It Takes a Village: Exploring Egg Donation and Surrogacy with SCRC and ACRC Global
How do you begin a family-building journey involving egg donation or surrogacy? Who helps you find a donor or surrogate, and who manages medical treatment?
On October 13, 2026, Southern California Reproductive Center (SCRC) and ACRC Global presented “It Takes a Village: Navigating Egg Donation and Surrogacy.” The educational event explored how fertility specialists and agency professionals support intended parents through different stages of the process.
For individuals and couples considering their options, the discussion offered a starting point for understanding the journey and identifying questions to ask before moving forward.
Understanding Your Family-Building Options
The event introduced third-party reproduction, which involves fertility care using an egg or sperm donor and/or a gestational carrier.
The appropriate path depends on each person’s circumstances. Some intended parents need an egg donor, others need a gestational carrier, and some need both. A consultation with a fertility specialist helps clarify which options may be appropriate.
The presentation addressed different family structures, including LGBTQIA+ couples, heterosexual couples, and individuals pursuing parenthood. Throughout the discussion, the focus remained on understanding each family’s needs rather than assuming everyone follows the same path.
How SCRC and ACRC Global Work Together
A key topic was the distinction between the fertility clinic’s responsibilities and the agency’s role.
SCRC provides clinical care, including fertility evaluation, treatment planning, medical screening, IVF laboratory services, embryo transfer, and early pregnancy monitoring.
ACRC Global provides matching and journey coordination, helping intended parents navigate donor and surrogate options and communicate with the professionals involved. Its presentation also described coordination with independent counsel and escrow professionals, along with support during pregnancy and after birth.
Understanding these responsibilities helps intended parents know whom to contact and what questions to bring to each team.
What Happens Before Treatment Begins?
Choosing an egg donor or surrogate is one part of a broader preparation process.
The event outlined stages that may include:
Matching and financial arrangements.
Medical screening and clearance.
Legal agreements and clearance.
Treatment scheduling and preparation.
These steps involve several participants, so timing varies. Intended parents should ask for an explanation of the stages relevant to their situation, what remains outstanding, and which professional coordinates each step.
The presentation included estimated timelines as a general guide. Those estimates should be discussed individually rather than treated as guaranteed completion dates.
Questions About Embryos and the IVF Laboratory
The event also introduced the laboratory’s role in fertilization, embryo development, and cryopreservation, as well as genetic testing options.
For intended parents, this creates an opportunity to ask more specific questions during a medical consultation:
Which testing options may be relevant to our circumstances?
When would testing take place?
What can the results tell us, and what are their limitations?
The answers depend on the proposed treatment and individual medical circumstances. A fertility specialist can explain how these decisions fit into a personalized plan.
Planning Beyond Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is an important milestone, but intended parents also need to understand what follows.
SCRC’s presentation described early pregnancy monitoring before the transition to obstetric care. This handoff raises practical questions about communication, records, and ongoing support.
Before reaching that stage, families may want to discuss how an OB/GYN is selected, how the clinic transfers relevant information, and how delivery planning is coordinated.
Addressing these questions early can help everyone understand the next stage of the journey.
Questions Asked during the event:
Do I need both an egg donor and a surrogate?
Not necessarily. The services you need depend on your circumstances and treatment plan. A fertility specialist can help you understand the available options.
What is the difference between a fertility clinic and a surrogacy agency?
The fertility clinic manages medical evaluation and treatment. The agency supports matching and coordinates other aspects of the journey within its service scope.
How long does egg donation or surrogacy take?
There is no single timeline. Matching, screening, legal arrangements, and medical preparation affect scheduling. Ask your team for estimates specific to your situation.
Can I learn more before committing?
Yes. ACRC Global offers a free consultation to discuss your goals, explain its services, and help you identify next steps. Medical treatment questions should also be discussed with a fertility specialist.
Take the Next Step with ACRC Global
Whether you are beginning your research or preparing for a donor or surrogate match, a conversation can help you understand what comes next.
Book a free consultation with ACRC Global to explore your options and discuss your family-building goals with the link below:
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