If you are embarking on a surrogacy journey, there are two primary approaches to consider:
- Independent journeys
- Agency managed journeys
Each option offers its own advantages and risks, but the final decision ultimately depends on the specific circumstances and experiences of the intended family.
After having decades of combined surrogacy experience, our team at NewGen Families have utilized their shared experiences to compile five reasons why we believe choosing a reputable surrogacy agency may be the right option for intended parents and gestational carriers alike.
What is the Difference Between an Independent Surrogacy Journey & Working with a Surrogacy Agency
According to experts from the Medical Tourism Magazine, independent surrogacy occurs when intended parents directly seek and collaborate with a specific gestational carrier, eliminating the necessity for an agency’s involvement.
On the other hand, the best surrogacy agencies, such as NewGen Families, offer intended families access to a well-established and experienced network of professionals, and, most importantly, the gestational surrogate. While both paths ultimately lead to the shared goal of building a family, our team – made up of past gestational surrogates themselves – has experienced firsthand the positive impact of expert guidance on the surrogacy process.
The Role of a Surrogacy Agency for the Optimal Surrogacy Journey
While independent surrogacy may be perceived as a more cost-effective and straightforward option, it is important to recognize the indispensable role that a surrogacy agency plays in this process.
Surrogacy agencies are instrumental in facilitating and overseeing the surrogacy journey. They provide comprehensive guidance and support to the intended parent(s) by acting as a trusted intermediary between them and their carefully selected gestational carrier. In terms of specific roles, the best surrogacy agency will work to simplify and guide each party through every step of the matching, medical, legal, and financial aspects of the process. Explore the top five advantages of working with one of the best surrogacy agencies.
1. Expertise on How to Choose Surrogacy Partners: Agency Screening and Matching for Safety
Independent surrogacy is regularly chosen when intended parents have a preexisting relationship with someone willing to carry their baby to term. According to the Journal of Law, Policy and the Family (2022), utilizing a friend or family member as a Surrogate can be a favorable option due to existing trust.
That said, it is important to note that only a small percentage – from 5% to 20% of surrogates –fall into these categories, as reported by the same journal. While it may seem more convenient to pursue surrogacy with a known individual, it can be challenging to find someone who meets the criteria of health, commitment, and flexibility willing to undergo pregnancy.
As a solution, an integral part of a surrogacy agency’s core role is to thoroughly screen and evaluate the best potential surrogates and intended parents. At NewGen Families, the background check and psychological evaluation are major steps in the screening process for our gestational carriers.
This screening process assesses factors such as physical health, emotional standing, and psychological stability to ensure a suitable match between the intended parent(s) and their gestational carrier. Most importantly, they are designed to protect the intended child.
Ultimately, this process enhances the chances of a successful and harmonious surrogacy journey.
2. Surrogacy Agencies Ensure Protection and Fair Representation for Both Surrogates and Intended Parents
The best surrogacy agency will fully respect and value the surrogates that they work with. Acknowledging their generosity and profound impact on families, these agencies prioritize the well-being and care of surrogates with equal and utmost importance throughout the journey.
In the case of independent surrogacy, unanticipated costs and emotional hurdles can occur during the journey and may be harder to navigate without the support of an experienced surrogacy agency.
Whether you are an intended parent or a surrogate, NewGen Families safeguards your rights by meticulously overseeing all legal and contractual aspects of the agreement. This includes guiding you through each step of the process, selecting your legal aid, escrow management procedures, and ensuring all parties respect and understand their roles and purpose.
At NewGen Families, we prioritize fairness and equitable representation for both the surrogate and the intended parents throughout the Surrogacy journey.
3. Surrogacy Agencies Mediate the Relationship Between the Surrogate and the Intended Parent(s)
Based on what we have discussed above, the success of a surrogacy journey greatly hinges on the relationship between the surrogate and the intended parent. We firmly believe the best surrogacy agencies will consider how to foster a strong relationship between all parties.
Citing a study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Intervention (2016) highlighting the significance of mutual matching under the guidance of specialist surrogacy agencies, it becomes evident that the selection of a surrogate and the intended parents is a crucial aspect of the surrogacy journey.
At NewGen Families – Surrogacy Agency, we share this perspective and strongly emphasize our matching process which aim to create the right matches the first time. Through thorough profile reviews, we meticulously strive to create successful matches that lay the foundation for initial online meetings. These meetings serve as a valuable opportunity to establish connections, exchange stories, and assess compatibility.
While many of our surrogates and intended parents may start the journey as strangers, they often develop a profound bond and a unique relationship along the way. It is not uncommon for the surrogate and their intended parent/s to maintain a close connection with the family even after the surrogacy journey is completed.
4. The Best Surrogacy Agency Will Offer a Support Network
The best surrogacy agency will go beyond practicalities, offering invaluable emotional support throughout an often emotionally complex journey of surrogacy.
We are proud to collaborate with a team of industry leaders with a proven track record of success in the field of surrogacy. In addition, gestational carriers and intended parents will also be introduced to a Third-Party Coordinator, who will play a critical role in serving as an invaluable guide throughout the entire surrogacy journey.
Some might argue that surrogacy agencies may infringe on your independence, both as a surrogate and an intended parent, but that could not be further from the truth. With every major life decision, an objective input can help maintain a balanced, equal, and level-headed approach throughout the process.
As a NewGen Surrogate, you are still able to choose your own compensation amount, the intended parents you wish to work with, and the ART attorney to represent you in the legal process. The Surrogate team will support you in making these decisions, but the final choice is ultimately yours.
5. Surrogacy Agencies Coordinate Medical and Legal Procedures and Appointments for Surrogates and Intended Parent(s)
Surrogacy agencies work closely with IVF clinics and medical professionals to coordinate all necessary appointments, such as initial screenings, medical evaluations, and the synchronization of cycles between the intended parents and the surrogate.
The best surrogacy agency will help facilitate communication between all parties involved, ensuring that appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner. They also provide guidance on medical protocols, medication administration, and any additional procedures required, ensuring that the surrogacy journey progresses as smoothly as possible.
By coordinating medical appointments and legal procedures, surrogacy agencies relieve the intended parents and the surrogate of the administrative burden, allowing them to focus on their emotional well-being and the journey itself.
Explore our Surrogacy Program Timeline to gain insight into the array of experiences that await you.
How to Choose a Surrogacy Agency
With the benefits discussed above in mind, as you embark on your surrogacy journey, selecting the best surrogacy agency is going to be a pivotal decision. Here are some key factors to consider in making an informed choice:
- Reputation and Experience: Look for agencies known for their reputable track record in the field. An experienced agency, like NewGen Families, will have a history of successful surrogacy stories and positive testimonials from both intended parents and surrogates.
- Comprehensive Screening Process: Ensure the agency conducts thorough background checks and psychological evaluations. Such a level of scrutiny is critical for the safety and success of the surrogacy journey.
- Support and Resources: A top agency should offer extensive support throughout the process, including legal and medical guidance, as well as emotional support. Agencies with a dedicated team or coordinator ensure a more personalized and supportive experience.
- Transparent and Fair Practices: Transparency in all aspects, especially concerning financial arrangements and legal contracts, is essential. The best surrogacy agencies uphold fairness and ethical practices in all their dealings.
- Compatibility and Matching: The process of matching surrogates with intended parents should be meticulous. Look for agencies that prioritise compatibility, understanding that strong matches lay the foundation for successful surrogacy stories.
- Communication and Accessibility: Choose an agency that values open communication and is readily accessible to answer your questions and address concerns.
- Customized Journey: Every surrogacy journey is unique. The agency should be flexible and adaptable, offering customized plans to meet the specific needs of intended parents and surrogates.
By considering these factors, you can confidently navigate the process of how to choose a surrogacy agency. Remember, the right agency plays an impactful role in your journey, turning the dream of building a family into reality.
Learn More on Why NewGen Families Might Be the Best Surrogacy Agency for Your Journey
Surrogacy agencies are responsible for facilitating and overseeing the surrogacy process, providing comprehensive guidance, support, and expertise to both intended parents and gestational carriers. With the assistance of top surrogacy agencies, individuals can navigate the complexities of the journey with confidence and ensure a smoother and more successful experience.
If you are considering surrogacy, we strongly encourage you to explore the benefits of working with a reputable surrogacy agency.
Take the first step towards your Surrogacy journey and reach out to our team at NewGen Families today. Let us guide you toward fulfilling your dream of building a family.
