6 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Surrogacy Agency

Choosing the right surrogacy agency is a critical step in the surrogacy journey for intended parents and surrogate mothers. To ensure a smooth and successful experience, it is essential to ask the right questions and gather all the necessary information before making a decision. In this article, we will discuss six important questions to ask before choosing a surrogacy agency. By seeking answers to these questions, you can make an informed choice and find an agency that aligns with your needs and provides the support and services required for a positive surrogacy experience.

What are the requirements for joining a surrogacy program?

Joining a surrogacy program involves meeting specific criteria that vary among agencies. These requirements are meant to ensure that surrogacy arrangements proceed smoothly and safely. Surrogate mothers are typically expected to be between the ages of 21 and 39 and have had at least one full–term successful pregnancy without complications and delivery (some agencies note that no more than three previous deliveries and no more than one previous C–section are desired), be in good health, and pass a medical and psychological screening. Intended parents may be required to show that they are in a stable relationship and are financially secure enough to cover the expenses associated with the surrogacy process.

It’s important to note that in addition to the requirements set by surrogacy agencies, some states or countries may have their own laws or regulations governing surrogacy. These requirements may vary depending on the location, and a reputable agency should be able to provide guidance on the specific laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction.

Ultimately, the purpose of these requirements is to ensure the safety and well–being of everyone involved in the surrogacy process. By meeting these criteria, surrogate mothers and intended parents can have confidence in the surrogacy arrangement and move forward with the process with peace of mind.

What surrogacy programs do you have, and what is included in each of your surrogacy programs?

When speaking with a surrogacy professional, it's crucial to inquire about the different surrogacy programs available and what each program includes. Basic and Plus programs tend to be more affordable but often only cover one matching, one IVF round, and one embryo transfer. If you are interested in a basic program, ask about any backup discounts on additional attempts in case of failure and whether there is a free IVF cycle or cryotransfer after multiple failed cycles.

In contrast, premium programs typically come with guarantees and cover more medical procedures and services than standard ones. These guarantees may include unlimited re–matching, egg donations, IVFs, embryo transfers, vitrification of sperm and embryos, cryotransfers, and incidentals. Sometimes, premium programs may even be less expensive than continuously starting basic programs. Be sure to ask for details on what is included in each guaranteed program and inquire about any printed brochures. Lastly, ask whether the surrogacy agency offers any backup plans in case something goes wrong.

What services do you offer to intended parents and surrogate mothers?

What services are available to intended parents and surrogate mothers is dependent on the surrogacy agency. However, a reliable agency should offer a range of essential services, including:

Matching services.
Background check services.
Screening services.
Legal services.
Assistance in planning travel for the egg donor and surrogate mother to and from the surrogacy or fertility clinic.
Egg Donation facilitation services. Some surrogacy agencies also provide egg donation facilitation services, which allow intended parents to select an egg donor and facilitate the donation process.
Case management services, including coordination between fertility or surrogacy clinics and surrogacy attorneys to ensure accurate completion of the process, relieving surrogates and intended parents from the burden of managing extensive information.
Counseling services.
Financial services.
And other services if needed.

For both intended parents and surrogate mothers, it is essential to inquire about the services provided by the agency for their respective surrogacy partners. It is important to ensure that everyone involved is well taken care of throughout the entire process — before, during, and after. Clarify whether the agency’s services extend beyond the paid period or are limited to that specific timeframe. The range of services offered by an agency, as well as the empathy and thoroughness demonstrated, can speak volumes about the quality of the surrogacy provider.

This is also a brilliant time to ask questions that guarantee comprehensive protection for you and your surrogacy partner. A reputable agency will be able to explain why each service is necessary and how it can benefit everyone involved. If you feel that an agency is cutting corners or is not meeting your needs, don’t hesitate to move on and search for a better fit.

What are some backup plans that you can suggest in case of unexpected events or if something goes wrong?

Medical complications, canceled IVF cycle, delayed CryoShipping, issues within the relationship, starting a DuoStim cycle with two egg retrievals to generate more embryos, no oocytes retrieved or almost all retrieved oocytes are immature and need in vitro maturation extending the IVF timeline, problems with finding a perfect egg donor, having only mosaic embryos, absence of healthy IVF embryos suitable for transfer, waiting for preimplantation genetic testing results, recommendations to delay embryo transfer, embryo transfer failures and more — like in any pregnancy, sometimes something unexpected may happen in the surrogacy process. If an agency assures you that the surrogacy process will be trouble–free and without any unexpected issues, that could be a warning sign.

Instead, an agency should have backup plans to protect all parties involved. Such backups should be discussed during the initial stages of the surrogacy process to ensure that everyone is aware of what to expect in the event of unexpected situations. For example, if the intended mother has a low ovarian reserve but wishes to undergo an IVF using own eggs, the surrogacy agency should suggest the Egg Donor Backup program or DuoStim cycle. Or, for example, the discounted new IVF cycle in case something goes wrong, a free cryotransfer cycle if fresh embryo transfer fails.

In addition to having backup plans in place, a good surrogacy agency should also be transparent about the costs associated with unexpected situations. This includes any additional medical procedures or interventions that may be necessary, as well as any legal fees or counseling services that may be required. It is important for intended parents and surrogate mothers to have a clear understanding of what they are responsible for financially, and what will be covered by the agency or insurance. A reputable agency will work with you to create a comprehensive plan covering all possible scenarios so everyone involved can feel confident and prepared for any outcome.

Could you provide a breakdown of the agency’s costs and compensations for me?

During your surrogacy agency interview, it is vital to ask about the agency’s financial breakdown. As intended parents, it is essential to understand all about your spending and how the agency’s compensation structure works. Although the total cost may or may not be provided due to the variables in surrogacy costs (using the donated or own eggs, basic or premium program, medical services included, and so on), the agency should be able to provide a detailed outline to prevent any unexpected financial surprises.

Agency fees may cover the following:

Full management and coordination of your surrogacy journey from start to finish
Assistance and support from a dedicated case manager
Matching and screening the egg donor and surrogate mother
Unlimited re–matching (for premium programs)
Legal support, including the drafting of your contract, establishing parentage and paternity, and assistance with pre–birth order
Insurance evaluation and managing all kinds of expenses, including the medical billing

As an intended parent, you should ask for a breakdown of the following surrogacy costs before signing the contract to work with any agency:

Surrogate mother base compensation & incidentals
Legal fees (if not included in the agency fee)
Egg donation fees (management of egg donation cycle, medications, egg retrieval or, in case of DuoStim protocol, multiple egg retrieval procedures) and egg donor compensation (local, traveling)
CryoShipping of the intended mother’s or donor’s oocytes fees (if frozen eggs would be used in IVF)
Medical screenings, tests, procedures, medications, and embryo transfer fees
Fees involved in medical care for the surrogate mother: prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum
Travel expenses (if you’re using an out–of–state egg donor or surrogate mother)
Health insurance for the surrogate mother
Counselling and ongoing support fees
Any other fees involved after the baby is born

As a prospective surrogate mother, you should ask for clarification on the agency’s compensation structure and payment process. The agency’s specialists should be transparent about the reimbursement of pregnancy — and surrogacy–related expenses, escrow accounts, and other financial aspects.

An agency’s honesty and transparency about finances can build trust with their clients. Keep in mind that while exact quotes may not be available in the early stages of the surrogacy journey, a reputable agency should be able to provide you with a clear understanding of their costs and compensation structure.

How many staff members do you have, and how available will they be for us?

It is essential to ask about the size of the agency’s staff and their availability to provide personalized assistance. Inadequate staffing can lead to overwhelmed specialists who are unable to dedicate sufficient attention to each case.

Choosing an agency with a team of dedicated surrogacy professionals is crucial for a smooth and stress–free surrogacy experience. These professionals bring their expertise and specialized skills to handle different aspects of the surrogacy process, ensuring that all parties involved receive the guidance and assistance they need. From the Personal Manager who provides initial information and support to the Legal Assistant who ensures legal compliance, from the Financial Consultant who manages expenses to the Medical Coordinator who oversees medical aspects, each professional plays a vital role in the journey. The united efforts of these professionals, along with the Pregnancy Care Coordinator and After Birth Care Coordinator, create a comprehensive support network that nurtures and guides intended parents and surrogate mothers. By partnering with an agency that values effective communication, personalized assistance, and a team of experienced surrogacy professionals, you can embark on your surrogacy journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Ask them what you can expect in terms of responsiveness. Will you be assigned a dedicated case manager and what their availability is like? What is the protocol they follow for after–hours emergencies and other urgent matters?

Finally, ask about the support staff. Is there in–house legal counsel, for example? Does the agency have its own legal counsel, for instance? Do they have a registered nurse who can assist in managing the medical aspect of the surrogacy process? In general, it is important to ensure that the agency has enough qualified staff to meet your expectations.

Roles and Responsibilities of Surrogacy Agency Professionals:

The Personal Manager is responsible for dealing directly with Intended Parents, introducing available surrogacy programs, responding to all initial questions in an accurate and timely manner and in great detail, handling negotiations for the final surrogacy agreement, managing and coordinating their inquiries, making everything as easy and pleasant as possible and providing support in order to ensure their satisfaction.
The Legal Assistant plays a crucial role in surrogacy programs by providing legal advice and guidance to intended parents and surrogate mothers throughout the process. They are responsible for reviewing and drafting contracts, ensuring that all legal documents are in order and up to date, and advising on any potential legal issues that may arise. They work closely with the surrogacy agency and other professionals involved in the process to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that everyone involved is fully informed and protected.
The Financial Consultant is responsible for managing all kinds of expenses, banking transactions, money transfers, budget controls, and reporting operations related to ongoing and completed surrogacy programs.
The Egg Donor Coordinator is responsible for recruiting and coordinating Egg Donors and also deals with egg donation programs planning, coordinating donors’ travel and accommodations, monitoring the accuracy of the egg donor stimulation protocol, scheduling the follow–up laboratory visits and appointments during egg donation cycle, and staying connected with egg donors and IVF clinics.
The Surrogate Mother Coordinator is responsible for recruiting and coordinating Surrogate Mothers and also deals with managing the surrogate mothers’ protocols (including blueprinting every step of the surrogacy process and guiding the surrogate mothers through it), assuring that every step is completed, supporting the surrogate mothers, and resolving all questions and issues during while being in touch with surrogate mothers, intended parents, and fertility clinics.
The Medical Coordinator is responsible for the medical coordination of ongoing surrogacy programs and manages the programs with a high sense of responsibility, striving for every detail to be perfectly resolved.
The Quality Service Manager is responsible for developing and implementing short and long–term plans, policies, and procedures to increase patients’ overall satisfaction, as well as evaluating and coordinating programs from both a business and customer perspective to ensure accuracy.
The Pregnancy Care Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting both intended parents and surrogate mothers throughout the pregnancy period. By keeping in touch with the involved parties, including doctors, she/he ensures a transparent and smooth process, which ultimately leads to a stress–free experience for everyone involved, both before and after the baby’s delivery.
After Birth Care Coordinator assists parents in obtaining their child’s (children’s) birth certificate by organizing all the paperwork before and after the baby’s (babies’) birth.

Additionally, it is important to understand the agency’s after–hours and holiday season policy. Ask about their response in emergencies such as what if a surrogate mother going into labor too early and the preemie baby is born, if an unexpected situation happens and you have to stay in your country longer than expected while someone will have to take care for your baby, if emergency C–section should be performed and it is 03.00 am. Furthermore, ask about the frequency of updates throughout the surrogacy process to ensure effective communication.

Clear and timely communication between the agency, intended parents and surrogate mother is vital for handling unexpected situations and minimizing stress throughout the process. Therefore, it is essential to choose an agency that prioritizes effective communication and is available to provide personalized support at all times.

Closing Thoughts

The decision to embark on a surrogacy journey is a significant one, and finding the right surrogacy agency is key to its success. By asking the six important questions outlined in this article, you can gain valuable insights into the requirements, programs, services, backup plans, costs, and support provided by different agencies. Remember to carefully evaluate the responses and consider how they align with your expectations and goals. Choosing a reputable agency with transparent communication, experienced staff, comprehensive services, and a commitment to your well–being will greatly contribute to a smooth and fulfilling surrogacy experience. Take the time to research, ask questions, and make an informed decision — one that sets the foundation for a positive journey towards building your family or helping others achieve their dreams of parenthood.