Top 10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Surrogacy Agencies
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Finding the right surrogacy agency is a huge part of starting your family’s surrogacy journey. With so many choices, it’s helpful to go in prepared, knowing what questions will help you decide which agency truly fits your needs and values. Here are the top 10 questions to ask when interviewing agencies, plus a little insight on why they matter.
1. What Services Are Included in Your Fees?
Not all agencies offer the same services. Some handle everything from surrogate matching to legal and medical coordination, while others only manage certain aspects. Knowing what’s included helps you see the full scope of their support and ensures no surprise costs.
At Stork Connections, we offer a range of services to match your specific needs and budget. We also provide resources to help with funding, understanding that surrogacy is a big investment. You can explore our Package Breakdown here to see what options work best for you.
2. How Do You Screen Surrogates?
Ask how thorough their surrogate screening process is. Good agencies perform medical, psychological, and background checks and have clear requirements for their surrogates. This gives you confidence in the surrogate’s readiness and commitment.
At Stork Connections, we go above and beyond with our screening. Each surrogate undergoes a comprehensive psychological evaluation, background check, and detailed medical records review before any profiles are shown to intended parents. We take extra steps to ensure our process is as thorough as possible—read more about it in our blog on screening here.
3. What Is Your Matching Process Like?
Every agency has a different approach to matching IPs with surrogates. Some prioritize values, while others look at logistical compatibility. Asking about their process can help you find an agency that aligns with your comfort level and preferences.
At Stork Connections, we look at the big picture. We create detailed profiles for both gestational carriers and intended parents, and we prioritize ensuring a strong match from the start. First, we confirm the match is a good fit on paper, followed by a guided, face-to-face meeting. This approach reduces the back-and-forth during legal clearance, saving both time and money.
4. How Are Payments and Escrow Managed?
Transparency with finances is key. Many reputable agencies use third-party escrow accounts to manage payments, keeping funds secure and accessible. This setup minimizes the financial stress on both you and your surrogate.
At Stork Connections, we work with trusted third-party escrow companies to ensure secure, smooth transactions. Transparency is essential to us, and we offer a helpful booklet on this process, along with various resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more details.
5. What Legal Support Do You Offer?
Surrogacy involves legal complexities, and having reliable legal guidance is essential. Ask if the agency works with experienced surrogacy attorneys, if contracts are reviewed, and if parental rights are fully secured before birth.
At Stork Connections, we have strong relationships with reputable attorneys who offer competitive rates to our clients. While you’re free to choose your own attorney, our preferred legal experts specialize in fertility law and have negotiated rates for our clients.
6. How Do You Handle Unexpected Situations or Emergencies?
Life can be unpredictable, and a strong agency has plans in place for handling unexpected events like surrogate bed rest, multiple pregnancies, or other medical needs. Knowing how they handle these situations can give you peace of mind.
At Stork Connections, we support you every step of the way. We assist with arranging legal counsel or act as intermediaries to resolve smaller issues. Our priority is ensuring all parties have a supportive, positive experience and that everyone’s needs are respected.
7. What Support Systems Are Available for Both IPs and Surrogates?
A quality agency provides support beyond the basics. This could include counseling, support groups, or even a dedicated coordinator. Agencies that care about emotional support help ensure both you and your surrogate feel heard and valued.
Stork Connections provides a dedicated caseworker who offers consistent support and ensures milestones are met for both parties. We’ve partnered with exceptional therapists, a nutritionist, an insurance specialist, and a medical coordinator, all at negotiated rates. Additionally, we offer a free support group for both surrogates and IPs to foster community and shared experience.
8. What Is Your Agency’s Communication Style?
Communication is everything. Find out how often they’ll update you and whether you’ll have direct contact with your surrogate. Some agencies take a hands-off approach, while others keep close contact throughout the process.
At Stork Connections, we customize our communication approach to fit each client’s comfort level, adjusting as needed. Some clients prefer weekly updates, while others are comfortable with less frequent contact. We’re flexible, offering updates via text, phone, or face-to-face meetings.
9. What Are the Average Timeline and Success Rates?
Get a sense of the typical timeline for matching, contracts, and embryo transfer. Although every journey is unique, knowing the averages can help you plan. Also, success rates can indicate an agency’s experience and ability to handle various cases.
At Stork Connections, we understand timing is key, but it varies by preferences. For clients open to a range of surrogates, matches typically take 1-3 months, with legal clearances usually finalized in about a month once match is decided. For a more accurate timeframe tailored to your needs, we recommend setting up a meeting with us.
10. What Makes Your Agency Unique?
Each agency has something unique to offer, whether it’s a supportive philosophy, personalized service, or special partnerships. This is your chance to see what they believe in and how they set themselves apart.
Stork Connections stands out because we believe in collaboration, often working with other agencies to support our clients. Our founder, Tonya, is a former surrogate herself, successfully carrying twins. She completed 3.5 years of medical school and runs a top insurance business, so she truly understands the surrogacy process, medically and practically. Our team is here to make your journey as seamless and supportive as possible.
Finding Your Fit
Starting a surrogacy journey is personal, and your agency should be a trusted partner. Take your time, ask questions, and go with the agency that feels right for you and your family’s future. Here at Stork Connections, we’re always happy to answer these questions and any others you have, with packages tailored to meet a variety of needs. Remember, this journey is about creating the best path for your family. Reach out if you’d like to learn more about what we offer or explore our package breakdown for a full scope of our services.
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Stork Connections
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