What Surrogacy & Egg Donation Program Do I Need? 5 Questions to Ask

When you're considering growing your family through surrogacy and/or egg donation in the United States, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is: Which type of program is right for me? With so many choices and an overwhelming amount of information, it can be hard to know where to start.

Let’s get one thing straight — every family is unique, and there’s no “one size fits all” surrogacy program. The right path depends entirely on your personal medical history, legal situation, goals, and emotional readiness.

In this article, we’ll walk you through five essential questions you should ask yourself to help determine the best surrogacy or egg donation program for your situation. We’ll also guide you in finding a reputable surrogacy agency to partner with.

How Do I Find the Right Surrogacy Agency?
Choosing a surrogacy agency is more than just picking a name from a Google search. A good agency does more than match intended parents with surrogates or egg donors — they provide legal, emotional, and logistical support through one of the most personal and life-changing experiences you’ll ever go through.

Here’s what to look for in a surrogacy agency:

1. Experience and Track Record: How long has the agency been in business? How many families have they helped?
2. Transparency: Are they upfront about costs, timelines, and legal risks?
3. In-House Legal and Medical Partnerships: Do they work with licensed fertility clinics and reproductive attorneys?
4. Support Services: Do they provide counseling, insurance guidance, and dedicated case managers?
5. Compliance: Do they follow guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and other regulatory bodies?

5 Questions to Ask Yourself to Find the Right Surrogacy Program

1. Am I Able to Create Embryos With My Own Biology?

This is the first and most critical question. If you or your partner can produce healthy eggs and sperm, you may be able to create your own embryos via IVF (in vitro fertilization).

If yes, you might only need a gestational carrier — a surrogate who carries a baby genetically unrelated to her.

If no, you may require donor eggs, donor sperm, or both, depending on your fertility profile.

A fertility specialist can help you assess egg and sperm quality. If you haven’t yet consulted one, it’s a smart place to begin. You can find certified fertility clinics and reproductive endocrinologists through the CDC’s fertility clinic finder: https://www.cdc.gov/art/artdata/index.html

2. Am I Able to Carry a Baby to Term?

Some intended parents are able to conceive but not carry due to medical risks, uterine abnormalities, past pregnancy loss, or other health concerns.

If you’ve been advised not to carry a pregnancy or know you are unable to, a gestational surrogacy program is your likely path.

Keep in mind: in gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no biological connection to the baby. The embryo is created using your (or donor) eggs and sperm and transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.

For more on your legal rights and medical protections under federal law, check the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services site: https://www.hhs.gov

3. Do I Already Have Embryos?

If you’ve already undergone IVF and have embryos in storage, your options are more streamlined. You can potentially move forward directly with finding a surrogate to carry your embryo.

However, make sure to confirm the health and viability of the embryos with your fertility clinic. Embryo quality, age of the egg at time of retrieval, and genetic screening results will play a big role in your success rate.

Also, confirm that your embryos are legally available for use in a surrogacy arrangement, especially if there are legal agreements tied to donor eggs or sperm.

4. Do I Need Both Eggs and a Woman to Carry Our Baby?

If you are a single father, same-sex male couple, or an intended parent who cannot produce eggs or carry a pregnancy, you’ll need both an egg donor and a gestational surrogate.

This is a common path, and it’s absolutely doable with the right agency support. In this scenario, your journey typically looks like this:

1. Select an egg donor (anonymous or known).
2. Create embryos using your sperm and the donor’s eggs.
3. Match with a gestational carrier.
4. Transfer embryo to the surrogate’s uterus.

If the egg donor is compensated, understand that state laws vary. Some states allow paid egg donation; others are more restrictive. Your agency should help you stay compliant.

You can check your state’s fertility and surrogacy regulations at: https://www.childwelfare.gov

5. Have I Spoken to My Fertility Doctor (If I Have One) About My Options?

This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people jump into surrogacy or egg donation decisions without a full medical consult.

A reproductive endocrinologist can help map out your biological options and give you realistic expectations. If you’ve done IVF before, bring your medical records to the agency — they’ll want to understand your full fertility journey.

If you don’t have a fertility doctor yet, your agency can help refer you to one who specializes in third-party reproduction.

Make sure you understand timelines, costs, medication protocols, and success rates for each route. The better informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel as the process unfolds.

Conclusion: The Right Program Starts With the Right Questions

Deciding which surrogacy or egg donation program is right for you isn’t easy — but it’s absolutely worth the time and thought. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to take the next step, the five questions above will help you clarify what you need, what you can offer biologically, and what support you should seek.

The surrogacy journey can be deeply rewarding — not just for growing your family, but for connecting with people who make parenthood possible. With a reputable agency and a clear plan, you’ll be on the path toward making your dream of parenthood a reality.