Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Surrogacy Agency
When embarking on your surrogacy journey, choosing the right agency is crucial. Here are the essential questions every intended parent should ask during their agency consultation.
1. What is your agency's screening process for surrogates?
A reputable agency should have a comprehensive screening process that includes:
- Medical history evaluation
- Criminal background checks
- Psychological assessment
- Financial stability verification
- Previous pregnancy documentation
- Understanding these processes helps ensure you're working with qualified candidates who are physically and emotionally prepared for surrogacy.
2. What are your success rates?
Ask about:
- Number of surrogacy journeys completed annually
- Be wary of agencies that promise unrealistic success rates or avoid sharing statistics.
3. What services are included in your agency fees?
Get a detailed breakdown of:
- Initial consultation fees
- Matching services
- Legal support
- Case management
- Insurance coordination
- Pregnancy complications
- Relationship challenges
- Insurance issues
- Understanding the complete fee structure helps avoid unexpected costs later.
4. How do you handle the matching process?
Learn about:
- Criteria used for matching
- Number of profiles you'll receive
- Timeline for matching
- Process if initial match doesn't work out
- A good agency should prioritize compatible matches based on shared values and expectations.
5. How do I protect myself legally?
Inquire about:
- Introductions with surrogacy attorneys
- Contract preparation process
- Legal consultation services
- Legal protection is crucial for all parties involved in the surrogacy journey.
6. How do you manage surrogate compensation?
Understanding the financial aspects:
- Base compensation ranges
- Additional allowances and benefits
- Payment schedule
- Escrow management
- Clear financial arrangements help prevent misunderstandings and assist with budgeting during the journey.
7 . What support services do you offer throughout the
journey?
Look for agencies that provide:
- 24/7 support availability
- Counseling services
- Support group access
- Journey coordination
- Communication facilitation
- Comprehensive support is essential for a positive surrogacy experience.
8. How do you handle medical coordination?
Important aspects include:
- Relationships with fertility clinics
- Medical screening protocols
- Insurance verification
- Medical procedure coordination
- Efficient medical coordination is crucial for a successful journey.
9. What happens if complications arise?
Understand the agency's approach to:
- Pregnancy complications
- Relationship challenges
- Insurance issues
- A good agency should have clear protocols for handling various scenarios.
10. Can you provide references from past clients?
Request:
- References from recent intended parents
- Testimonials from surrogates
- Reviews and success stories
- Speaking with past clients provides valuable insights into the agency's reliability and service quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right surrogacy agency is a crucial step in your family-building journey. Take time to thoroughly evaluate potential agencies using these questions as your guide. The right agency will provide comprehensive answers, demonstrate transparency, and show genuine commitment to supporting your surrogacy
journey.
Remember, this significant decision deserves careful consideration. Don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions and trust your instincts when making your final choice.
Ready to start your surrogacy journey? Contact our surrogacy experts today. Or find out if you qualify to become a surrogate now!
