Helping Families Grow Through Care, Accountability and Respect
Surrogacy can create extraordinary opportunities for people to build their families, but every journey must be approached with care, transparency and respect for everyone involved.
At ACRC Global, our responsibility extends beyond matching intended parents with a gestational surrogate. We coordinate each journey around informed decision-making, professional screening, independent legal representation, appropriate medical care, psychological support, financial transparency and respect for personal boundaries.
ACRC Global is a New York State Department of Health licensed gestational surrogacy program (GSP220901) and a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM Member 00108609).
Our team coordinates journeys in accordance with applicable laws and established professional guidance while working with independent fertility clinics, attorneys, mental health professionals, insurance specialists and escrow providers.
With more than 11 years of experience and over 1,300 family journeys supported, ACRC remains committed to one central principle:
Helping people build families should never come at the expense of another person’s rights, health, safety or dignity.
ACRC’s standards explain how we approach screening, informed decision-making, independent professional guidance, financial safeguards, surrogate support, newborn planning, and respectful communication. We coordinate and support each journey while physicians, attorneys, escrow professionals, and other qualified experts retain responsibility for their respective roles.
Why Families Trust Us
96%
Surro-baby Live Birth Rate
1300+
Family Journeys
Fulfilled
10+
Years of Industry
Experience
300+
Diverse Egg & Sperm Donor in Database
ACRC’s Approach to Ethical Surrogacy
Ethical surrogacy is not defined by one document or screening appointment. It requires safeguards throughout the entire journey—from the first application and match conversation to pregnancy, delivery and post-birth support.
Our approach is guided by the following standards:
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Voluntary and informed participation
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Respect for the surrogate’s bodily autonomy
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Careful screening of surrogates and intended parents
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Independent legal representation
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Independent escrow companies manage all funds securely and transparently.
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Medical decisions made by qualified healthcare professionals
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Clear expectations and respectful communication
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Transparent financial coordination
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Protection of personal and medical information
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Compliance with applicable surrogacy laws
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Continued support throughout the journey
No screening process can eliminate every medical, emotional or legal risk. However, careful preparation, qualified professional guidance and clear communication can help everyone make informed decisions and navigate those risks responsibly.
Initial Surrogate Qualifications
ACRC’s initial eligibility requirements are designed to identify applicants who may be suitable to proceed to professional screening. Requirements generally include:
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Being between 21 and 38 years old perferably
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Being a United States citizen or permanent resident
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Having delivered at least one child without major complication
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Having a history of healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery
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Maintaining a healthy and medically appropriate BMI
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Living in a stable and supportive home environment
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Being financially stable
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Being a nonsmoker and free from illicit drug use
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Being willing to complete medical and psychological screening
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Being willing to undergo applicable background checks
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Having access to reliable transportation and medical care
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Being prepared to follow clinic instructions during the medical process
Eligibility requirements can vary based on individual health history, fertility clinic protocols, state law and the circumstances of a particular journey.
Meeting ACRC’s initial qualifications does not guarantee acceptance into the programme or medical clearance.
Review of Pregnancy and Medical History
A surrogate applicant’s previous pregnancy and delivery records are important parts of the evaluation process.
ACRC may help collect relevant medical information for review by the appropriate professionals. The intended parents’ IVF clinic ultimately evaluates the applicant’s medical history and determines which examinations or tests are required.
The clinic’s review may consider factors such as:
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Previous pregnancy and delivery history and outcomes
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History of pregnancy complications
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Current and previous medications
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Overall physical and psychological health
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Reproductive and uterine health
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Medical readiness for fertility medications and embryo transfer
The IVF physician makes the final decision regarding medical clearance and the embryo-transfer protocol. ACRC does not replace the judgment of a licensed medical professional.
Psychological Screening and Emotional Readiness
Surrogacy is both a physical and emotional commitment. Psychological screening helps prospective surrogates understand the journey and consider how it may affect them and their families.
A qualified mental health professional may discuss:
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The surrogate’s reasons for pursuing surrogacy
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Her understanding of the process and potential risks
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Emotional expectations during pregnancy and after delivery
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Communication preferences
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Personal and family boundaries
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Support from a spouse, partner or household
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Feelings about termination, selective reduction and difficult medical decisions
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Expectations for the relationship with the intended parents
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Plans for emotional support during and after the pregnancy
This process is intended to support informed participation not to pressure someone into continuing. A prospective surrogate may decide that surrogacy is not right for her, and that decision should be respected.
Background and Home-Stability Review
Where required or appropriate, prospective surrogates and relevant adult household members may undergo background screening.
ACRC also considers whether an applicant has the practical stability and support necessary for a surrogacy journey, including:
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A safe and stable home environment
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Reliable transportation
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Appropriate childcare planning
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Support during appointments, pregnancy and recovery
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The ability to attend required medical appointments
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The ability to communicate consistently with the professional team
The objective is not to judge a family’s lifestyle. It is to identify concerns that could affect safety, reliability or the applicant’s ability to participate freely and responsibly.
How Does ACRC Screen Intended Parents?
Ethical screening must apply to intended parents as well as surrogates. Intended parents have responsibilities to their surrogate, their future child and the professional team supporting the journey.
ACRC’s intended parent intake and preparation process may include:
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Identity verification
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Review of family-building goals
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Discussion of medical and fertility history
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Confirmation of readiness for the surrogacy process
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Review of legal and residency considerations
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Psychological consultation or education where required
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Background screening where required or appropriate
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Review of financial preparedness
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Discussion of communication preferences and boundaries
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Confirmation that the intended parents understand their contractual and practical responsibilities
Additional requirements may apply based on the state where the surrogate lives, the state where the child will be born, the intended parents’ country of residence, the fertility clinic’s policies and the legal professionals involved.
Financial Readiness and Transparent Planning
A surrogacy journey involves agency services as well as separate medical, legal, insurance, escrow, travel and surrogate-related expenses.
Before proceeding, intended parents should understand the anticipated budget and be prepared for both expected expenses and reasonable contingencies.
ACRC helps intended parents understand the financial structure of their program and coordinates with independent professionals where applicable. Funds intended for surrogate compensation and reimbursable journey expenses should be managed according to the legal agreement and applicable requirements.
Our goal is to help ensure that:
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Compensation terms are clearly documented
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Reimbursements are handled according to the agreement
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Intended parents understand anticipated costs
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Surrogates are not placed in the position of informally negotiating expenses
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Financial questions are addressed through the appropriate professional channels
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Journey funds are managed transparently and responsibly
Financial coordination does not replace independent financial or legal advice.
Thoughtful Matching Not Just Fast Matching
A successful match requires more than compatible timelines. It also requires alignment on important medical, personal, and relationship expectations.
Before a match is confirmed, ACRC encourages surrogates and intended parents to discuss topics including:
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The anticipated number of embryos to be transferred. Consistent with ASRM guidance, ACRC discourages transferring two embryos at one time unless the IVF physician determines there is a medical reason to do so
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Expectations regarding selective reduction when medically indicated
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Expectations regarding termination when medically indicated
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The type of relationship and level of communication both parties hope to maintain during and after the journey
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Whether the surrogate is comfortable with the intended parents being present in the operating room, if permitted by hospital policy
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Expectations regarding pumping breast milk after delivery
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Any other reasonable medical, personal, logistical, or relationship expectations that may affect the journey
Both the surrogate and intended parents should have an opportunity to ask questions and decide whether the match feels appropriate.
No one should be pressured to accept a match simply because a profile appears suitable on paper.
Independent Medical and Legal Decision-Making
ACRC coordinates surrogacy services, but we do not replace the independent professionals responsible for medical and legal decisions.
Medical Decisions
Licensed physicians and fertility clinics determine:
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Whether a surrogate is medically eligible
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What medical testing is required
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Whether additional specialist review is necessary
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Which medications are appropriate
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Whether and when an embryo transfer should occur
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How pregnancy-related medical concerns should be managed
During pregnancy, the surrogate remains the patient and maintains the right to make decisions regarding her own medical care in consultation with her healthcare providers and subject to applicable law.
Independent Legal Representation
The intended parents and surrogate should have separate legal representation from attorneys experienced in assisted reproductive law.
Independent attorneys help their respective clients understand:
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Their rights and responsibilities
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Compensation and reimbursement terms
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Insurance considerations
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Medical-decision provisions
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Expectations during pregnancy
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Parentage procedures
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Delivery and hospital arrangements
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Confidentiality and communication provisions
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State-specific surrogacy requirements
An embryo transfer should not proceed until the required legal agreements have been completed and legal clearance has been confirmed.
Respecting the Surrogate’s Rights and Bodily Autonomy
A surrogate is never simply a participant in someone else’s family-building plan. She is an individual with her own health, family, responsibilities, rights, and boundaries.
ACRC supports practices intended to protect:
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Voluntary participation
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Informed consent
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Independent legal advice
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Access to appropriate medical care
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The right to ask questions
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Privacy and confidentiality
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Respectful communication
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Clearly documented compensation
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Freedom from coercion, intimidation, or improper pressure
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Recognition of the surrogate as the patient during pregnancy
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Any other rights and protections required by applicable law, including, where relevant, those established under New York’s Surrogate’s Bill of Rights
Compensation acknowledges the surrogate’s time, commitment, inconvenience, and the demands associated with the journey. Compensation must never remove or limit her right to informed medical decision-making, bodily autonomy, or respectful treatment.
Protecting Intended Parents and Future Families
Ethical practice also means helping intended parents understand the process, anticipate potential challenges and receive accurate information.
ACRC supports intended parents by coordinating with the professionals involved in:
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Surrogate matching
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Fertility treatment
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Legal agreements
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Insurance review
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Financial and escrow arrangements
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Pregnancy communication
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Delivery preparation
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Parentage procedures
International intended parents may need additional legal and administrative planning based on their individual circumstances and applicable laws. They should seek independent advice from qualified legal professionals in all relevant jurisdictions.
Following State Law Requirements and ASRM Recommendations
ACRC Global is licensed by the New York State Department of Health as a gestational surrogacy program (License No. GSP220901) and is an ASRM member (Member No. 00108609). ACRC coordinates with independent medical, legal, mental health, insurance, and escrow professionals to support compliance with applicable state requirements and practices consistent with relevant ASRM recommendations. Because surrogacy laws and professional requirements vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances, each journey should be reviewed by the appropriate licensed professionals. The treating IVF clinic remains responsible for its medical protocols and for determining whether a surrogate candidate meets its requirements.
What Happens If a Concern Arises?
Questions and unexpected situations can arise during even the most carefully prepared surrogacy journey.
When a concern is raised, ACRC’s role is to listen, document the issue, communicate appropriately and help connect the parties with the relevant professional. Depending on the situation, this may include:
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The case manager
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The fertility clinic
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The surrogate’s obstetric provider
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An independent mental health professional
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The parties’ respective attorneys
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An insurance specialist
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The escrow provider
Medical concerns must be addressed by qualified healthcare professionals, and legal disagreements must be addressed by the parties’ independent attorneys.
No surrogate or intended parent should feel that they must remain silent about a concern.
Our Ethical Commitment to Every Surrogacy Journey
ACRC Global believes ethical family building requires more than compassion. It requires structure, accountability and a willingness to protect the interests of everyone involved.
Our commitment is to:
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Treat surrogates and intended parents with dignity
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Provide clear and honest information
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Avoid making guarantees that no agency can responsibly make
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Support informed and voluntary decisions
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Coordinate with qualified independent professionals
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Protect privacy and confidentiality
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Maintain clear professional boundaries
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Follow applicable laws and regulatory requirements
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Continue improving our policies as professional guidance evolves
We help people create families but how those families are created matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About
ACRC’s Ethical Standards
Is ACRC Global a licensed surrogacy agency?
Yes. ACRC Global is licensed by the New York State Department of Health as a gestational surrogacy programme under licence number GSP220901. Surrogacy laws and requirements can vary by state, so each journey also requires state-specific legal review.
Is ACRC certified by ASRM?
ASRM does not certify or license surrogacy agencies. ACRC Global is an ASRM member, Member 00108609, and coordinates with independent professionals to support practices consistent with applicable ASRM guidance.
How does ACRC screen surrogates?
ACRC begins by reviewing a surrogate applicant’s eligibility, pregnancy history, lifestyle, home stability and readiness for the journey. Applicants may then complete medical evaluation, psychological screening, background checks and independent legal review. The IVF clinic makes the final medical-clearance decision.
Does ACRC screen intended parents?
Yes. Intended parents complete an intake and preparation process that may include identity verification, background screening where required, discussion of their family-building plans, financial readiness, psychological education and legal review. Requirements depend on the jurisdiction and circumstances of the journey.
Who decides whether a surrogate is medically approved?
The intended parents’ fertility clinic and treating physician determine whether a surrogate candidate is medically eligible. ACRC may coordinate records and appointments, but it does not make the final medical-clearance decision.
Does a surrogate have her own attorney?
Surrogates and intended parents should be represented by separate attorneys. Independent legal representation allows each party to receive advice focused on their own rights, responsibilities and interests.
Can a surrogate decline a proposed match?
Yes. A surrogate should have the opportunity to review a match, ask questions and decide voluntarily whether she wishes to proceed. Intended parents should have the same opportunity.
Does screening guarantee a risk-free journey?
No. Surrogacy involves medical, emotional, legal and financial risks, and no agency can guarantee a particular outcome. Screening and professional coordination are intended to identify concerns, support informed decisions and help the parties prepare responsibly.
Does ACRC support international and LGBTQIA+ intended parents?
Yes. ACRC supports intended parents from diverse backgrounds, including international families, LGBTQIA+ couples and individuals, and single parents, subject to applicable medical and legal requirements.
How can I learn more about starting with ACRC?
Intended parents can book a consultation to discuss the process, anticipated costs, matching and legal considerations. Prospective surrogates can complete an initial application to learn whether they may meet ACRC’s eligibility requirements.
Disclaimer
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Surrogacy requirements vary depending on individual circumstances, fertility-clinic protocols and applicable state, federal and international laws. Medical eligibility and treatment decisions are made by qualified healthcare professionals. Each party should obtain independent legal advice from an attorney experienced in assisted reproductive law. Participation in screening does not guarantee acceptance, matching, pregnancy or live birth.