How to compare surrogacy agencies

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a life-changing decision, and selecting the right agency can make all the difference. With so many options available, it’s crucial to find one that prioritizes transparency, support, and ethical practices. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a surrogacy agency.

1. Reputation & Experience

A reputable agency should have team members with strong track record in the surrogacy space, with testimonials, reviews, and success stories from both intended parents and surrogates. Experienced professionals who understand the complexities of surrogacy can ensure a smoother, more positive journey.

NewGen Families approach: Our Journey Management team members each have between 6 to 13 years of experience in the role and are all former surrogates. We believe this firsthand experience is crucial in providing the best support. Many of our intended parents and surrogates have shared their experiences in various Facebook groups. Click here for some of our clients success stories.

2. Match Timing & Deposit Policy

Understanding an agency’s matching timeline and deposit policy is essential. Ask how long the matching process takes and whether a deposit is required before matching. Additionally, inquire about refund policies if a match isn’t secured within the estimated timeframe.

NewGen Families approach: For those with existing embryos, there are no deposits required before match with your surrogate. This policy sets us apart from many other agencies, as it guarantees you are not on a long waitlist to match, unable to match elsewhere due to a non-refundable deposit policy.

3. Transparent & Fair Policies

Evaluate how transparent the agency is about its services, fees, and processes. A reputable agency should provide clear information about costs, timelines, and what to expect at each stage.

NewGen Families approach: Transparency is a core value at NewGen Families. To help intended parents make informed decisions, we provide a detailed Journey & Cost Guide

4. Support Services

Assess the range of support services offered, including the ability to connect you with IVF clinics, attorneys, mental health care, insurance experts and escrow. Some agencies provide comprehensive services, while others may focus only on matching surrogates and intended parents.

NewGen Families approach: We provide end-to-end journey support and have a network of trusted providers we can refer our clients to. The providers handle legal, insurance, mental health care, escrow and IVF.

5. Surrogate Screening 

Ensure a potential agency is transparent about their process for screening surrogates. A thorough vetting process should include psychological evaluations and background checks for a surrogate and their partner to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

NewGen Families approach: Click here for details of our surrogate screening process.

A young happy family sits in bed while the father holds his smiling child upside down.

6. Approach to matching

Look for agencies that emphasize a personalized approach to matching intended parents with surrogates to ensure a more harmonious journey. This includes taking into account the specific needs, preferences, and values of both parties.

NewGen Families approach: Amanda, a four-time surrogate and our Surrogacy Program Director takes the time to get to know our intended parents and surrogate’s preferences and personally leads the matching process to ensure the right matches.

7. SEEDS & ASRM Membership

Evaluate the agency’s commitment to ethical practices. This includes fair compensation for surrogates, informed consent, and respect for all parties involved. Ask if the agency is a member of American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy (SEEDS).

NewGen Families approach: We are proud members of both ASRM and SEEDs and follow their guideline’s around surrogacy.

8. Communication and Availability

Assess how responsive and available the agency is for communication and their case loads. You should feel comfortable reaching out with questions or concerns at any time and know you will receive a timely response.

NewGen Families approach: All of our Journey Managers have a minimum of 6 years experience in the role and have low case loads, meaning a high level of responsiveness for our clients.

Summary

The article highlights key elements to consider when interviewing agencies, such as agency reputation, team members with first hand experience, support services, transparent and fair policies, and extensive surrogate screening.

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