How to Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency
Choosing the right surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Learn what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to find the best surrogacy agency for your family’s journey
Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions you will make on your journey to parenthood. The agency you select will guide you through medical, legal, emotional, and relational milestones that shape not only your experience, but the foundation of your family’s story.
If you are researching the best surrogacy agency or wondering how to approach choosing a surrogacy agency, you are not alone. Many intended parents begin this process feeling hopeful, overwhelmed, and eager to make the right choice.
At Over the Rainbow, we believe intended parents deserve clarity, compassion, and confidence as they take this step. This guide walks you through what truly matters when selecting a surrogacy agency, what questions to ask, and how to identify an agency that aligns with your values, needs, and vision for family building.
Why Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency Matters
Surrogacy is not a one-size-fits-all process. It involves deeply personal decisions, complex coordination, and meaningful relationships. The agency you choose will influence:
How supported you feel throughout the journey
How thoughtfully your surrogate match is handled
How challenges are addressed if they arise
How clearly information is communicated
How emotionally safe and respected all parties feel
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), ethical and well-coordinated third-party reproduction relies heavily on structured support and clear communication between all parties involved. This is where a high-quality surrogacy agency plays a critical role.
Look for Transparency and Education First
A reputable surrogacy agency will never pressure you to move quickly or commit before you fully understand the process. Instead, they will prioritize education, honesty, and realistic expectations.
When evaluating agencies, ask yourself:
Are they open about costs and timelines?
Do they explain the process clearly and patiently?
Are risks and challenges discussed honestly?
Do they welcome questions without judgment?
An agency that educates rather than sells builds trust from the very beginning.
The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making in assisted reproduction, which includes understanding all steps and potential outcomes. At Over the Rainbow, we believe informed parents feel empowered. That is why we begin every relationship with a comprehensive consultation focused on clarity, not pressure.
Understand the Agency’s Matching Philosophy
Matching is one of the most defining moments in the surrogacy journey. It sets the tone for communication, trust, and shared expectations throughout pregnancy.
Ask agencies how they approach matching:
Do they prioritize alignment of values and communication styles?
Is matching rushed or intentional?
Are both surrogate and intended parent preferences respected?
How involved are coordinators in facilitating introductions?
The best surrogacy agency will treat matching as a relationship-building process, not a transaction.
Psychological research highlighted by the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that strong relational alignment and emotional readiness are key factors in positive third-party reproduction experiences. We are a boutique agency because we believe thoughtful matching creates safer, more connected journeys for everyone involved.
Evaluate the Level of Support Offered
Surrogacy involves many moving parts, and the quality of support you receive matters deeply. Strong agencies offer hands-on guidance before, during, and after pregnancy.
Consider the following:
Will you have a dedicated coordinator?
How often will you receive updates?
Who supports communication between you and your surrogate?
How does the agency handle emotional or logistical challenges?
An agency should not disappear after a match is made. Support should be consistent from consultation to delivery and beyond.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes coordinated care as a best practice in reproductive health, particularly when multiple parties and providers are involved. At Over the Rainbow, our coordinators are deeply involved throughout the entire journey, ensuring no one feels overlooked or unsupported.
Ask About Legal Guidance and Protections
Surrogacy law varies significantly by state. A reliable agency works closely with experienced reproductive attorneys to ensure that all legal steps are handled properly and ethically.
When choosing a surrogacy agency, ask:
Do they partner with reproductive law specialists?
How do they handle parentage orders?
Are contracts customized for each journey?
How do they protect both intended parents and surrogates?
The American Bar Association’s Assisted Reproductive Technology Committee outlines the importance of specialized legal counsel in third-party reproduction to protect everyone involved. We collaborate with trusted legal professionals and guides intended parents through every legal milestone with clarity and care.
Review Medical Coordination and Clinic Relationships
Your surrogacy agency will work closely with fertility clinics, OB providers, and insurance professionals. Strong coordination minimizes delays and reduces stress.
Key questions to ask include:
How does the agency coordinate with fertility clinics?
Do they help manage medical records and scheduling?
How are surrogate screenings handled?
What support is offered during embryo transfer and pregnancy?
Medical guidelines from the Mayo Clinic stress the importance of continuity and communication in IVF and pregnancy care, especially when multiple providers are involved. Over the Rainbow maintains close relationships with fertility clinics nationwide and ensures smooth communication at every step.
Pay Attention to Agency Size and Approach
Larger agencies may offer scale, but boutique agencies often provide a more personalized experience. There is no universal right answer, but understanding the differences helps you choose intentionally.
Boutique agencies often offer:
Fewer simultaneous journeys per coordinator
More individualized communication
Stronger relationships with surrogates
Greater flexibility and responsiveness
For many families, this level of care creates a more meaningful and emotionally supported experience. Over the Rainbow was built on the belief that smaller, more personal journeys lead to stronger outcomes and deeper trust.
Listen to How the Agency Talks About Surrogates
How an agency speaks about surrogates reveals a lot about its values. Ethical agencies view surrogates as partners, not vessels.
Look for language that reflects:
Respect for the surrogate’s autonomy
Emphasis on informed consent
Emotional and physical well-being
Ongoing support during and after pregnancy
Ethical guidance from ASRM reinforces that mutual respect and shared decision-making are central to responsible surrogacy practices. We at Over the Rainbow center dignity, care, and mutual respect in every surrogate relationship.
Trust Your Instincts
Beyond credentials and processes, trust how you feel when interacting with an agency.
Ask yourself:
Do they listen attentively?
Do you feel seen and understood?
Are your concerns taken seriously?
Do they align with your values?
Surrogacy is a deeply emotional journey. The right agency should feel like a steady presence you can rely on, not just a service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a surrogacy agency the best choice for intended parents?
The best surrogacy agency is one that combines ethical practices, transparent communication, strong legal and medical coordination, and personalized support.
Should I choose a local or national surrogacy agency?
Both can work well. National agencies often offer a broader surrogate pool, while boutique agencies may provide more personalized care. Over the Rainbow offers the benefits of both.
How many agencies should I talk to before deciding?
Most intended parents speak with two to three agencies. This helps you compare approaches, communication styles, and levels of support.
Are lower costs always better?
Not necessarily. Lower costs may reflect reduced services or support. It is important to understand exactly what is included and how your journey will be managed.
When should I start looking for a surrogacy agency?
You can begin researching agencies as soon as surrogacy becomes a consideration. Early education helps you make confident decisions later.
Choosing Over the Rainbow
Choosing a surrogacy agency is not just about logistics. It is about trust, alignment, and feeling supported through one of life’s most meaningful journeys.
At Over the Rainbow, we believe surrogacy is built on connection, compassion, and care. Our boutique approach allows us to focus deeply on each family and surrogate we serve, creating journeys rooted in respect and thoughtful guidance.
If you are ready to explore surrogacy or want help deciding whether this path is right for you, we invite you to connect with Over the Rainbow. Your journey deserves dedicated, heartfelt support from the very beginning.