More and more Asian families are choosing U.S. surrogacy. However, after the baby is born, the biggest challenges for new parents are often not medical care but the complex administrative procedures:
“How do we apply for the birth certificate?”
“How should newborn insurance be arranged?”
“What documents are needed before returning to Taiwan?”

JDB maternity care center has compiled the most common questions and answers for surrogacy families, covering the entire process from birth to returning home, helping you prepare in advance and confidently welcome your new baby.

I. Baby’s Birth Process and Parent Preparation

Q1: Do intended parents need to be present when the surrogacy baby is born?

Parents should attend if possible. On the day of birth, the hospital will require intended parents to sign multiple important documents, including medical consent forms and identity verification paperwork. If parents cannot arrive due to visa delays or other reasons, they may authorize an attorney or JDB maternity care center to handle these procedures to ensure smooth hospital discharge.

Q2: How long will the baby stay in the hospital?

It depends on the delivery method.

• Vaginal birth: approx. 24 hours
   
• Cesarean section: 24–48 hours
   

Once the baby’s vitals are stable and the doctor confirms the baby is healthy, a discharge permit will be issued. Parents, or the authorized JDB team, may then bring the baby to the maternity care center for care.

Q3: Who will the hospital release the baby to?

This depends on state law. In surrogacy-friendly states such as California, hospitals follow the Pre-Birth Order (PBO) issued by the court and will release the baby directly to the intended parents listed on the order, without requiring the surrogate’s consent.

II. Birth Certificate and Document Applications

Q4: How do we apply for the U.S. Birth Certificate?

Within about one week after birth, the hospital helps complete and submit the Birth Registration forms. Intended parents may pick up the certified Birth Certificate at the County Clerk’s office, or authorize an attorney or JDB to handle it. The Birth Certificate will list the intended parents directly based on the PBO. This document is essential for the passport application and Taiwan return procedures.

Q5: How do we apply for the baby’s U.S. passport?

After obtaining the Birth Certificate, the U.S. passport application can begin. Applications are handled at the U.S. Post Office (USPS) or authorized passport acceptance agencies. Parents may apply themselves or authorize a professional team.

Required documents include:

• Certified Birth Certificate
   
• Photocopies of parents’ passports
   
• Baby's passport photo
   
• Form DS-11
   

Standard processing takes 2–3 weeks. If urgent, JDB can assist with expedited service, which can be completed in 1–2 business days.

III. Medical and Insurance Questions

Q6: Who pays for the medical expenses of a surrogacy baby?

According to the surrogacy agreement, medical expenses related to pregnancy and delivery are covered by the intended parents and are usually included in the total surrogacy package. However, if the baby requires unexpected medical care after birth, it is strongly recommended to arrange newborn insurance in advance to avoid high costs.

Q7: Can surrogacy babies use insurance?

Yes. Common insurance options include:

Short-term Newborn Insurance
Provides coverage for hospitalization, emergency visits, and medication.

International Medical Insurance Extensions
Some parent insurance plans provide coverage for newborns.

Private Medical Insurance Plans
Custom insurance solutions arranged by maternity care centers or attorneys.

Important: U.S. medical expenses are extremely high. A newborn hospital stay may cost several thousand dollars per night. Parents should confirm insurance start dates and coverage early.

IV. Returning to Taiwan and Document Authentication

Q8: How does the baby apply for a Taiwan passport?

If one parent holds ROC nationality, the baby may acquire ROC citizenship under the principle of bloodline descent.

Required documents:

• Original U.S. Birth Certificate
  (California documents require Apostille)
   
• Parents’ Taiwan passports and ID copies
   
• Baby’s U.S. passport
   
• Taiwan passport application form and photos
   

Applications can be made at TECO offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, or New York. Processing time is 5–10 business days.

Q9: Does the baby need a visa to enter Taiwan?

With a U.S. passport, the baby must apply for an Entry Permit or Travel Document. After arriving in Taiwan, parents should complete household registration and enroll the baby in NHI as soon as possible.

Q10: What should we notice when the baby flies home?

Newborns should generally be at least 1 month old before flying. JDB maternity care center can assist in arranging a bassinet seat or onboard warming equipment.
Parents should carry copies of the baby’s documents and a physician’s fit-to-fly certificate to ensure a smooth boarding process.

V. Document Management Tips for Surrogacy Families

Surrogacy generates many legal and medical documents. It is recommended to categorize and preserve them properly:

Medical: Prenatal reports, discharge summaries, delivery records
Legal: Surrogacy contract, PBO / Post-Birth Order
Identity: Birth Certificate, passports, insurance policies
Verification: Apostille documentation, Chinese translations

Many families choose to have the maternity care center digitize documents for easier retrieval when needed for taxes, medical visits, or legal procedures.

VI. Additional U.S. Surrogacy FAQs

Q11: If the surrogate is hospitalized or delivers early, do parents need to fly to the U.S. immediately?

It is recommended. If the baby requires NICU care, U.S. hospitals usually grant medical decision-making only to legal guardians—the intended parents.

Q12: Are there special rules for twins or premature babies returning to Taiwan?

Twins and premature babies may return to Taiwan, but it is best to wait until they are at least one month old and medically stable. A pediatrician’s “fit-to-fly certificate” is required.

Q13: Will there be issues if parents do not fly to the U.S. immediately after birth?

If the court order is completed and authorization has been signed, attorneys or the maternity care center may handle discharge and document processing. However, parents are still strongly encouraged to travel to the U.S. to verify all identity documents in person and avoid complications that require cross-border correction later.

JDB Ensures a Smooth and Worry-Free Return Home

The birth of a surrogacy baby is the beginning of a beautiful journey. From medical planning, insurance arrangement, document processing, to returning home—every step requires expertise and careful preparation. Choosing an experienced maternity care center and surrogacy support team helps families efficiently manage the complex administrative tasks so parents can focus on the precious moments with their newborn.

JDB maternity care center has long assisted surrogacy families and is familiar with the complete process from birth to returning to Taiwan. With professional support and guidance, every family can confidently welcome their new baby. Let us accompany you through this unique path to parenthood.