How to Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency

If you are considering surrogacy, either as a potential surrogate or an intended parent, you are probably wondering what the process is like and how to navigate it. A first step is choosing a surrogacy agency that can provide the answers to those, and other questions you may have.

Surrogacy is a big commitment, whether you are hoping to build your family or offering to help someone else build theirs. There are physical, emotional, financial and legal components. A surrogacy agency helps manage the details of the surrogacy process so that it is successful and fulfilling for everyone involved.

But, of course, not all surrogacy agencies are created equal. The agency with which you work will have a profound impact on your experience of this meaningful time. It is important to choose wisely; here are some of the things you should consider when choosing a surrogacy agency.

Experience

An agency’s level of experience, by itself, does not guarantee that your surrogacy journey will be positive. That said, an agency’s experience matters. Agencies with poor practices tend not to stay in business long; an agency that has stood the test of time has probably learned what works and what doesn’t, and has likely earned the trust of the people it serves. An agency with a long history of successful matches will probably continue to make successful matches between surrogates and intended parents.

It’s a good sign if the surrogacy agency you are considering is willing to put you in touch with others they have worked with. Whether you are seeking to become a parent or a surrogate, nothing tells you quite as much as how others in your shoes experienced working with the agency.

Communication

For most people who build their families through surrogacy, the process is unfamiliar. In addition, there is so much on the line, for both intended parents and surrogates. Accordingly, you will want to work with a surrogacy agency that offers good communication and transparency.

One issue in which transparency is especially relevant is that of finances. Building a family is priceless, but it is still a costly process. The expenses involved in the surrogacy process are not necessarily intuitive, and you have a right to know what you are committing to. An agency’s unwillingness to be clear about financial details and what is included in their services is a red flag. You may be evaluating multiple agencies; clear communication about costs, fees, services and expectations will enable you to make an informed choice. And, of course, a surrogacy agency that communicates well before you sign a contract with them is more likely to continue to do so afterward.

Screening Process

Surrogacy is often referred to as a journey, and that’s not just poetic language. It is a long and emotional process and for surrogates, a physically arduous one. While the outcome will hopefully be a joyful one for everyone involved, the process of getting there may bring up difficult and unexpected emotions.

In short, it is unwise to encourage people to embark on the surrogacy journey without doing everything possible to ensure that they are equipped for it. A thorough screening process for both prospective surrogates and intended parents can give everyone the confidence that they are ready for what lies ahead, including any unforeseen contingencies. Without proper screening, what initially seemed like a good match can fall apart, which can be devastating for all parties.

Relationships

Surrogacy is not a mere transaction, and the surrogacy journey, by definition, is not one you can take alone. Strong relationships are important and make the process both easier and more positive for all involved. Inquire about how the surrogacy agency cultivates relationships, between intended parents and surrogates as well as between the agency’s service providers and its clients.

Legal Representation

Some agencies offer legal representation as part of their services; others encourage intended parents and surrogates to work with an attorney of their choice. If an agency does not require or at least encourage you to have legal representation, think twice about working with them. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) law is both a highly personal and rapidly-evolving area. Your agency should want the rights and interests of all parties represented. The only way to do that effectively is to make sure that both intended parents and surrogates have independent legal representation.

Your surrogacy agency is your guide through one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences you are likely to have. If you need help finding a surrogacy agency or choosing a surrogacy agency, we invite you to contact Brinkley Law Firm to schedule a consultation.