6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Surrogacy Agency

Choosing the right surrogacy agency is a critical decision for intended parents looking to start a family through surrogacy. With so many agencies popping up worldwide, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to trust with such a life–changing and beautiful experience. In this article, we will discuss six important factors to consider when selecting a surrogacy agency. From the agency’s experience and track record of success to their legal support and management of unexpected situations, each factor plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and stress–free surrogacy journey. By prioritizing communication, flexibility, and meaningful connections, you can feel confident in your choice of a surrogacy agency and focus on the exciting journey ahead.

Take your time during the initial research phase, as your decision will impact your entire surrogacy experience. Here are six essential factors to consider that will guide your search.

Agency experience, success, and transparency.

Choosing the right surrogacy agency is a critical decision for the intended parents. With so many agencies popping up worldwide, it is essential to consider the agency’s experience and track record of success. When selecting an agency, ask about their history and how many successful surrogacies they have completed. Additionally, do your research to confirm the agency’s reputation and the satisfaction of its clients. A good agency will be transparent with its statistics and history and should have trusted connections with other surrogacy professionals, such as attorneys and fertility clinics. Don’t leave your surrogacy journey to chance; choose an agency with a track record of success and experience to ensure a smooth and successful journey.

Prioritizing communication from the first interview to the end of the surrogacy program.

Effective communication is essential for a successful surrogacy experience. This is why it is vital to choose an agency that places emphasis on transparent communication between all parties involved, including intended parents, surrogate mothers, egg donors, surrogacy/fertility clinic staff, and surrogacy attorneys. Larger agencies with a larger staff are often able to provide more personalized attention to the intended parents by assigning a dedicated case manager. However, regardless of the agency size, continuous communication is crucial to ensure that everyone is well–informed and their needs are being met.

Legal support for your surrogacy journey.

In the world, surrogacy laws vary from country to country & from state to state, and navigating the legal complexities can be overwhelming for intended parents. That is why it is crucial to have a legal team on board to guide you through the process. A knowledgeable agency should have a legal team in–house, facilitating seamless communication between you and your legal representatives. Matching intended parents with the right surrogate mother and/or egg donor requires an in–depth understanding of the intricate legal requirements, and a reputable agency should provide legal support to ensure your surrogacy journey is smooth and stress–free.

Focus on flexibility.

There are a lot of variables involved in the surrogacy process, making every surrogacy and egg donation experience unlike any other. Even those intended parents who have already completed their first or second surrogacy process will have a different experience with the next one. Check that your agency has the flexibility to address your individual needs and preferences whether you are a surrogate mother, egg donor, or an intended parent, whether you are same–sex couple or heterosexual. Ask your surrogacy professional about the flexibility of the surrogacy program they offer — is there an Egg Donor backup in case you have a low ovarian reserve or something is going wrong during stimulation, discounts on other attempts (IVF or cryotransfer cycle), free cycle after previous multiple failed cycles, any options to upgrade the Basic program to Plus or Premium, an option to delay an embryo transfer or transfer two embryos instead of one. You may have more questions for understanding how flexible the agency can be. For example, someone needs more time to start the surrogacy process and would like the surrogate mother to wait, someone wants to have at least one flexible backup as, like in any pregnancy, something unexpected may happen in the surrogacy process, and someone is aware of travel restrictions that may interfere with coming to the baby’s birth or coming with the baby to home country. In all cases like these, the surrogacy agency should always have a Plan “B.”

Management of unexpected situations.

A reputable surrogacy agency should have clear policies and procedures in place for handling unexpected events. For example, they should have a protocol for managing medical emergencies during pregnancy or delivery, including contingency plans for unexpected complications. They should also have a system for resolving legal disputes that may arise during the surrogacy process, such as issues related to parental rights, custody, or insurance coverage. Additionally, the agency should have an emergency contact available 24/7 to address any unexpected needs or concerns that may arise.

As intended parents, you should ask about these policies and procedures and make sure you feel comfortable with the agency's approach to managing unforeseen events. It is also a good idea to ask for references from other intended parents who have gone through unexpected situations during their surrogacy journey and how the agency responded to their needs. By choosing an agency that prioritizes safety, communication, and transparency, you can feel confident that you and your surrogate mother or egg donor are in good hands.

Nurturing meaningful connections.

Ensure the surrogacy agency prioritizes building strong relationships among intended parents, surrogate mothers, and egg donors. The experience has shown that maintaining constant communication and fostering closer connections between these parties lead to a more seamless surrogacy process. It is not uncommon for intended parents, surrogate mothers, and egg donors to form lasting bonds with each other and remain in touch long after their surrogacy journey has ended. Likewise, most intended parents continue their relations with their surrogate mothers after the baby is born. These ongoing connections often provide a support system and a sense of extended family, allowing everyone involved to share in the joy and milestones of the child’s life. The agency’s commitment to nurturing these relationships demonstrates its dedication to the overall well–being and happiness of all individuals involved in the surrogacy journey.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, choosing the right surrogacy agency is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of several key factors. These include the agency’s experience, success rate, and transparency, as well as their communication practices and legal support. Additionally, it is important to choose an agency that is flexible in meeting your individual needs and preferences and that has clear policies and procedures in place for managing unexpected situations. Finally, nurturing meaningful connections among intended parents, surrogate mothers, and egg donors is essential to building strong relationships that can provide ongoing support and a sense of extended family. By keeping these factors in mind, intended parents can choose an agency that will provide the guidance, support, and resources needed for a successful surrogacy journey.