ACRC at SEEDS 2026: Our Commitment to Ethical Surrogacy

ACRC Global attended the SEEDS 2026 Fall Conference in Irvine, California, on November 5–6, joining colleagues from the surrogacy and egg donation community to learn, exchange perspectives, and strengthen professional relationships.

Our participation reflects a commitment that extends beyond any single event: continuing to learn, following ethical principles, and keeping the needs of intended parents, surrogates, and donors at the center of our work.

For ACRC, engaging with the SEEDS community is an opportunity to connect professional education with the everyday decisions that shape a surrogacy journey.

What Is SEEDS?

SEEDS stands for the Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ethical behavior in third-party reproduction.

SEEDS brings professionals together to discuss standards, share knowledge, and encourage responsible practices in surrogacy and egg donation. Its work helps keep attention on the people behind every journey: intended parents, gestational surrogates, donors, and the children whose lives begin through these arrangements.

Learn more about SEEDS and its mission.

Why ACRC Attended the SEEDS Conference

Surrogacy involves medical care, legal arrangements, financial planning, and deeply personal relationships. Coordinating these elements requires continued learning and thoughtful communication.

ACRC attended SEEDS to build on that understanding, connect with professional partners, and participate in conversations about responsible family-building practices.

For our team, these discussions reinforce important questions:

• How can we explain the process more clearly?

• How can we better understand each participant’s concerns?

• How can professional coordination support informed decisions?

• How can support remain consistent as a journey progresses?

Continuing education gives us opportunities to revisit these questions and consider where our work can improve.

Ethical Surrogacy Topics at SEEDS 2026

The SEEDS 2026 Fall Conference took place at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Its program covered subjects including surrogate autonomy, escrow transparency, screening, unconscious bias, postpartum mental health, and the responsible use of technology.

These topics matter because they connect directly to the questions intended parents and surrogates ask when choosing an agency.

Who will explain the next steps? How are funds managed? How are concerns addressed? What support is available after delivery?

The official SEEDS conference program offers further details about the event’s educational agenda.

What Does Ethical Surrogacy Mean in Practice?

Ethical surrogacy means respecting the people involved, supporting informed decisions, communicating transparently, and coordinating appropriate professional guidance.

At ACRC, we believe these principles should inform how a journey is approached from the first conversation onward.

Respecting Individual Choices and Surrogate Autonomy

Intended parents, surrogates, and donors bring different experiences and expectations to the process. Each person deserves space to ask questions, express concerns, and understand their options.

Respect for a surrogate’s autonomy is central to an ethical approach. Her voice and well-being deserve careful attention throughout the relationship.

Thoughtful communication also helps intended parents express their hopes and understand the responsibilities involved in moving forward.

Supporting Independent Legal Advice

SEEDS’ published agency standards address participants’ opportunity to consult an attorney of their choosing, written agreements, and screening considerations.

For intended parents and surrogates, this makes independent advice an important topic to discuss before entering an arrangement.

Ask who represents your interests, when you will review the agreement, and who can explain provisions you do not understand.

You can explore the SEEDS standards and guidelines here.

Encouraging Financial Transparency

Financial clarity deserves attention throughout a surrogacy journey.

SEEDS has published standards for member escrow providers that emphasize independent management, financial safeguards, and accountability.

When comparing agencies and programs, ask:

• Who holds and manages the funds?

• How are payments authorized?

• What account information can participants access?

• Which expenses are included, and which may vary?

Written explanations can help families understand financial arrangements and identify questions that need further discussion.

Keeping Support in Focus Beyond Matching

A match begins a relationship that continues through appointments, decisions, pregnancy milestones, delivery, and the transition afterward.

Our view is that responsible coordination requires ongoing attention to communication and emotional needs throughout that relationship.

Those considering becoming a gestational surrogate can learn more about ACRC’s surrogate requirements, process, and support.

Connecting With Partners and Colleagues at SEEDS

Professional relationships were another meaningful part of ACRC’s conference experience.

Alongside the educational program, networking and evening gatherings provided opportunities to reconnect with partners, meet colleagues, and spend time together outside formal sessions.

These connections matter because surrogacy involves coordination among people with different responsibilities and expertise. Building relationships creates opportunities to better understand one another’s roles and communication needs.

We appreciate the conversations and shared commitment to thoughtful family-building support within the SEEDS community.

Continuing to Learn Alongside the SEEDS Community

ACRC’s commitment to ethical surrogacy continues beyond the conference.

We value ongoing engagement with SEEDS, continued professional education, and opportunities to learn alongside colleagues who share an interest in responsible surrogacy and egg donation.

For us, the purpose of attending is to bring renewed attention to the people we serve and the decisions we help coordinate.

Frequently Asked Questions About SEEDS and Ethical Surrogacy

Why should intended parents care about an agency’s continuing education?

Continuing education gives an agency opportunities to examine its practices and learn from other professionals. Families should also ask how that learning informs communication, coordination, and support in their own journey.

Does attending SEEDS mean an agency is certified or endorsed?

Conference attendance alone does not establish certification, endorsement, or compliance with every SEEDS standard. Intended parents and surrogates should ask direct questions about an agency’s actual practices.

What should I ask when choosing a surrogacy agency?

Ask about screening, independent legal advice, escrow management, communication, handling concerns, and support during pregnancy and after delivery. Request clear explanations of what the agency coordinates and what other professionals provide.

For additional guidance, read how to find a surrogacy agency.

Explore Your Surrogacy Journey With ACRC Global

Choosing an agency is an opportunity to ask questions, understand your options, and discuss the support you need.

ACRC Global welcomes those conversations. Our team can explain our coordination process, discuss your goals, and help you understand potential next steps.

Schedule a free consultation with ACRC Global or explore our surrogacy process for intended parents.

This article provides general educational information and does not replace individualized medical or legal advice.

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