Become a Surrogate in Illinois

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate in Illinois, you’re in the right place—and it’s normal to have a lot of questions. For more than 30 years, our compassionate team (including former surrogates) has supported women through every step, from the first call to delivery and beyond. Surrogacy can change a family’s future by helping intended parents welcome the baby they’ve been hoping for. We work with surrogates across Illinois, including Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Rockford, Springfield, and Peoria.
We serve gestational surrogacy only, which means the embryo is created through IVF and you aren’t genetically related to the baby you carry. Next, you’ll find what the process looks like, what you can expect, and how to see if you qualify.

Requirements to Become a Surrogate in Illinois

At Hatch, we know Illinois surrogacy requirements aren’t just paperwork—they’re there to protect your health and the baby’s well-being from day one. That’s why every hopeful Illinois surrogate completes a full medical review and fertility clinic screening, along with a psychological evaluation, to confirm you’re physically and emotionally ready for the journey ahead. These steps help your care team plan safely, catch risks early, and make sure you feel supported—not pressured—throughout the process. You deserve to feel confident at every stage, and we’re here to walk you through each requirement with clarity and care.

U.S. Citizen

Surrogacy requires long-term residency or US citizenship due to the extensive nature of the medical and legal process.

Age 21-42

Surrogates must fall within this age range to support healthy pregnancies and outcomes.

Healthy Pregnancy History

A history of at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy and regular menstruation cycles.

Healthy BMI (Max 32)

A stable and healthy body mass index supports positive fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Healthy and Stable Lifestyle

Surrogates must live in a supportive, drug-free, and stable environment, both emotionally and physically.

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Surrogate Pay and Compensation in Illinois

Illinois is widely known for having one of the strongest, most surrogate-supportive environments in the country—and that stability often goes hand-in-hand with competitive compensation. In a similar spirit, many intended parents are drawn to become a surrogate in Illinois thanks to the state’s progressive legislation and welcoming approach to family-building.

Surrogate compensation in Illinois starts at $65,000 for first-time surrogates, with repeat surrogates earning even more. Below are some of the benefits for surrogates at Hatch:

Bonuses for medical and legal clearance
Compensation for lost wages (for you and/or your partner
Household allowances
Childcare allowances
Personalized gifts
Pregnancy bonuses for twins, c-sections, and additional IVF transfers

At Hatch, we believe in complete transparency and fairness when it comes to surrogate compensation.

See Our Surrogate Compensation Package

Hatch is proud to support our surrogates and their families with our competitive and thoughtfully crafted compensation package.

Illinois Surrogate Compensation

Shoshannah, 4x Surrogate and Director of Surrogate Community

How Hatch Helps Women Become Surrogates in Illinois

If you’re ready to become a surrogate in Illinois, you’re in the right place—Hatch is here to walk you through every step with compassion and expertise. As a trusted third-party agency, we coordinate every detail, from matching you with intended parents to guiding you through medical, legal, and emotional support, so you always feel informed and cared for. With decades of experience and a dedicated team, we make your surrogacy journey smooth, safe, and deeply rewarding.

Surrogacy Process and Timeline

Becoming a surrogate in Illinois follows a clearly defined, well-regulated process designed to protect and support both surrogates and intended parents at every step. At Hatch, you’re in the right place—we’ll be by your side throughout the journey, offering personal guidance, clear communication, and steady support so the experience feels as positive and stress-free as possible.

How Illinois Surrogates are Matched with Intended Parents

Wondering how you’ll be matched with the right intended parents when you become a surrogate in Illinois? You’re in the right place—Hatch uses a careful, personalized matching process that puts your comfort first. Many of our team members are former surrogates, so we understand what you need and we’re here to walk you through every step.

You always have a say in your match, and you’ll never be paired with intended parents you don’t feel comfortable with.

Intended parents may be from Illinois, other U.S. states, or even abroad. No matter where they live, you won’t be asked to travel internationally—your care and appointments take place in the U.S., and all required travel and medical expenses are covered. Hatch coordinates the logistics with the clinic and intended parents so you can focus on your health and your family.

Open, honest communication is encouraged from the start—whether that’s sharing ultrasound updates, sending check-ins, or celebrating milestones together. At Hatch, every relationship is built on care, respect, and deep gratitude for what you’re doing.

Why Illinois Surrogates Choose Hatch

For over 30 years, Hatch has been proudly serving surrogates, and our team includes former surrogates who truly understand what this journey feels like. We’re honored to guide you through every step and support you as you do something incredibly meaningful. At Hatch, you’ll receive compassionate, professional care that’s inclusive and centered around you. We combine high standards with real emotional support, so you feel heard, respected, and confidently supported from start to finish.

Trusted & Experienced

Since 1991, Hatch has helped bring thousands of happy, healthy babies into the world. We have high success rates and many return surrogates.

Competitive Compensation

Our compensation package is crafted to be competitive in the industry, providing direct compensation, bonuses and allowances throughout your surrogacy.

Thoughtful Matching

Our match specialists carefully consider matches based on preferences, location, communication style, and more. All parties must agree to the match.

Surrogacy Community

Our program is run by a wonderful team of former surrogates, and you’ll have a chance to connect with other women who have been surrogates for other families.

A Word From Our Surrogates

"It’s the most rewarding, selfless thing that anyone can do. I loved being pregnant and would love to do something like that for somebody else. If anyone is considering being a surrogate, I’d tell them to go for it. Absolutely."

"Being a surrogate has changed my couple’s life but it has also changed me as well. I have accomplished many things in my life but I have never felt such an intense sense of pride as I did helping them create their family. I am so grateful to have been part of this journey with my parents and the Hatch team. My experience of being a surrogate exceeded all my expectations and continues to do so."

"Being a surrogate is one of the biggest most rewarding accomplishments of my life! Watching a couple become a family and giving them the gift of life is unexplainable … it’s so fulfilling! When I delivered their baby and saw them holding her for the first time and knowing as a mother the love they were feeling … just seeing all of it come together and knowing I had a part in creating that family is such an amazing feeling!"

FAQs for Surrogates in Illinois

Is surrogacy legal in Illinois?

Yes—gestational surrogacy is supported in Illinois, and the state has clear legal processes that help protect surrogates and intended parents. Hatch works with experienced Illinois attorneys so you feel confident and supported from the start.

What are the basic requirements to become a surrogate in Illinois?

While every case is unique, most surrogates are between 21–42, have had at least one healthy pregnancy, and are raising a child of their own. You’ll also complete medical and psychological screenings to make sure surrogacy is a safe, positive experience for you.

Do I need to live in Illinois to become a surrogate in Illinois?

If you’re based in Illinois, you’re in the right place—local support and familiar legal steps can make the process feel more straightforward. If you’re nearby but not in Illinois, Hatch can still guide you through options depending on your location and travel comfort.

How much can I be compensated if I become a surrogate in Illinois?

Compensation varies based on your experience, location, and details of the journey, but it typically includes a base compensation plus covered expenses like travel and maternity items. We’ll walk you through the full compensation package upfront so there are no surprises.

Will I have to travel for medical appointments if I become a surrogate in Illinois?

Some travel is common, especially for the fertility clinic cycle and embryo transfer, but many appointments are handled locally once pregnancy is established. Hatch helps coordinate logistics and reimbursable travel so you feel supported every step of the way.

Will I be biologically related to the baby if I become a surrogate in Illinois?

In gestational surrogacy, you are not genetically related to the baby because the embryo is created using the intended parent(s)’ or donors’ egg and sperm. You’re doing something incredible—carrying a pregnancy for a family—without a genetic connection.

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