Things to Consider When Choosing a Surrogacy Agency
Qualities for intended parents to look for in their surrogate agency.
Choosing a surrogacy agency involves a lot of careful research and consideration. Surrogacy is a complex process with a lot of moving parts. It’s important to work with an agency that has your best interests in mind, with the experience and compassion to guide you on your path to parenthood. As you look into surrogacy agencies, keep the following qualities in mind.
Choose an Experienced Surrogacy Agency
The criteria is simple, but hugely important. The surrogacy process requires logistical coordination between medical, legal, and other services. In addition, each state has their own surrogacy laws, which affect surrogacy agreements and the steps needed to establish parental rights. International parents require even more documentation and coordination. An experienced agency will have the necessary familiarity with all the procedures and paperwork needed to make sure everything is in order. Perhaps even more importantly, an agency with years of experience, such as Eggceptional Fertility, knows how to respond quickly and effectively when unexpected situations arise over the course of the surrogacy. No two surrogacies are exactly alike; agencies that have worked with many different surrogacies are better prepared to handle the specific needs of each individual journey.
Make Sure Your Surrogacy Agency Offers All the Services You Need
Choose a quality surrogacy agency that provides comprehensive services along every step of your journey to parenthood. These should include:
- Full screening of surrogate candidates
- Facilitation of legal services & agreements
- Personalized matching services
- Coordination and communication with surrogate
- Coordination between healthcare providers
- Scheduling medical appointments for intended parents and the surrogate
- Facilitating payment and logistical details
You don’t need to be an expert on every part of the surrogacy process – but your surrogacy agency should be. Ask a prospective agency what services they offer and how they support their intended parents and surrogates along the way.
Communication Matters When Choosing A Surrogacy Agency
You may have sensed a theme by now – surrogacy is complicated! For this reason, clear communication is one of the most important aspects of the surrogacy process. You should know that you can contact your agency with any questions or concerns and get a prompt and thorough response. Similarly, communication between your surrogate should be simple and clear (within the boundaries of your surrogate agreement). A quality agency will only work with surrogates who show strong communication skills and a commitment to the process. Becoming a parent through surrogacy is exciting, and it can also be nerve-wracking. At Eggceptional Fertility, we make sure to communicate clearly and often with our intended parents to provide reassurance, clarity, and encouragement.
You Should Know Exactly What You Will Get from Your Agency
Finally, choose a surrogacy agency that provides total transparency about the process, including regarding payment and fees. Rates that seem too good to be true may not include costs such as agency fees or legal expenses. Surrogacy requires a significant investment from intended parents, both financially and emotionally. Before signing any contracts, you should know exactly what to expect and when to expect it. A great surrogacy agency will clearly lay out all the costs, fees, and expenses involved during the process, including when and how payment occurs. For instance, you can find our overall breakdown of surrogacy costs here. We can also provide detailed information specific to your individual situation during our free initial consultation.
Your Journey Is Unique
At Eggceptional Fertility, you are never just “another patient.” We see each and every one of our patients as members of our Eggceptional family. We will support you through the challenges, cheer you on, and celebrate when you finally bring your baby home from the hospital. We know you want the very best when choosing a surrogacy agency. We would be honored to help you on this journey. For a free initial consultation, contact us today.
