What should a LGBTQ Intended Parent look for in a surrogacy agency?
Most surrogacy agencies have a wonderful wealth of knowledge and experience. They have the connections and contacts, plus the time and the staff to assist their clients through the most difficult of surrogacy journeys. However, if you are planning to hire a surrogacy agency then expect to pay anywhere from $18k-$50K depending on the services offered, how long that agency has been in business, and the size of the agency. This typically does not include the surrogate compensation, medical, legal, or mental health professionals, your egg or sperm donor etc. Full service should be just that and as you can see from the steps below there is a lot involved!
First Steps:
Consultations with Intended Parents (Usually Free) which, includes education on the surrogacy process
IP retains Surrogacy Agency Services
Agency then will do the following:
Advertise for the surrogates that Intended Parents are looking for if they don’t already have one that is suitable. This can be based on the following:
location
working/stay at home mother
has insurance
age/bmi range
willing to pump breast milk
willing to carry twins
selective reduction or none
married or single
healthy (no smoking or vaping, drugs, medications, psychological issues, pregnancy issues, etc.
not on government assistance
range of compensation
healthy pregnancies
no criminal history
experienced or first time GC
Once an agency finds a qualified surrogate then the following screening process starts:
surrogate application review
interview and education on the Surrogacy process
make sure that surrogate has had a pap and a physical in the last year including an infectious disease panel
make sure that the surrogate has clearance from her OB stating that she is healthy enough to carry a pregnancy to term
request medical records from all of her OB's (this can include several states and OBs depending on how many children she has and how many states she has lived in)
have a RN or other medical professional review all medical records
run federal background checks on all parties and everyone living in the home that is over 18
verify/review medical insurance or find insurance that is surrogacy friendly
finding a reproductive mental health professional for the psychological evaluation for her and her husband/partner
The matching process begins and that includes the following:
Making sure the GC/surrogate is matched with someone that agrees with all she is looking for and the
same with the IP (as close as possible)
sharing profiles
answering questions
if a no, then find another possible match
if a yes, set up a face to face meeting or a video conference call
prepare match sheet
sending medical records to the clinic
making sure GC and partner know what to expect and that they will be reimbursed for time at clinic
making phone calls on behalf of all parties to move things forward in a timely manner
if medical evaluation goes well, group psychological consult
if a no, start at the beginning for no extra charge
arranging life and disability policies if not done already
if all goes well, start the contracts where the agency should help with the following:
finding 2 qualified reproductive attorneys in the right areas for the match
send over all agreements between IPs and GC/surrogate on termination, selective reduction, compensation, expectations, etc.
assist in setting up the escrow account for the GC/surrogate and telling the IP how much needs to be deposited and when (also in the contract)
When contracts are signed and escrow is funded, it's back to the medical team at the IP's clinic to assist Gestational Carrier and IP as they get ready for transfer day-the agency is there to do the following:
support all parties as they get ready for transfer
encourage GC through her meds and answer questions and trouble shoot any problems
being available to IP and GC as transfer takes place along with the 2 week wait
often agencies send transfer packages out to GC and answer logistic questions
After transfer agencies are still supporting their IP and GC throughout the beta and confirmation of pregnancy
if no pregnancy, then start over at transfer (and continue to do that until pregnancy is achieved)
if pregnancy is never achieved, agency will rematch IP if desired and usually will start at the beginning
If there IS a pregnancy then agency is responsible for the following:
supporting all parties through their time at the clinic
assisting with a smooth transition from clinic to OB
supporting all parties throughout pregnancy which can include:
encouraging the relationship between GC and IP to grow
attending appointments if IPs can't and if GC needs support
making sure that bills are being paid on time or reimbursements are given in a timely manner (in communication with escrow company if needed)
communicating with GC and IPs as needed via text, call, email or in person
reminding everyone along the way of things that should be done and when such as hospital tours, talking with hospital social workers, checking escrow balance, support for bed rest or other issues
making sure GC is getting the attention she wants and needs, not micromanaging relationships
bringing in mental health professional when needed
being available if there is a miscarriage, still birth, or other emergency, giving advice and added support
At the end of the pregnancy, agencies are often at the birth or visit in the hospital and doing the following:
making sure the bills continue to be paid via the escrow
reminding parties to send bills into insurance companies
GC/surrogate is recuperating well from labor and delivery
GC/surrogate is adjusting well to home life
IPs are adjusting well to baby and parenting offering advice and support as needed
continuing to support for the next few months as everyone gets back into their new normal
We might have left some steps out but the point is that agencies earn their pay and in most cases its not much per month. As most experienced IPs and GC's know, the entire process from start to finish can be 15-18 months and sometimes longer depending on how many transfers and delays take place. Only if you have the time or the experience would it be a good idea to go out on your own. This is a journey with, sometimes, overwhelming emotional reactions and it's always a good idea to have outside support from an expert. Set up a free consult today to see how we can support you on your surrogacy journey!