Once you are sure about surrogate mother services or donations, it’s high time to choose an awesome surrogacy agency. Hopefully, the market boasts a great variety of clinics to help you out. But which one is good enough to cover your needs?
Two words can help answer that question — personal care. Modern agencies are ready to sit down with you and discuss every step of your upcoming trip face to face to answer any questions. Remember, you’ll be working with them for about a year or more. So it’s immensely important to be certain in your choice.
Contents
- Features of the Screening Process for Intended Parents and Prospective Surrogates
- Which Kind of Services do You Offer to Intended Parents and Surrogates?
- What is Your Agency’s Experience?
- How do You Provide Legal Assistance?
- What Cost Should I Expect from Working with Your Agency?
- What is My Involvement During the Surrogacy Process?
- How Can I Join Your Agency?
- Final Thoughts
Features of the Screening Process for Intended Parents and Prospective Surrogates
On average, the trip takes about a year. To make it less complicated for all parties, you will have to go through the following steps:
- Сriminal background screenings.
- Medical check-ups.
- Psychological evaluations.
- Other specific tests.
The results of these tests will help assess your level of physical and emotional preparedness for the upcoming event.
Which Kind of Services do You Offer to Intended Parents and Surrogates?
The list of surrogate mother services varies from agency to agency. It is because no government agency manages the industry. Ideally, you should talk to a practitioner who will bring you up to speed and listen to what you want. He or she can then offer additional services. It is advisable to do some preliminary research to understand what services are available and what you can ask. The management will answer all of your questions. Agencies usually try to provide a full range of services: from a lawyer to support, and sometimes even a pet sitter!
What is Your Agency’s Experience?
Even though the surrogacy field is quite young, some specialists and firms are incredibly experienced. They have managed to work with dozens and even hundreds of mothers and donors over a short period. Such specialists’ great advantage is that they know the process from within down to the smallest detail. The common thread that unites professionals is history and experience. Therefore, the manager of your future agency should be able to describe the specifics of the work, the history of contacts with families, mothers, donors. An excellent indicator of expertise is to hear at least an approximate number of successful surrogacies.
How do You Provide Legal Assistance?
It is not always convenient to have an in-house lawyer, so not all companies do it. But as a rule, the agency will give you the contacts of a licensed lawyer who has passed the state certification. They will also discuss with you the specifics of work with a lawyer. Here are some important questions to ask:
- Does the clinic help you with the paperwork, or does the lawyer do everything themselves? How deeply will you be involved?
- Is the paperwork, contracts, etc., included in the total bill? Or will you have to pay separately?
The legal side can be complicated, but any agency needs to understand the specifics of the component. It is necessary for a smooth experience.
What Cost Should I Expect from Working with Your Agency?
The question of price always stands alone for intended parents (unlike surrogates, whose price is fully covered in all cases). Before committing to a surrogate trip, it is important to make sure that your finances will not sag too much. Even if you can afford it, there is probably a certain limit that you and your family would not want to exceed. The price of the journey can vary greatly, depending on additional options and the process’s specifics. There is no one-size-fits-all value, but there is a general rule of thumb for the industry. The firm you work with should calculate and explain the final cost or name an approximate cost at once. If the specialists do not name even an approximate number, you should think about their competence and honesty.
What is My Involvement During the Surrogacy Process?
Regardless of your role, you have certain expectations and hopes associated with the upcoming journey in your mind.
Before choosing an agency, be sure it meets your requirements. It’s important to outline expectations, at least approximately:
- Do you have the right to choose a surrogate or intended parent?
- Will you have the opportunity to meet the candidate face-to-face, discuss details, and get to know them better?
- Who will support you, what is the manager’s role?
Bear in mind that the involvement degree depends solely on you. It’s an informed decision that’s easier to make with a reliable agency.
How Can I Join Your Agency?
To join any program, you have to meet the special requirements for intended parents and prospective surrogates. Agencies are concerned about the health, reliability, and intentions of applicants.
Even if you do not fit some parameters, it is still better to contact the agency and explain the situation. More often than not, they will be accommodating if the problem is not critical.
Choosing the agency is a big and important decision that should be taken after weighing the pros and cons. The market is replete with different offers, and the final choice is up to you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a surrogacy agency involves understanding the level of support and resources that are available to both surrogates and intended parents throughout the process. A reputable agency will provide continuous guidance, emotional support, and educational resources to ensure that all parties involved feel comfortable and well-informed. This includes access to counseling services, support groups, and educational materials that cover every stage of the surrogacy journey.
The agency should have a dedicated team of professionals who are readily available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide personalized assistance tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each individual. The availability of these resources not only enhances the overall experience but also fosters a sense of community and trust between the surrogates, intended parents, and the agency. When evaluating potential agencies, it’s essential to inquire about the specific support and resources they offer to ensure a positive and fulfilling surrogacy experience.