5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Surrogacy or Egg Donation Agency

Choosing a surrogacy or egg donation agency isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s deeply personal. You’re not only investing time and money; you’re placing your trust, your emotions, and your future family in someone else's hands. That’s why it’s critical to work with a team that aligns with your values, communicates clearly, and has a proven track record of ethical, legal, and emotional support.

In this article, we’ll cover 5 essential things to consider when choosing a surrogacy or egg donation agency, plus 5 key questions to ask any agency before making your decision. Whether you're an intended parent or someone interested in egg donation, this guide will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

1. Agency Experience and Success Rates

Experience matters. You want an agency that’s not just familiar with the process but has handled hundreds—or even thousands—of cases successfully. A reputable agency will be transparent about their track record: how many matches they facilitate annually, how many successful births they’ve supported, and how long they’ve been operating.

Success rates can vary based on several factors including IVF clinic partnerships, surrogate screening protocols, and embryo transfer policies. But a trustworthy agency will never guarantee results—they’ll offer realistic expectations and guide you through every step of the process with data, not promises.

Agencies with long-term experience are more likely to have established partnerships with clinics, attorneys, and fertility counselors. This network can make the process smoother and more predictable for all parties involved.

2. A Legal Team on Staff

Surrogacy and egg donation are heavily governed by state-specific laws in the U.S. What’s perfectly legal in California might be restricted or unavailable in Michigan. Because of this, your agency must have experienced reproductive attorneys either on staff or closely affiliated with the program.

A strong legal team ensures:

• Surrogates and intended parents sign enforceable, clear contracts.
• Parentage is established properly and efficiently.
• Donor agreements include confidentiality and long-term considerations.
• Compliance with insurance, compensation, and state laws.

Look for agencies that can walk you through the legal side without outsourcing everything to third parties. You’ll want someone who understands not just the legal framework but how it intersects with your specific needs—whether you’re a same-sex couple, a single parent, or navigating international requirements.

You can also find government information about surrogacy and reproductive law at https://www.childwelfare.gov.

3. Emphasis on Communication

Surrogacy is a long and emotionally intense journey. Clear, compassionate, and consistent communication is non-negotiable. From your first inquiry to the postpartum period, you should feel heard, informed, and supported.

Agencies that prioritize communication often have:

• A dedicated case manager for every client.
• Biweekly or monthly updates on process milestones.
• Easy access to staff through phone, email, or text.
• Bilingual support, especially for international clients.

Poor communication is one of the most common complaints people have about agencies. If you’re constantly chasing down updates, getting vague answers, or feeling left in the dark, that’s a red flag. You deserve an agency that responds promptly and takes your concerns seriously.

4. Flexibility

No two families are the same, and no two surrogacy journeys follow the exact same path. A good agency knows how to adapt. That means offering a range of options for surrogate or donor matching, being responsive to changes in timeline, and helping clients navigate unexpected medical or legal situations.

Some signs of flexibility include:

• Willingness to work with your chosen clinic or legal team.
• Customized matching preferences (location, relationship expectations, communication styles).
• Options for frozen vs. fresh donor cycles.
• Support for international or single parents.

The process of growing a family is full of surprises—some joyful, some stressful. Agencies that are nimble and solution-oriented make all the difference when things don’t go according to plan.

5. Focus on Relationships

Whether you're an intended parent, a donor, or a surrogate, the emotional experience of the journey matters. Agencies that prioritize relationship-building are more likely to ensure a smooth, respectful process from start to finish.

Relationship-focused agencies will:

• Encourage direct communication between surrogates and intended parents (when appropriate).
• Offer counseling or emotional support services.
• Provide post-birth follow-up and connection.
• Celebrate milestones and honor the humanity of everyone involved.

An agency that treats you like a number—or treats surrogates as transactional carriers—should be a hard no. This is a deeply human experience, and empathy is not optional.

Agencies that focus on healthy relationships often align with public health and family-building standards. You can learn more about family planning programs in the U.S. at https://opa.hhs.gov.

5 Questions To Ask Your Surrogacy Agency

Choosing the right agency also means asking the right questions. Here are 5 essential ones to ask before you sign a contract or pay any fees.

1. How do you find surrogates? What are the requirements?

   This question helps you understand the agency’s screening process. A reputable agency should have strict physical, psychological, and lifestyle standards for surrogates. Ask about background checks, health screenings, and whether the agency requires previous successful pregnancies.

2. How many matches does your agency officiate monthly?

   This tells you a lot about the scale and efficiency of the agency. Too few may indicate limited resources or slower matching times. Too many might mean you’re just a number in a large pipeline. Ideally, you want a balance—a steady volume with a personal touch.

3. How much does surrogacy cost?

   Cost is a major factor. Ask for a full breakdown of fees: agency fee, surrogate compensation, legal costs, insurance, medical procedures, and any hidden expenses. Get it in writing. In the U.S., total surrogacy costs often range from $90,000 to $150,000+.

   Check resources like https://www.cms.gov to understand how insurance may or may not cover aspects of the process.

4. How does your agency support surrogates and donors?

   A good agency doesn't just care about the intended parents—they care about the whole team. Ask about mental health support, regular check-ins, reimbursement policies, and how they protect the well-being of everyone involved.

5. What happens if something goes wrong?

   Unmatched embryos, failed transfers, or legal delays—these things happen. The agency should have clear protocols for next steps, alternative plans, and financial contingencies. If they can't answer this with confidence, consider it a red flag.

Surrogacy and egg donation are life-changing journeys. The agency you choose will be a partner in one of the most important chapters of your life. So don’t rush the decision. Take time to research, ask the tough questions, and trust your instincts.

The right agency will offer more than logistics—they’ll provide legal safety, emotional support, and a relationship built on trust and respect. You deserve nothing less.

Ready to take the next step? Start conversations early, gather your questions, and build a team that believes in your dream as much as you do.