How to find a surrogacy agency four things to look for
“Choosing a surrogacy agency? Here are 4 things to look for, to make sure you (& your surrogate) are truly supported” was originally published on The Ribbon Box, and is shared here with permission.
This edition includes additional guidance and resources from ACRC Global for intended parents exploring surrogacy.
Finding a surrogacy agency is an important step towards building your family. Alongside matching, there are medical appointments, legal arrangements, financial decisions and relationships to navigate.
How do you know whether an agency is right for you? Start by looking at four areas: its experience and transparency, its approach to legal and financial coordination, the care behind its matching process, and the support available throughout your journey.
The Ribbon Box’s article, created in partnership with ACRC Global, explains why these areas matter for both intended parents and surrogates. Here is how to use that guidance when comparing your options.
If you are just beginning your research, explore ACRC Global’s surrogacy process for intended parents for an introduction to the steps involved.
1. Look for experience, transparency and a clear track record
Testimonials can give you a sense of other families’ experiences. Your research should also include the agency’s history, screening procedures, services and approach to communication.
An agency should be able to explain what it does, who is responsible for each part of the journey, and what you can expect before signing an agreement.
Questions to ask about an agency’s experience
How long have you supported surrogacy journeys?
Have you worked with intended parents whose circumstances are similar to ours?
What screening takes place before a surrogate is introduced to intended parents?
Which licences and regulatory requirements apply to your services?
What is included in your agency fee?
How do you define the outcomes and success rates you share?
When reviewing published statistics, ask what they measure. A matching rate, pregnancy rate and live birth rate describe different outcomes. Understanding the definitions helps you make a more informed comparison.
The Ribbon Box highlights ACRC Global’s experience supporting more than 1,200 families, alongside services including egg donation, sperm donation and IVF concierge support.
For your family, the next step is understanding how that experience translates into a plan suited to your needs. You can find additional questions to guide your research in ACRC’s resource on choosing your surrogacy agency.
What to look for: Clear answers, written information and an agency that gives you time to understand its services.
2. Understand legal coordination and financial responsibilities
Before committing to an agency, ask how legal professionals will be involved and how the financial arrangements will be explained.
An agency can help coordinate the process, while qualified attorneys provide legal advice. Intended parents and surrogates should understand how independent legal representation is arranged and who will advise them.
Questions to ask about legal coordination
Which attorneys will advise us?
How is independent legal representation arranged for the surrogate?
Who will explain the process for establishing parentage?
How are contracts and legal clearance coordinated before treatment proceeds?
If we live outside the United States, which professionals can advise on requirements in our home country?
International intended parents may need advice on parentage recognition, citizenship and travel documents. These matters depend on the countries and circumstances involved and require individual legal guidance.
Questions to ask about costs
Request a written breakdown that explains agency fees, outside provider costs and expenses that may change during the journey.
Ask:
Which costs are fixed, and which are estimates?
What services are included in the quoted fees?
Who holds and administers journey funds?
What additional expenses could arise if treatment or other plans change?
How will we receive updates about payments and expenses?
Review ACRC Global’s surrogacy cost overview to help prepare your questions. Your consultation should clarify how the information applies to your circumstances.
Ask about timing as well. Matching, medical preparation, legal work and treatment each involve separate steps. An agency should explain the assumptions behind its estimated timeline and keep you informed when those assumptions change.
What to look for: Clearly defined responsibilities, access to qualified professionals and a written explanation of costs and next steps.
3. Find out what goes into a thoughtful match
A match is a major milestone. It is also the beginning of a relationship that benefits from preparation, mutual understanding and open communication.
The Ribbon Box emphasises personalised matching and shared expectations. Intended parents and surrogates should have opportunities to ask questions and discuss what matters to them before moving forward.
Questions to ask about matching
How do you assess whether a potential match is suitable?
What screening is completed before an introduction?
What topics are discussed during a match meeting?
How are communication preferences and expectations addressed?
Who helps if either party has concerns?
What happens if a proposed match does not move forward?
Practical preferences deserve attention. Some intended parents and surrogates hope for frequent conversations, while others prefer scheduled updates. Discussing these preferences early can help everyone understand what to expect.
It is also useful to ask who coordinates the next steps after matching. Find out who follows up with the clinic, tracks outstanding requirements and keeps both parties informed.
ACRC’s guide to the surrogacy process for intended parents provides a starting point for understanding how matching fits into the wider journey.
What to look for: A process that gives both parties space to discuss expectations and make an informed decision.
4. Check what support continues throughout the journey
Surrogacy involves emotions, relationships and practical decisions as well as appointments and paperwork.
Ask what support is available during preparation, treatment, pregnancy, delivery and afterwards. Understand who you can contact, how updates are shared and how concerns are addressed.
Support for intended parents
Questions to ask include:
Will we have a dedicated point of contact?
How often should we expect updates?
Who helps coordinate communication with our clinic?
What support is available if treatment does not go as hoped?
What counselling or peer support resources are available?
How will we prepare for delivery and the next steps?
International intended parents may also want to discuss language support, time differences and travel coordination.
Support for surrogates
The surrogate’s wellbeing should receive the same care and attention.
Ask about regular check-ins, emotional support, practical guidance and support after delivery. Find out how the agency helps surrogates raise concerns and access appropriate resources.
The Ribbon Box describes ACRC Global’s approach to supporting intended parents and surrogates through case management, counselling resources and ongoing communication.
Ask for concrete examples of how support works when circumstances change. If medical concerns arise, coordination should help the people involved reach the appropriate healthcare professionals for advice.
For answers to other common questions, visit ACRC Global’s intended parent FAQ.
What to look for: Clearly explained support for both intended parents and surrogates, with named contacts and a process for getting help.
Four questions to bring to your first consultation
You do not need to understand every detail before speaking with an agency. A useful consultation should help you become better informed and identify what needs further discussion.
Start with these questions:
What experience do you have with journeys like ours?
How will legal coordination, costs and financial administration be explained?
How do you prepare intended parents and surrogates for a match?
What support continues through treatment, pregnancy, birth and afterwards?
Take notes and request written information so you can review the answers at your own pace.
The right agency for your family should help you understand your options, the responsibilities involved and the support you can expect.
Explore your next steps with ACRC Global
Whether you are beginning your research or preparing to move forward, ACRC Global can help you explore your family-building options and understand how its services may fit your needs.
Learn about our surrogacy process for intended parents, review our surrogacy cost information, or browse our intended parent FAQs.
When you are ready to discuss your circumstances and priorities, schedule a free consultation with ACRC Global.
For more on the four considerations behind this guide, read the original article on The Ribbon Box.
The team at The Ribbon Box know that family-building, pregnancy and parenthood aren't always straightforward. Check out The Ribbon Box to stay up to date, and get practical support, discounts and handy tips just like these delivered straight to your inbox.
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