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There are many women who have finished having their own babies who may decide that they want to help someone who has not been as fortunate in building a family. As infertility rates climb for heterosexual couples, same-sex marriages have also triggered a need for both egg donors and gestational surrogates so men can become fathers. For those who have been faced with heartache and disappointment in not being able to have children, surrogates can wipe away those tears of despair and bring a new ray of hope. With kindheartedness leading the way, one thing a woman who wants to be a surrogate may notice from the very beginning is how many agencies there are who advertise. Yes, it can be very confusing not knowing which way to turn. One thing to remember is to never feel rushed in finding the right agency. All “good things take time,” including choosing a surrogacy agency. An experienced agency should be the first item on a candidate’s checklist, and “experience” usually equates to having 10 years or more experience in the industry. A seasoned surrogacy agency will be financially stable, professional in every aspect of the surrogacy process, work with top fertility clinics in the nation, and provide excellent resources including the areas of assisted reproduction law. Once someone has gathered a few agencies of interest, the next step is seeing whether or not they offer a personal prescreening consultation. The benefits of this type of screening is allowing a potential candidate the time to have a phone consultation prior to filling out an application. A woman can take the time she needs to ask any pertinent questions while also gauging whether or not the person she is speaking with in the surrogacy department is conveying both knowledge and compassion. Surrogacy is a journey so one wants to make certain they are partnered with an agency that is professional, experienced, and courteous. During the personal prescreening consult, have a list of questions prepared ahead of time. Some important questions a surrogate should ask an agency include: • What do your medical and psychological screenings entail? • Once I pass the medical and psychological screenings, how long does it take to be matched with intended parents? • Do I get to choose my intended parents? • Can you explain an escrow account and how it works? • How often will I get paid, and do you offer direct deposit? • I know there is a base pay to be a surrogate, but can you explain the compensation package and how that affects the base amount? • Does your compensation package include the costs for a monthly allowance, maternity clothing and medical transfer? Does it include anything else? • Do you offer a life insurance policy? Can you explain to me what the amount is and how this works? While these are just a handful of questions to start with, do know that they can serve as a springboard into other topics and even more clarification. Surrogacy is a life changing experience for intending parents and gestational surrogates. Finding a leading agency will make that positive experience so much more memorable for everyone involved. http://www.extraconceptions.com/ The information contained in this article should not be relied upon for decision making. The laws related to surrogacy and egg donation are constantly evolving and the author makes no representation that any information contained herein is consistent with current law. This information is provided solely as a starting point. Please consult with a reproductive attorney for the most current information applicable to your circumstance.
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