Key Questions To Ask When Interviewing Surrogacy Agencies

After guiding over 250 families through international surrogacy journeys, I've watched intended parents make the same mistake repeatedly: failing to ask crucial questions before choosing an agency.

Meeting with surrogacy agencies isn't just about them interviewing you - you need to interview them too. The right questions to ask a surrogacy agency can save you thousands of pounds, months of frustration, and emotional heartache.

In my experience working across Ukraine, Mexico, Colombia, Cyprus, Georgia and Albania, I've seen that agencies vary dramatically in their processes, fees, and support services.

Some are transparent partners; others hide costs and overpromise results.

This guide from The Surrogacy Insider outlines the specific questions that will help you distinguish between the two. I've organised them based on what my clients wish they'd asked before signing contracts.

Bring these questions to your consultation calls, take notes on the answers, and compare responses between agencies. Trust me - this preparation makes all the difference.

Essential Questions to Ask a Surrogacy Agency

When first meeting with potential agencies, you need to establish their credibility and experience. These foundational questions to ask a surrogacy agency help determine whether they have the expertise to guide you through this complex journey.

Experience and Track Record

1. "How many surrogacy journeys has your agency completed in the past five years?" Look for specific numbers rather than vague answers. Experienced agencies should readily share their success rates.

2. "What percentage of your surrogacy arrangements result in live births?" The answer reveals both their success rate and transparency. Be cautious if they claim unusually high success rates without explanation.

3. "Can you provide references from past clients with similar circumstances to mine?" A reputable agency should have former clients willing to share their experiences. Some might connect with you directly while respecting privacy boundaries.

4. "What challenges have your clients faced, and how did you help resolve them?" This question reveals whether they're honest about potential complications. No surrogacy journey is perfect, and good agencies acknowledge this reality.

Agency Structure and Communication

1. "Who will be my primary contact throughout the process?" You should have a dedicated coordinator rather than being passed between multiple staff members.

2. "How frequently will I receive updates during different stages of the process?" Clear communication expectations are essential, especially during waiting periods.

3. "How quickly do you typically respond to urgent questions?" This reveals their accessibility when important decisions arise or complications occur.

4. "What happens if my coordinator is unavailable during a critical moment?" Backup systems indicate organisational strength and reliability.

Crisis Management

1. "What's your protocol if a surrogate experiences pregnancy complications?" Their answer should demonstrate thorough contingency planning and surrogate care.

2. "If a match falls through, what's your rematch process and timeline?" Understanding how they handle disruptions helps set realistic expectations.

3. "Have you ever had to terminate a contract with a client or surrogate? Under what circumstances?" This uncomfortable question often reveals their ethical boundaries and problem-solving approach.

When evaluating responses to these surrogacy questions, trust your instinct about whether the agency is being forthright. The best agencies answer directly, even when the answer isn't perfect. They acknowledge limitations rather than making unrealistic promises.

Financial Transparency Questions

Money discussions can feel uncomfortable, but clear financial information is crucial when choosing a surrogacy agency. These questions to ask a surrogacy agency about costs will help prevent budget surprises later.

Complete Cost Breakdown

1. "What is the total estimated cost of surrogacy through your agency?" Ask for a written breakdown showing both agency fees and third-party expenses. The total typically ranges from £40,000 to £150,000 depending on location.

2. "Does your fee include finding a surrogate match only, or do you provide support throughout the entire journey?" Some agencies charge only for matching services, while others offer comprehensive support through birth.

3. "What specific services are included in your agency fee?" Look for details about surrogate screening, legal coordination, and ongoing support rather than vague descriptions.

4. "Do you offer any refund if no suitable surrogate is found within a specific timeframe?" Reputable agencies often have partial refund policies if they fail to find a match within 6-12 months.

Hidden Costs and Unexpected Expenses

1. "What additional costs might arise that aren't included in your estimate?"Listen carefully to this answer - good agencies acknowledge potential extra expenses like multiple embryo transfers or pregnancy complications.

2. "Does insurance cover surrogacy costs in your program, and what specific expenses will require separate insurance?" Many intended parents are shocked to discover that standard insurance often excludes surrogacy-related expenses. Ask exactly what coverage gaps you might face.

3. "How much do surrogate compensation packages typically vary, and what factors affect this?"Surrogate compensation can vary by £5,000-£30,000 based on experience and location.

4. "Are there any fees that would be charged more than once if complications occur?"Some agencies charge additional matching fees if a rematch becomes necessary.

5. "How do you handle surrogate insurance coverage and what happens if there are gaps?"Insurance complications can add significant unexpected costs to your journey.

Payment Structure

1. "What is your payment schedule, and are fees tied to specific milestones?" Be wary of agencies requiring full payment upfront before services are delivered.

2. "How are funds held and distributed to the surrogate and service providers?" Some agencies use escrow accounts with third-party oversight, while others manage funds internally.

3. "Do you offer any payment plans or financing options?" This shows whether they're willing to work with different financial situations.

Compare the financial information between agencies carefully, looking not just at the bottom line but also at what services are included for the price. The cheapest option isn't always the best value when it comes to something as important as building your family.

Legal Protection Questions

Let's talk about legal safeguards - the part most intended parents gloss over until they hit a roadblock.

"Do we really need our own lawyer?" This is what clients ask me constantly, hoping to save a few thousand dollars. My answer is always yes. Here's why:

The agency contract protects the agency, not you. I've seen intended parents face custody battles, unexpected fees, and even immigration nightmares because they skipped proper legal review.

When interviewing agencies, ask these pointed questions to the surrogacy agency about legal matters:

1. "Who drafts the contracts between us and the surrogate?" Red flag if they say, "We handle everything." Good answer: "We recommend independent counsel for all parties."

2. "What happens if our surrogate decides to keep the baby?" If they dismiss this possibility or seem uncomfortable, walk away. They should explain the specific legal protections in your state/country.

3. "How do you handle the birth certificate process?" This varies dramatically by location. In some places, your names go directly on the birth certificate; in others, you'll need court orders or adoption proceedings.

4. "What's your success rate with passport applications after birth?" This is crucial for international arrangements. Some agencies have never actually completed this process despite claiming expertise.

5. For international journeys, always ask: "What percentage of your clients have successfully returned to [your country] with their child within 30 days of birth?"

The strongest agencies maintain relationships with specialised attorneys in multiple jurisdictions and can connect you with the right expertise for your specific situation.

Remember - vague answers about legal processes indicate either inexperience or deliberate misdirection. Neither works in your favor.

Medical Process and Coordination Questions

I've had dozens of client calls that start with, "The agency seemed perfect, but now we're struggling with the fertility clinic they recommended."

Medical coordination is where many surrogacy journeys face their biggest hurdles. Not all agencies have strong relationships with top fertility clinics, and this disconnect can cause serious problems.

Here are the practical medical questions to ask a surrogacy agency that reveal their true medical expertise:

1. "Which fertility clinics do you work with regularly?" Research these clinics separately. Look for their success rates on the CDC website and check reviews. If an agency only works with one clinic, ask why - it may indicate limited experience or potentially concerning financial arrangements.

2. "Who coordinates communication between us, the surrogate, and medical providers?" You need clarity on who manages appointments, test results, and medical decisions. Some agencies provide dedicated medical coordinators; others leave you to handle everything.

3. "What happens if our surrogate needs bed rest or experiences complications?" Listen carefully to their answer. Do they have established protocols? Financial provisions? Support services? The best agencies have faced these situations before and have clear plans.

4. "How many embryo transfers does your typical surrogacy journey require before success?" The honest answer is usually 1-2 transfers. Be suspicious of agencies claiming nearly all surrogacies succeed on the first transfer - that's statistically unlikely.

5. For intended parents using egg donors, ask: "How do you coordinate between the egg donor and surrogate cycles?" Proper timing is crucial, and miscommunication can waste valuable eggs and money.

6. Also, don't forget to ask about the surrogate's prenatal care: "Who chooses the OB/GYN for the pregnancy?" Ideally, the surrogate should be comfortable with her doctor, but the agency should ensure the provider has experience with surrogacy pregnancies.

A strong agency doesn't just make medical referrals - they actively coordinate between all medical parties and advocate for quality care throughout the process.

Surrogacy Psychological Evaluation Questions

The emotional aspects of surrogacy often get overshadowed by medical and legal concerns. But I've seen otherwise perfect arrangements fall apart because psychological needs weren't properly addressed.

When exploring surrogacy psychological evaluation questions, don't just focus on what the agency asks - focus on how they support everyone's mental health throughout the journey.

"What kind of psychological screening do your surrogates undergo?" Basic screening isn't enough. Look for agencies that conduct thorough evaluations, including personality assessments, clinical interviews, and reviews of family dynamics. One client told me her previous agency's "psychological screening" was a 30-minute Zoom call with basic questions anyone could fake their way through.

"Do you require psychological evaluations for intended parents too?" This question often surprises clients. But good agencies screen everyone to ensure realistic expectations and emotional readiness. If an agency doesn't evaluate you at all, they may be cutting corners elsewhere too.

"What specific questions do you include in your psychological assessments for the intended parents?" Their answer reveals how deeply they consider compatibility. They should ask about your expectations for communication, views on pregnancy decisions, and plans for explaining surrogacy to your child.

"What mental health support is available during the waiting period after transfers?" This is when anxiety peaks for everyone. Some agencies offer support groups, counseling sessions, or regular check-ins. Others leave you hanging during these stressful weeks.

Ask about support for your surrogate, too: "How do you help surrogates deal with the emotional aspects of carrying someone else's child?" Good agencies provide regular counseling options and have strategies for handling common emotional challenges.

Finally, ask: "How do you handle conflicts between intended parents and surrogates?" Look for specific mediation protocols, not vague reassurances that "it never happens."

Making Your Final Decision: Beyond the Questions

When considering how to choose a surrogacy agency, compare answers systematically. Create a simple comparison chart of how each agency addressed the key areas we've covered:

• Agency experience and communication approach

• Financial transparency and total costs

• Surrogate screening and matching process

• Legal protections and parentage procedures

• Medical coordination and clinic relationships

• Psychological support systems

Look for consistency in their answers. Did they provide clear information about their services upfront, or did you have to probe repeatedly? Agencies that are transparent from the beginning typically remain transparent throughout your journey.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by this process, consider working with an independent consultant who can help you evaluate agencies objectively. At The Surrogacy Insider, my services and packages are designed specifically to help intended parents navigate these complex decisions without the pressure of agency sales tactics.

The right questions lead to the right agency, which leads to the right surrogate, which ultimately leads to building your family in the healthiest possible way. Take your time, do your research, and choose partners who earn your trust through transparency and expertise.

Your surrogacy journey deserves nothing less.