A surrogacy agency coordinates every non-medical aspect of the surrogacy journey. This includes surrogate screening and matching, legal coordination, communication between all parties, cost management, emotional support, and pregnancy oversight. The agency acts as the central organizer to ensure the process runs safely, ethically, and legally.

Reputable surrogacy agencies conduct extensive medical, psychological, and lifestyle screening. This includes health history review, fertility records, psychological evaluation, background checks, and confirmation of legal eligibility. Proper screening reduces medical risks and improves success outcomes.

Surrogate matching typically takes 0 to 3 months, depending on availability, medical compatibility, and specific preferences. Agencies with active surrogate pools usually match faster while still maintaining ethical screening standards.

Yes, ethical surrogacy agencies provide an itemized cost breakdown before contracts are signed. This includes agency fees, surrogate compensation, medical costs, legal fees, insurance, and contingency expenses. Transparency helps avoid unexpected financial stress later.

Most full-service agencies coordinate with experienced reproductive attorneys. Legal support typically includes drafting surrogacy agreements, consent forms, and parentage documentation to protect the rights of intended parents, surrogates, and donors.

Yes, many agencies support international intended parents. Services may include guidance on country-specific legal requirements, documentation, travel planning, and citizenship procedures, depending on the surrogacy location.

No ethical agency guarantees pregnancy or live birth. Surrogacy involves biological and medical variables. Agencies instead focus on reducing risk through proper screening, experienced medical coordination, and realistic expectations.

If an embryo transfer fails, agencies coordinate next steps with the IVF clinic. Options may include additional embryo transfers or revised medical protocols. Costs and policies depend on the program agreement, which should be reviewed in advance.

Yes. Intended parents typically review surrogate profiles and participate in the selection process. Matching is based on medical compatibility, preferences, and mutual consent to ensure comfort and trust on both sides.

Most agencies provide regular updates at every major milestone, including matching, legal completion, embryo transfer, pregnancy progress, and delivery planning. Clear communication schedules should be discussed before enrollment.

Many surrogacy agencies offer counseling resources or referrals for intended parents and surrogates. Emotional support helps manage stress, expectations, and the psychological aspects of the journey.

Surrogacy agencies work in coordination with established IVF clinics and fertility specialists. While agencies do not perform medical procedures, they ensure communication between all parties and the clinic.

Insurance requirements vary by location. Many programs require surrogate health insurance or supplemental coverage. Agencies guide intended parents through insurance options to ensure medical costs are properly covered.

Common documents include surrogacy agreements, consent forms, medical authorizations, and parentage documentation. International cases may require additional legal filings depending on jurisdiction.

Professional agencies use structured payment schedules and financial management systems to protect all parties. Payments are typically made in stages based on milestones outlined in the agreement.

While rare after legal contracts are signed, agencies have contingency plans. This may include matching with another surrogate and adjusting timelines. Policies should be clearly outlined before enrollment.

Yes. Many intended parents combine surrogacy with egg donation. Agencies coordinate both processes, including donor screening, matching, legal documentation, and medical scheduling.

Risks may include IVF failure, pregnancy complications, legal delays, or emotional stress. Experienced agencies mitigate these risks through screening, legal oversight, medical coordination, and contingency planning.

Agencies maintain confidentiality through secure data handling, legal agreements, and controlled information sharing. Privacy protections apply to intended parents, surrogates, and donors.

Ideally, you should contact a surrogacy agency before beginning IVF or selecting donors. Early guidance helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures legal and medical readiness from the start.