5 Tips for Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency

As an Intended Parent, you have many things to consider when comparing agencies. Costs, specific services, reputation, and their suitability to your needs are just a few things you should take into account when choosing a surrogacy agency to work with.

By now, you’ve probably done a bit of research and found that there are dozens of surrogacy agencies out there – especially in the US. This can make it difficult to know how to choose the right one.

It’s important to research the many options available to you and find an agency that meets your needs and expectations. Whether you are looking for an experienced and reputable agency or simply trying to find the best fit financially, these tips will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect agency for your needs.

1. Consider your budget

Third-party reproduction involves many different professionals and services, which is why it can be costly. For most Intended Parents, the entire process will cost over six figures. You might not have that kind of money at your disposal immediately, so it’s essential to be smart about how you’ll make this work.

As you do your research, be sure to note every fee involved. Think about whether these fees will fit within your budget, and check whether an agency offers payment plans or other finance options. Some agencies offer a fixed-cost surrogacy package, which helps to reduce surprise expenses along the way.

There may be options to make your path to parenthood financially possible that you haven’t considered. Look into surrogacy grants, personal financing, or even fundraising.

2. Do you have special requirements?

All Intended Parents are different, and all couples and individuals have their own reasons for choosing surrogacy. It’s worth knowing that some agencies specialize in catering to certain requirements, which can make your experience a lot easier.

Same-sex parents

If you’re a same-sex couple, you may wish to choose an agency that specializes in surrogacy for LGBTQ parents. Many agencies offer surrogacy programs oriented towards same-sex/LGBTQ parents, including professionals who share your values and beliefs.

International surrogacy

Or, if you live outside the US and surrogacy isn’t an option in your home country, you’ll want to choose an agency that specializes in international surrogacy. The good news is that many states within the US not only allow international IPs but will also protect your rights throughout the process.

Single parents

Solo IPs may need a little bit of extra support. Managing time and finances as a single parent can be difficult, so an agency that caters to solo IPs can be a huge help.

3. Be realistic about what services you need

Not all surrogacy agencies provide the same range of services, and each one may have a different level of experience. Do some research to determine what services the agency offers and how they can best support you during your journey—knowing what services the agency provides will help you make an informed decision.

Don’t be afraid to ask the agency about all the services they can offer you. The best surrogacy agencies should include:

• A strict screening process for all egg donors and surrogates in their database. This is crucial for ensuring a high standard of quality and a genuine experience.
• A careful matching process. You should feel like you “click” with your surrogate and that she meets all of your expectations for carrying your child.
• Counseling and support services available when you need them.
• Connections with attorneys, fertility clinics, and other industry professionals who are experts in third-party fertility to provide advice when you need it.
• A support network for your surrogate so you have peace of mind in knowing she is sharing her experience with those who have been through the process before.

An agency that can offer all these services will help take the stress out of the surrogacy process.

4. Check their success rate

More than anything else, you’ll want to know that your journey will be successful!

When considering a surrogacy agency, one of the most important things to consider is its success rate. How long have they been in operation? How often do they successfully match intended parents with a surrogate? How many successful pregnancies have they facilitated? A good surrogacy agency should be able to provide this information so that you can make an informed decision.

It’s also a good idea to check out the qualifications and background of who you’ll be working with. Staff with personal experience and/or expertise in third-party reproduction will certainly have more insight into the process than someone who is new to third-party fertility. Having someone who has been in your shoes and can guide you through the many steps of being an Intended Parent to share in your highs and lows is invaluable.

5. Read reviews from past clients

Client reviews can tell you a LOT about a service; whether it’s a restaurant, a hair salon, or a surrogacy agency, reviews matter. They’re often the most accurate insight into how good a service will be.

Ask the agency to provide you with references and contact them to hear what they have to say. Most agencies should have no problem providing these references.

When speaking with past clients, ask them about their experience with the surrogacy process and the services provided by the agency. If the agency did a good job, the client should be able to share positive experiences. It’s also important to ask if there were any issues during the process, such as delays or unexpected costs. If the agency was not up to par, the client should be able to provide some constructive feedback.

Another way to find reviews from past clients is to look online. There are many online forums and websites dedicated to reviewing surrogacy agencies where former clients can share their experiences with an agency. Make sure to read both the positive and negative reviews in order to get a well-rounded opinion of the agency.

Reading reviews from past clients is an essential part of choosing a surrogacy agency. Not only will it help you get an understanding of the quality of services they provide, but it will also give you insight into how they handle potential issues that may arise during the surrogacy process. Take your time and do your research so you can make an informed decision.

Contacting an Agency

Once you have done your research and looked at different surrogacy agencies, it is time to take action. Make sure you have a clear idea of what services you need, what you can afford, and whether or not the agency can meet your needs.

After you have settled on a few options, get in touch with them to learn more about the process and ask any questions you may have. Ask for references from past clients so you can hear their experiences firsthand.

When you feel comfortable and confident that the agency can provide you with the services you need, it is time to make a decision.

Choosing the right surrogacy agency can be an important part of a successful and rewarding journey, so take your time, do your research and make the best choice for you and your family.

For answers to your questions about becoming a parent through surrogacy, request a consultation with one of our surrogacy experts today.