How Do You Choose a U.S. Surrogacy Agency? 10 Questions Before You Commit
How Do You Choose a U.S. Surrogacy Agency? 10 Questions Before You Commit
Choose a U.S. surrogacy agency by checking its credentials, understanding its screening and matching process, reviewing an itemised budget, and confirming how independent medical, legal and financial professionals are involved. Ask for written explanations of fees, responsibilities and what happens if your journey changes.
For intended parents, choosing an agency is a personal decision as well as a practical one. You are looking for people who listen, explain the details clearly and help you prepare for the decisions ahead.
Whether you already have frozen embryos or are exploring IVF and egg donation, these ten questions can help you compare agencies with greater confidence.
Book an intended parent consultation with ACRC Surrogacy to discuss your starting point and the support you may need:
1. What credentials can I verify independently?
Ask for the agency’s legal business name, relevant licences and the official sources where you can check them. Distinguish government licensing from professional membership or an industry award.
ACRC Global holds New York State Department of Health gestational surrogacy programme licence GSP220901. You can check the listing under Angels Creation Reproductive Center in the New York State licensed organisation directory:
A New York licence is a specific state credential. It does not replace legal advice about the states involved in your own arrangement.
2. How are surrogates screened, and who gives medical clearance?
Ask which checks are completed before a profile is shared and which remain outstanding. “Pre-screened” should come with an explanation of exactly what has been reviewed.
Discuss pregnancy and delivery records, medical assessment, psychological evaluation and relevant background checks. Ask who reviews the findings and how any concerns are communicated.
The fertility clinic’s medical clearance is distinct from an agency’s preliminary review. Guidance from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, or ASRM, addresses medical and psychological evaluation for gestational carrier arrangements.
3. How does matching work for our family?
A match should account for practical expectations as well as medical considerations. Ask how the agency explores communication preferences, travel, involvement during pregnancy and important decision-making expectations.
Useful follow-up questions include:
• Will we meet the prospective surrogate before deciding?
• Can both sides decline a proposed match?
• What happens if we need to consider another match?
• Which preferences could affect our wait?
Learn more about ACRC’s support for intended parents:
4. What is included in the quote, and what could cost extra?
Request an itemised estimate that distinguishes agency services from surrogate compensation, clinic charges, legal fees, insurance and other expenses.
Ask how the budget could change if another embryo transfer is needed, a match changes or additional medical care becomes necessary.
If a programme uses terms such as “fixed cost” or “guaranteed,” request the exact inclusions, exclusions and conditions in writing.
For any “No Match, No Fee” policy, clarify which fee it covers, when payment becomes due and whether separate professional costs arise before matching.
5. Who holds our funds, and how are payments authorised?
Ask whether journey funds are held by an independent escrow provider, who administers the account, and which documents govern payments.
Request an explanation of statements, disbursement approval, disputed charges and the return of any unused balance. Clarify which fees go directly to the agency and which belong in escrow.
Financial safeguards deserve their own discussion. An overall programme quote does not explain how money is managed.
6. Will the surrogate and intended parents have independent lawyers?
Ask how each party obtains independent legal representation and when the agreement must be completed.
Your reproductive law attorney should advise on the laws relevant to your circumstances, contractual responsibilities and the process for establishing legal parentage.
International intended parents should also seek advice about recognition of parentage and applicable requirements in their home jurisdiction.
Agency coordination supports this process; legal advice comes from your attorney.
7. Who reviews insurance for the surrogate and baby?
Ask who evaluates the surrogate’s policy for coverage relevant to the arrangement, including exclusions and out-of-pocket expenses.
Discuss newborn coverage separately. Do not assume the surrogate’s policy will cover your baby.
Ask how to plan for the baby’s care, possible neonatal intensive care and the period before you return home.
Request a written explanation from the relevant insurance professional of what coverage is available and what may remain your responsibility.
8. How are timelines and success rates explained?
Ask for the stages of the journey rather than a single promised completion date. Matching, record collection, clinic clearance, legal work and embryo transfer each have their own dependencies.
When reviewing a success rate, ask what it measures:
• Pregnancy per embryo transfer.
• Live birth per embryo transfer.
• Cumulative outcomes across multiple attempts.
Ask which patients and time period are included.
Medical outcomes vary. An agency should help you understand the figures and direct individual prognosis questions to your fertility specialist.
9. Who will support us throughout the journey?
Ask who your main contact will be, how updates are shared and what happens when that person is unavailable.
Discuss support during pregnancy, preparation for delivery and communication if plans change.
For overseas parents, ask about language support, time-zone differences and which appointments require travel.
Explore ACRC’s standards and safeguards, and bring questions about how they would apply to your case:
10. What happens if our plans change?
Before signing, ask about rematching, unsuccessful transfers, pauses, withdrawal and refund terms.
Discuss how the team handles unexpected developments while respecting the surrogate’s informed consent and medical decision-making.
Clear conversations before treatment can help everyone understand their responsibilities and expectations.
Keep the answers, service agreement and budget together so you can review them before committing.
What should you prepare for your first surrogacy consultation?
You do not need every answer before speaking with an agency. Bring whatever you currently know about:
• Your embryo status and fertility clinic, if applicable.
• Whether you may need egg or sperm donation.
• Your budget and preferred timeline.
• Where you live and your travel availability.
• Your main concerns and communication preferences.
This gives the conversation a useful starting point without requiring you to have a complete plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need embryos before contacting a surrogacy agency?
No. You can discuss your options before creating embryos. Your fertility specialist can advise on treatment, while the agency explains coordination, matching and planning.
Can international intended parents work with a U.S. agency?
International arrangements may be possible, depending on your circumstances and applicable laws. Ask qualified attorneys about eligibility, parentage and cross-border requirements before committing.
How can a guaranteed surrogacy program support intended parents?
Guaranteed surrogacy programs can offer greater financial predictability and a clearer plan for moving forward. ACRC offers guaranteed program options, and our team can explain eligibility, included services and the support available if further attempts are needed. Each program has specific terms and conditions, while medical outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Learn more
Take your next step with ACRC Surrogacy
Your first consultation is an opportunity to ask questions and understand what a journey could involve for your family.
ACRC Surrogacy provides matching and case-management support, coordinating with fertility clinics, independent attorneys and other professionals. Medical treatment and legal advice remain with the appropriately qualified professionals.
Whether you are beginning your research or ready to discuss matching, we invite you to talk through your goals, expected costs and next steps.
Book your ACRC intended parent consultation:
The ACRC Global Team shares educational resources about U.S. surrogacy, donor options and family-building coordination for intended parents.
Sources and further reading
ASRM: Recommendations for practices using gestational carriers
ASRM: Gestational carrier policy in the United States
New York State Department of Health: Information for surrogates and intended parents
Disclaimer
Educational information only; not medical, legal or insurance advice. Eligibility, services, costs and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and applicable laws. Consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
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