10 Questions Potential Surrogates Should Ask Before Choosing a Surrogacy Agency

This guide provides a list of key questions to ask in your first meeting with an agency to help you understand their qualifications, the type of support they provide, the compensation they offer, and their experience and success rate. By understanding the process and finding the right agency, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for the journey ahead.

Becoming a surrogate is an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many agencies to choose from, it's important to do your research and find the right match for you. In your first meeting with an agency, there are several key questions you should ask to ensure that they are the right fit for you and your surrogacy journey.

What are the requirements to become a surrogate with your agency?

It's important to understand the agency's qualifications and what they expect of you in terms of health, age, and previous pregnancy history to make sure you meet their requirements. Knowing what can disqualify you from becoming a surrogate is crucial before committing to working with an agency.

How does the agency match surrogates with intended parents?

Different agencies have different processes for matching surrogates and intended parents. It's important to understand what to expect and if their process aligns with your own preferences.

What type of support does the agency offer throughout the surrogacy journey?

Support is a vital part of any surrogacy journey. From psychological counselling to legal assistance, it's important to understand what type of support the agency offers and how they will support you throughout your journey.

What type of compensation do you offer surrogates?

Compensation, also known as surrogate pay, is an important aspect of surrogacy and it's essential to understand what type of compensation the agency offers and how the compensation process works.

How experienced is the agency with surrogacy and what is their success rate?

Experience is crucial when working with an agency, and it's essential to know their level of expertise and success rate. Ask about their experience and success rate and also be sure to ask for references from other surrogates who have worked with the agency. Additionally, conduct your own research by searching on Expecting’s platform for information about the agency, reading the ratings, and reviews of the agency before making your decision

Are there any additional fees to be expected for any reason, besides the compensation?

For example, will expenses such as doctor's check-ups, food allowance, travel allowance, and insurance be covered?

Who is the team that will be handling my surrogacy journey and who will be my coordinator?

It's important to establish a good chemistry with the coordinator that will be looking after you throughout the journey. This person will be your primary point of contact throughout the journey and will be responsible for coordinating with other members of the team such as the medical professionals, attorneys and your intended parents. Make sure that you feel comfortable with this person and that you can communicate effectively with them. Ask about their qualifications and experience in the field of surrogacy and how they plan on supporting you throughout the journey.

Can I speak to previous surrogates who have worked with your agency and can recommend it from their own perspective?

A conversation with a surrogate who has gone through the process can provide valuable insight into the blessings and challenges of surrogacy. Try to get information about the best moments as well as the challenging ones. If an agency isn't willing to share information about previous surrogates, it could be a red flag for you.

How much influence  do I have in choosing the intended parents?

It's important to understand the agency's process for matching surrogates and intended parents and what level of input you have in the selection process.

How comfortable am I with the agency's communication and decision-making process?

It's important to feel comfortable and confident in the agency's ability to communicate effectively and make decisions that align with your own goals and preferences for your surrogacy journey. Ask about their process for communicating and decision-making and make sure it fits with your own communication style and preferences.

By asking these questions, you will have a better understanding of the agency's qualifications, the type of support they provide, the compensation they offer, and their experience and success rate. You'll also know who will look after you, what other services are provided and what is your role in the selection of Intended parents. By finding the right agency for you, you can ensure that your surrogacy journey is a positive and fulfilling experience.