Choosing Your Surrogacy Agency: Everything Surrogates And Donors Should Expect

Whether you want to be a surrogate or an egg donor, making the decision about which agency to use can be difficult and confusing. You’ll have many questions about what to expect and what’s involved with each process. We’ve simplified the decision by providing you with the top 5 criteria to look for in your surrogacy agency.

1. Experience
Experience matters when it comes to surrogacy and you should expect both professionalism and competence. Look for an agency that has years of experience providing intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors with top quality care. Why? You want to work with an agency that has built successful relationships with attorneys, doctors, and psychologists who have familiarity, knowledge, and experience in surrogacy and helping create families. You also do not want and Agency who is learning the ropes with you, a successful agency will have guided hundreds or even thousands of couples to success and know how to deal with any issues that arise.

2. Confidence in your surrogacy team
Choose an agency that has ownership and team management by women who have been through the surrogacy process. You’ll get advice and support based on the unique perspective of others who have been through the same experience, giving you confidence and assurance in the care you’ll receive.

3. Support by previous surrogates and donors
Support throughout surrogacy either as a surrogate or an egg donor is invaluable. Make sure the agency you choose provides 24/7 support and is there for you no matter how small or big your questions and concerns. Choose an agency that has counselors and coordinators who have personal experience with assisted reproduction. Their understanding and support can make all the difference in making your experience positive and successful.

4. The legalities
The agency you work with should be experienced in all the legal issues involved with surrogacy, from signing the contract to information about fees. Look for information in the state you live for your own individual circumstances. The process of surrogacy will be different from one state to the next, such as in the state of Texas. One of the benefits of the Texas advantage is that married couples not residing in Texas can still go through the process if their chosen surrogate lives in the state.

5. Testimonials and reviews
Agencies should be able to provide testimonials from other clients. These testimonials from grateful and supportive donors, surrogates, and parents establish credibility and trust. Positive reviews are also important, not just with the Better Business Bureau but also press reviews that show an agency’s positive recognition from an unbiased source.

Making Your Final Choice

Being a surrogate or an egg donor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your life. Make a list of the issues and concerns that are important to you. Then contact surrogacy agencies to get the answers. Some of the questions to ask include knowing the agency’s current number of clients, are they open with communication at all times, and what is the matching and screening process of surrogate or donor eggs to intended parents. Before you choose an agency, you need to feel comfortable that you’ve made the right decision and that all your questions have been answered. Then make your choice and continue on the wonderful journey of being able to help couples and individuals achieve their dream of having a child of their own.