Surrogacy in Illinois
Illinois is widely recognized as a surrogacy-friendly state, offering a clear legal framework that helps make the process feel safe and straightforward. With strong protections for intended parents under Illinois law, partnering with a trusted agency like Hatch adds an extra layer of guidance, security, and peace of mind from day one. With Hatch, intended parents and surrogates can expect thoughtful matching, thorough screening, and experienced legal guidance to keep every step clear and well-supported. Whether you live in Illinois or are coming from out of state to match with a surrogate here, we coordinate closely with your fertility clinic and care team to help everything move smoothly.
Surrogacy Laws in Illinois
| Gestational surrogacy is legally recognized in the state of Illinois. |
Illinois has long had a clear legal framework that supports gestational surrogacy, giving both intended parents and women who live in Illinois the ability to participate in the surrogacy process with confidence. Illinois law recognizes several forms of assisted reproduction, including gestational surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation, which helps make it a trusted and surrogacy-friendly place to build a family.
The state is also known for its progressive and inclusive approach, with protections that support single intended parents and LGBTQ+ families pursuing surrogacy without discrimination. Surrogacy in Illinois is typically supported through a written surrogacy agreement and legal steps like establishing parentage through a pre-birth order, and it’s strongly recommended that intended parents and surrogates each have independent legal counsel. At Hatch, we’re here to walk you through every step and can connect you with experienced reproductive and family law attorneys to help protect everyone involved and keep your journey moving smoothly.
Illinois Surrogacy Requirements
At Hatch, we’re committed to making the surrogacy journey safe, rewarding, and successful for everyone involved. Our surrogacy requirements are designed to ensure the well-being of our surrogates and intended parents, with clear guidelines that support a healthy and positive experience from start to finish.
How Hatch Works
At Hatch, we bring intended parents and compassionate surrogates together, guiding every step of the surrogacy journey with care and expertise. As a leading third-party surrogacy agency, we handle every detail—from matching and legal support to medical coordination—so you can focus on what matters most: building your family.

Benefits of Working with Hatch
Experience You Can Trust
Hatch was the first egg donation and one of the first surrogacy agencies in the United States. Since 1991, we’ve been a part of thousands of happy healthy births and serve parents in over 50 countries.
Agency + Clinic
Hatch is partnered with Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles to provide physician oversight and meet the medical needs of our Intended Parents and Surrogates.
Personal Connection to Surrogacy
Our team is comprised of many parents who have had their children through surrogacy as well as current and former surrogates.
Guided Journey
Whether you’re an Intended Parent, Surrogate, or Egg Donor, we guide you through every step of the way, coordinating screening, matching, and everything medical, financial, and legal.
Careful Screening
All Intended Parents, Surrogates, and Donors go through medical, psychological, and lifestyle screening to ensure the health and safety of all parties.
Thoughtful Matching
We match Intended Parents with donors and surrogates based on preference, communication style, location, personality, and more, and we don’t move forward with matches unless all parties agree.
Know someone who would make a great surrogate? Join our referral program.
Cities We Serve in Illinois
Hatch proudly supports intended parents and surrogates across the entire state of Illinois — you’re in the right place, no matter where you call home.
We also partner with Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles (PFCLA), a leading fertility clinic known for exceptional care and strong IVF outcomes.
Intended parents are always welcome to choose any fertility clinic they prefer, and surrogates typically receive OB care close to home in Illinois, with all travel-related expenses covered by the intended parents.
To provide added peace of mind, Hatch offers the Peace of Mind™ Program — a unique, all-inclusive option designed to reduce the “what ifs” along the way. It includes unlimited egg donations, embryo transfers, and surrogate matches, giving intended parents more security, flexibility, and confidence as they plan their journey.
We proudly support families and surrogates in cities including:
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Naperville
- Joliet
- Rockford
- Springfield
- Peoria
- Elgin
If you live in Illinois and don’t see your city listed above, don’t worry — Hatch supports intended parents and surrogates across the entire state.
FAQs about Illinois Surrogacy
Yes—gestational surrogacy is legally recognized in Illinois under the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act. When the legal requirements are met, Illinois provides a clear path for intended parents to be recognized as the legal parents.
Illinois is generally considered surrogacy-friendly for a wide range of intended parents, including married couples, unmarried partners, and single parents, as well as LGBTQ+ families. Your attorney will confirm how Illinois law applies to your specific family-building plan and where the birth will take place.
Requirements can vary by program, but most surrogates need to be in good overall health, have had at least one healthy pregnancy and delivery, and pass medical and psychological screening. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, you’re in the right place—we’ll walk you through what’s needed and why each step matters.
Often, yes—many intended parents work with surrogates in Illinois even if they live elsewhere. The key is coordinating legal and medical logistics (like parentage paperwork and travel plans), and Hatch is here to help keep everything organized and supported.
A written surrogacy agreement is a core part of an Illinois journey, and both the surrogate and intended parents should have their own independent legal counsel. The contract typically covers compensation, expectations during pregnancy, decision-making, and what happens if unexpected situations come up—so everyone feels protected and on the same page.
Take the Next Step in Your Illinois Surrogacy Journey
Becoming a surrogate in Illinois means joining a supportive community with strong legal protections and experienced guidance. At Hatch, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and cared for throughout every part of your surrogacy journey in Illinois.
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