How to Choose a Surrogacy Agency for You

You may have decided that surrogacy is right for you. You’ve done the research, you’ve spoken to your friends, your family, and your physician. Now is the time to choose a reputable surrogacy agency.

As Dr. Daniel Shapiro, of Reproductive Biology Associates, shares the minefield of sifting through all the disparate information online to make a decision. He suggests that an agency that knows the players and has high quality experience is the place to start.

While thousands of families have chosen ConceiveAbilities because of our values, experience, and staff, we hope to help your research by providing a set of criteria and important questions you can use as you consider the best surrogacy agency for you. Hopefully, you will feel better equipped with the knowledge of what separates the best surrogacy agencies from all others.

Reputation

• How many years has the agency been in business?
• What do other people say about the business?
• What does the agency say about themselves?

Start your research by learning about the reputation of different agencies. What does their brand and website represent about them? What kind of accomplishments or awards have they earned? Do they adhere to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines for surrogacy?

Remember to check reviews on Facebook, Google, and other social media websites. Thoroughly read the comments left by parents and surrogates explaining their rating.

Expertise

• What is the screening process like?
• Who works there?
• Do they partner with fertility centers?
• Who are the experts involved in evaluating a gestational carrier’s suitability?

It’s important to listen to the conversation around an agency, and it’s equally important to research the actual work the agency does. Start with their screening process and surrogate requirements. What criteria does the agency use in selecting their surrogates? A successful surrogacy journey hinges greatly on the quality of the surrogates and how an agency treats both surrogates and intended parents alike.

Try checking the company’s LinkedIn page to learn more about the work history of Match Managers, the executive team, and other key personnel. Surrogacy requires skills and experience and you want to be sure you’re working directly with people who have a complete understanding of the industry and the process.

Value

• What protections are in place for both parents and surrogates?
• How comprehensive is their team?
• How much do they insource rather than outsource?

There are a lot of resources that go into an effective surrogacy journey, so the best decision may not always be the seemingly cheapest option. Rather, you should question the value of the agency’s services.

The best surrogacy agencies will walk you through every expense, and explain the reason behind the cost. Transparency is important.

With so many options, choosing the best surrogacy agency is a matter of choosing the best one for you and your family. If you’re a surrogate, you want to partner with an agency that protects you and values you. If you’re a parent, the right agency will match you with the right surrogate and help you come home with a new member of the family.

And, are you a woman who enjoyed a healthy and successful pregnancy? Do you have friends or family who have suffered from infertility or need assistance from someone else to build their family? Have you ever considered the role you could play in helping someone else build their family - as a surrogate? Learn more about the process of helping someone else's dream of building a family come true. We would love to talk with you.

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