and they provided clear guidance at each stage.
However, there were moments when communication could have been more proactive. At times, I had to follow up for updates rather than receiving them regularly. A bit more transparency, especially regarding timelines and unexpected delays, would have improved the experience.
Overall, I’m satisfied with their services and would recommend them, but there’s room for small improvements in communication and responsiveness.
What has been your experience with the hospital in Georgia? Where did you travel, and how confident were you in the doctors, nurses, and other staff?
Alex D: My experience with the hospital in Georgia was mostly positive. The medical facilities were modern and well-equipped, and the staff was generally professional and attentive. The doctors were knowledgeable and experienced in handling surrogacy cases, which gave me confidence in their expertise. The nurses were kind and supportive, though at times there was a slight language barrier that made communication a bit challenging.
I traveled to Tbilisi for the delivery, and overall, I felt comfortable with the medical care provided. However, some hospital processes, like paperwork and discharge, felt a bit slow and could have been more organized. Despite that, the quality of care was good, and I felt my surrogate and baby were in safe hands.
How difficult was it to obtain the passport/documents for the baby? What steps did you need to take, and how long did the process take?
Alex D: Obtaining the passport and documents for the baby was somewhat time-consuming but manageable. The exact difficulty depended on my country’s embassy and its procedures in Georgia.
The first step was obtaining the baby’s birth certificate from the Georgian authorities, which required submitting documents such as the surrogacy contract and medical records. This process was relatively quick, usually taking a few days. Once I had the birth certificate, it needed to be apostilled and translated for use at my country’s embassy, which added about a week to the timeline.
Next, I applied for the baby’s citizenship and passport at my country’s embassy in Tbilisi. The requirements included the birth certificate, surrogacy documents, DNA test (for some countries), and my identification. The processing time at the embassy varied; some parents received the passport within one to two weeks, while others waited over a month, depending on their country’s policies.
There were some challenges along the way. Some paperwork required multiple visits and follow-ups, and embassy wait times were unpredictable. If a DNA test was required, it added extra time to the process.
Overall, from birth to having all necessary documents, the entire process took about three to six weeks in my case, but this can vary based on nationality and specific embassy requirements.
What is an estimated budget required for the travel (on top of the contract)? How long did you spend in Georgia, and how did you enjoy your time there? Also, feel free to share any recommendations for entertainment — restaurants, events, or places you’d suggest visiting.
Alex D: The estimated travel budget on top of the surrogacy contract depends on factors like the length of stay, accommodation preferences, and lifestyle choices. For two trips—one for the embryo transfer and another for the birth—a reasonable estimate is between $5,000 and $10,000 per trip, covering flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.
For the final trip, I stayed in Georgia for about four to six weeks, long enough to handle the birth, complete legal paperwork, and obtain my baby’s documents. My time there was mostly positive. Tbilisi, where most surrogacy services are based, is a vibrant and welcoming city with rich history, great food, and warm hospitality. While there were some stressful moments related to paperwork and embassy visits, the overall experience was enjoyable, and I appreciated the opportunity to explore the country.
During my stay, I had the chance to experience Georgia’s unique culture and cuisine. I particularly enjoyed dining at restaurants like Barbarestan, which serves traditional Georgian dishes with a historical twist, and Shavi Lomi, which offers a modern take on local flavors. Walking around Old Tbilisi was a highlight, with its charming streets, historic architecture, and the famous Narikala Fortress offering stunning city views. To unwind, I visited the Sulfur Baths, a relaxing and unique experience. For those with extra time, a day trip to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, or Kakheti, the country’s famous wine region, is well worth it.
Overall, Georgia is an affordable and welcoming place to spend time, even during the stressful moments of the surrogacy journey. The cost of living is reasonable compared to Western countries, and the warm hospitality makes the experience much more pleasant.
Was there anything unexpected during your surrogacy experience? What do you wish you had known at the beginning of the process?
Alex D: One unexpected aspect of the surrogacy experience was the emotional rollercoaster. While I anticipated the process to be challenging, I didn’t fully prepare for the emotional ups and downs, especially the waiting periods. There were moments of anxiety, uncertainty, and even frustration as I navigated through legal and logistical hurdles. At times, it felt like things were out of my control, and I found myself relying heavily on the support of the agency and medical team.
Another unexpected issue was the length of time required for legal documentation. While I had heard it could take weeks, I underestimated just how long some aspects—like securing the baby’s birth certificate and completing embassy procedures—could take. These delays sometimes added stress to an already emotional journey.
If I could go back, I would have managed my expectations better. I wish I had known from the beginning that while the process is largely straightforward, there are inevitable delays and unexpected hurdles along the way. It would have helped to be more proactive in asking questions, especially about the timing and costs of certain stages, and to set more realistic expectations regarding timelines for documents and approvals.
Additionally, I would have appreciated more pre-arrival support— for example, clearer guidance on what to expect during my stay in Georgia, and a more detailed breakdown of the potential extra costs involved in the process. This would have helped me feel more prepared and less overwhelmed when those surprises came up.
How would you rate the surrogacy experience overall?
Alex D: Four Stars – Surprisingly smooth for something so complicated.
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