How to compare surrogacy agencies

Embarking on the surrogacy journey is a significant decision, and selecting the right agency can make all the difference. With many options available, it’s essential to know what to look for to ensure a supportive experience. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a surrogacy agency.

1. Reputation & Experience

Look for testimonials, reviews, and success stories from previous clients and agency team members with a track record in the surrogacy space.

NewGen Families approach: Our Journey Management team each have between 6-13 years in the role and are all experienced surrogates which we believe is crucial to ensuring a positive experience. We are fortunate that our intended parents and surrogates have chosen to speak about their experiences in various facebook groups. Click here to watch videos of our clients sharing their journeys.

2. Match Timing & Deposit Policy

Ask how long the agency is taking to match and if a deposit is payable before match. Be sure to ask if the deposit is refundable if you are not matched within their estimated timeframe.

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

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: Providing our clients with transparent and fair policies is part of our company values, so we made our detailed Journey & Cost Guide available here for anyone considering surrogacy.

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.

Future Parents

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We’d love to stay in touch, so please enter your details to download our surrogate handbook. The handbook will give you a detailed overview of every stage of the journey.

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