Intended parents: process

How does cycle management work when you bring your own surrogate?

The short answer

Cycle management is a reduced-scope agency service for intended parents who already have a surrogate, usually a friend or relative. The agency screens her, coordinates the clinic, attorneys, escrow and insurance review, and manages the journey through birth, but does no matching. At Private Label Surrogacy the proposed cycle management fee is $15,000 ($12,500 for military families), against $42,000 proposed for a full program. Your surrogate still completes the same screening as an agency surrogate: physician record review by Dr. Silverberg, background check, insurance review, independent psychological evaluation and clinic screening. Compensation for a friend or relative is negotiable and can be lower, but expenses, insurance and legal contracts are still required under Illinois law.

Written by Jan Telman Berman

Global Surrogacy Coordinator. 18+ years managing national and international cycles.

Medically reviewed by Mark Silverberg, MD

Last updated October 14, 2026

What does cycle management include and exclude?

This section is being written.

Does a friend or family surrogate still need screening?

This section is being written.

What does cycle management cost versus a full agency program?

This section is being written.

Does a known surrogate have to be paid?

This section is being written.

What legal and insurance steps still apply?

This section is being written.

What goes wrong in unmanaged independent journeys?

This section is being written.

Who at PLS runs your cycle?

This section is being written.

Table in preparation

Full program vs cycle management table: matching, screening, clinic coordination, legal referral, escrow setup, case management, fee.

Editor notes (A-015): Cycle management fee is proposed, not current; mark 'confirm current schedule'. Confirm whether a known surrogate may be outside the 21 to 43 age range if the clinic clears her.

Frequently asked questions

What does PLS charge for cycle management?

$15,000 proposed, $12,500 for military families; confirm current schedule.

Does my sister or friend have to meet the same requirements?

Yes for medical and psychological screening; the clinic will not transfer without clearance. Age and BMI limits are set by the clinic.

Do we have to pay a friend who carries for us?

Compensation is negotiable and may be waived, but expenses, insurance, lost wages and independent legal counsel are still required.

Do we still need escrow?

Yes. Even with a known surrogate, reimbursements and any compensation run through an independent escrow account.