Creating Your Intended Parent Profile

Surrogacy is a highly emotional journey and matching with a surrogate who shares your values and expectations is the best way to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

Some intended parents may try to find their surrogate independently, either through friends or online, but securing the help of an agency specializing in surrogacy arrangements offers the benefit of expert guidance. Reputable agencies offer expertise in matching intended parents with their perfect surrogate, but your intended parent profile is invaluable to achieving the perfect match.

Completing your Intended Parent Questionnaire

When you sign with an agency, one of the first things you’ll be asked to do is complete an in-depth questionnaire. They’ll use the information you provide to create a profile that they can share with potential surrogates. You’ll also get to review profiles of surrogates they feel would be a good match for you based on your profile.

A fulfilling surrogacy journey depends on a good match and a strong relationship with your surrogate, so it’s worth taking your time to create a profile that is honest and thorough. Surrogates are interested in making a connection with their intended parents, so the more you can share of yourself and your personality, the more likely you’ll find a match that exceeds your expectations. Each surrogate is interested in different qualities in the intended parents they choose, so being honest and open at the start is the best way to form a comfortable bond and ensure that there are no surprises down the road.

What information is shared with surrogates on the intended parent profile?

Your profile will include basic information that is relevant to your match, such as your marital status and location. These questions are relatively straightforward and factual. Whether you are married or unmarried, if you are a gay couple, if you live outside the United States—whatever your identity or situation, these questions are important to help us match you with the right surrogate.

Some of the general information shared on your profile includes:

• Your marital status
• State/country of residence
• Education history
• What you do for a living
• Information about your personality, such as your hobbies and interests
• Fertility history, including why you’re in need of a surrogate

Other questions on your profile require more thought and may take longer to answer. This is where you’ll genuinely reveal yourself to potential candidates. Try to envision the type of relationship you want and set clear expectations so that both you and your surrogate are on the same path throughout your journey. What your relationship looks like will largely be up to you and there is no “wrong” way to answer these questions.

Some surrogacy specific questions you can expect to answer are:

• Please describe when/how the idea to pursue surrogacy to build your family came to mind.
• Discuss the qualities you believe to be most important in a Gestational Surrogate.
• How much contact do you envision having with your Gestational Surrogate AFTER the pregnancy and delivery?
• Write a short message to your future Gestational Surrogate.

These types of questions require more than a one- or two-word response, and the more details you can provide, the easier it will be for you to be matched. Keep in mind that the goal is to stand out and show potential surrogates who you really are and be open about your expectations for your journey.

Choose photos carefully and with purpose

Photographs are also an important part of your intended parent profile. The saying that a picture is worth a thousand words rings true — they can share emotions that can’t be put into words. Make sure that you choose a variety of recent photos that help potential surrogates learn more about you, your family, and your lifestyle. Your photos should be high-quality, but they don’t need to be professional – some of the best shots are candid photos of you enjoying activities you love.

The most important thing you can do is let your personality shine through. Tell your story and share your honest feelings about what you’re hoping for in a surrogate. Your perfect match is waiting to make a connection with you!