Intended Parents

How to Choose a Surrogacy Agency: What Matters Most

The surrogacy agency you choose will shape every aspect of your journey to parenthood. With the right partner, you can navigate the process with confidence, knowing you have expert guidance and support at every step.

The wrong choice, however, can lead to unnecessary delays, financial stress, and emotional turmoil during what should be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.

Fill out our online contact form to discover how the right agency can make your path to parenthood smoother, faster, and more fulfilling than you imagined possible.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to choose a surrogacy agency, from understanding what factors matter most to asking the right questions before making your decision.

How to Choose a Surrogacy Agency

When it comes to choosing a surrogacy agency, your unique situation should guide your decision. What works perfectly for one family may not be the ideal fit for another.

Several key factors can influence which agency is best suited to help you achieve your dreams of parenthood:

Some families are eager to begin immediately and prioritize agencies with shorter wait times, while others prefer to take their time and focus on finding the perfect match.

Your budget also plays a crucial role, as agency fees and included services can vary significantly across different providers.

The complexity of your medical situation matters too. If you have specific requirements or unique circumstances, you\'ll want an agency with experience handling similar cases. Some agencies specialize in working with LGBTQ+ couples, while others focus on international intended parents or those with particular medical needs.

Some intended parents prefer agencies that complete comprehensive screening before any matching occurs, while others are comfortable with agencies that begin matching earlier in the process.

Understanding your preferences when choosing a surrogacy agency will help you identify agencies that align with your values and expectations.

Compare Surrogacy Agencies

Not all surrogacy agencies operate the same way, and understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision.

When evaluating potential agencies, these three key areas are a great place to start:

Services Included

Services can vary dramatically between agencies. Some provide comprehensive packages that include legal support, psychological counseling, and medical coordination, while others offer more basic services and expect you to coordinate additional support independently.

Understanding exactly what’s included in each agency’s fees will help you make accurate cost comparisons and avoid unexpected expenses.

Typical Wait Times

Wait times represent one of the most significant differences between agencies. Some agencies can match intended parents with screened surrogates in as little as 1-4 months, while others may require waiting six months or longer.

These differences often reflect the agency’s approach to screening and matching, as well as the size of their surrogate network.

Screening Practices

The screening process deserves particular attention because it directly impacts both your timeline and your peace of mind. Agencies that complete full medical, psychological, and background screening before matching provide greater certainty that your surrogate is fully qualified and ready to proceed.

However, some agencies begin matching before screening is complete, which can create risks if issues arise during the screening process.

An agency with a proven track record and experienced team can navigate challenges more effectively and provide better support throughout your journey.

The process of how to choose a surrogacy agency becomes clearer when you have detailed information about each agency’s unique approach and offerings.

Interpreting Surrogacy Agency Reviews

Online reviews often serve as the starting point for intended parents researching surrogacy agencies, but interpreting these reviews requires careful consideration. While reviews can provide valuable insights, they don’t always tell the complete story.

When reading reviews:

Look for patterns rather than focusing on individual experiences. Multiple reviews mentioning similar strengths or concerns are more meaningful than isolated complaints or praise.
Pay attention to reviews that provide specific details about the reviewer\'s experience, as these tend to be more reliable than vague positive or negative comments.
Consider the context of negative reviews carefully. Surrogacy is an emotionally charged process, and disappointment about uncontrollable factors like failed transfers or match disruptions can sometimes be reflected in agency reviews, even when the agency handled the situation appropriately.

Using reviews as part of your research on how to choose a surrogacy agency is helpful, but they should be just one factor in your decision-making process.

7 Questions to Ask a Surrogacy Agency Before Signing

Before committing to work with any surrogacy agency, asking the right questions can help you understand whether they’re the right fit for your journey. These seven questions provide a solid foundation for your evaluation, though you should also prepare additional questions specific to your situation and concerns.

These questions are designed to uncover important information about the agency’s processes, policies, and approach to client service. The answers will help you understand not just what the agency offers, but how they handle challenges and whether their philosophy aligns with your expectations.

Do You Work With Specific Clinics or Attorneys?

An agency’s relationships with fertility clinics and reproductive attorneys can significantly impact your experience. Agencies with established partnerships often provide smoother coordination and may have negotiated better rates or priority scheduling for their clients.

Ask whether the agency requires you to work with their preferred providers or if you have flexibility to choose your own. Some agencies have exclusive relationships that limit your options, while others maintain networks of recommended professionals while allowing you to make independent choices.

Do You Work With Couples Who Only Have One Embryo Left to Transfer?

This question reveals important information about the agency’s risk tolerance and client acceptance criteria. Some agencies prefer working with intended parents who have multiple embryos available, as this reduces the risk of needing to start over if a transfer doesn’t result in pregnancy.

If you only have one embryo or a limited number of embryos, you need an agency that’s comfortable with your situation and has experience managing the additional emotional and logistical considerations involved.

What Happens If the Match Falls Through or the Pregnancy Doesn’t Proceed?

Match disruptions and pregnancy complications can occur despite everyone’s best efforts. Understanding how the agency handles these situations before they arise is crucial for managing expectations and ensuring you’re comfortable with their approach.

Ask about their policies for rematchings, whether additional fees apply, and how they support clients through these challenging experiences.

Can We Still Pursue Surrogacy Without a Medical Reason?

Some agencies specialize in working with intended parents who have medical conditions that make pregnancy dangerous or impossible, while others welcome clients pursuing surrogacy for various reasons, including personal choice or age-related concerns.

If you’re pursuing surrogacy without a traditional medical indication, you need an agency that’s comfortable with your situation and understands the unique considerations involved.

What Is Your Screening Process for Surrogates?

The agency’s screening process directly impacts both the quality of potential surrogates and your timeline to match. Comprehensive screening that includes medical, psychological, and background checks helps ensure that surrogates are fully prepared for the journey ahead.

Ask about the specific components of their screening process, how long it typically takes, and whether screening is completed before or after initial matching.

How Long Does it Take to Match With a Surrogate?

Wait times can vary significantly between agencies, and understanding realistic timelines is crucial for planning your journey. Some agencies can facilitate matches in as short as 1-4 months, while others may require years of waiting.

Ask about factors that might affect your specific timeline, such as geographic preferences, specific requirements, or the current size of their surrogate network.

What’s Included in Your Fees and When are Payments Due?

Surrogacy represents a significant financial investment, and understanding exactly what’s included in agency fees is essential for accurate budgeting. Some agencies provide comprehensive packages that include legal support, insurance coordination, and case management, while others charge separately for various services.

Ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees, when payments are due, and what circumstances might result in additional charges.

How to Get Started with a Surrogacy Agency

Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your path to parenthood. The right agency will provide expert guidance, emotional support, and professional coordination that makes your journey smoother and more successful.

The decision of how to choose a surrogacy agency will impact every aspect of your journey, so invest the time needed to make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and values.

Get the support you deserve to help you achieve your dreams of becoming parents faster and with greater confidence.

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