A Surrogate’s Checklist: Choosing the Best Surrogacy Agency

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the best surrogacy agency to support you during your incredible journey. The right agency will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help ensure a safe and rewarding experience from start to finish.

Here’s a short but essential checklist to help you evaluate and choose the right surrogacy agency based on your unique needs, goals, and preferences.

Understand Legal Protection & State Laws

Gestational surrogacy is currently legal in 48 states, but as surrogacy is regulated at the state level, not all states have the same legal protections for surrogates. It’s essential to align yourself with an agency that can connect you with experienced legal counsel to ensure your rights are preserved.

Your agency should also help you understand the surrogacy contract, which outlines compensation, responsibilities, and what happens in extreme circumstances.

Evaluate Surrogate Compensation Packages

The best agencies are transparent about surrogate pay and provide a complete breakdown of what’s included, such as base pay (which usually ranges from $40,000 to $60,000) and additional compensation for benefits such as travel expenses, monthly allowances, maternity clothing stipends, reimbursement for lost wages, and more.

A reputable surrogacy will ensure that the intended parents cover your medical and life insurance and that you have no out-of-pocket expenses related to your surrogacy journey. Compensation varies depending on your experience, location, and other factors, so comparing what different agencies offer is important.

Assess How They Match You With Intended Parents

Matching with the right surrogacy agency also helps you find the right intended parent match. Ask potential agencies how they match surrogates and intended parents, how often you’ll communicate with the intended parents, and what kind of services they provide throughout the process. Consider factors such as whether you want to help a domestic or international family and whether you are open to working with LGBTQIA+ intended parents.

The surrogacy agency should respect your preferences and work diligently to find the right match, ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience.

Appraise Their Communication & Support

Surrogacy is a profoundly personal journey. You want to feel heard, respected, and supported from day one. The best surrogacy agencies provide dedicated support throughout your journey—from matching to delivery. They’ll offer guidance and emotional support and help advocate for you every step of the way.

A reputable agency will prioritize your well-being, clearly communicate expectations, and ensure you feel valued. It’s essential to partner with an agency that makes you feel empowered and confident throughout the process.

Listen to What Feels Right

One of our biggest recommendations is to trust your instincts. The right surrogacy agency for you aligns with your values, provides clear communication, and makes you feel confident and cared for. Take your time to research, ask questions, and talk to other surrogates about their experiences—our Surrogacy.com community presents you with a sisterhood offering invaluable support, comfort, and wisdom throughout your surrogate experience.

Remember, at the end of the day, surrogacy isn’t just about the logistics—it’s about helping to build a forever family. You deserve to work with a team that honors your incredible gift.

If you’re ready to explore your surrogacy options, please get started by filling out our compatibility form to determine your eligibility. From there, you’ll be in the best of hands as we guide you through the surrogacy process. We look forward to hearing from you!