Choosing a Surrogacy Agency: What I Learned Along the Way

One of the hardest parts of starting my surrogacy journey wasn't the medical screening or paperwork—it was choosing a surrogacy agency.

Before I started researching, I had no idea how different agencies could be. Every agency offers different compensation packages, screening requirements, support systems, and benefits. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which one is the right fit.

At first, I was drawn to an agency that offered one of the highest compensation packages I'd seen in California—around $100,000 for first-time surrogates.

Naturally, that caught my attention.

Because they offered such a generous package, they were also extremely selective with who they accepted. One thing I genuinely appreciated about them was how efficient they were. They requested my medical records almost immediately and reviewed everything quickly, which kept the process moving.

Unfortunately, I wasn't approved.

It wasn't because of one major complication, but rather several events in my medical history considered together.

During my first pregnancy, I had very mild anemia, which is incredibly common and easily treated. Between my first and second pregnancies, I also had a laparoscopic IUD removal, a LEEP procedure, and experienced a miscarriage at 12 weeks.

After my miscarriage and those procedures, I went on to have two healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries without any related issues. Because of that, I honestly didn't think those events would significantly impact my ability to become a surrogate. Compared to pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or preterm labor, they didn't seem especially significant to me. But every agency has its own medical guidelines, and ultimately those factors together were enough for them to decide not to move forward with my application.

Of course, I was disappointed.

After spending so much time researching and feeling excited about the opportunity, getting that "no" was discouraging. But I also realized something important: one agency's decision doesn't define whether you're a good surrogate. It simply means you may not be the right fit for that agency.

So I kept looking.

The second agency I spoke with initially advertised compensation of around $90,000 for first-time surrogates. However, after I explained why I had been declined by another agency and mentioned that I was 34—almost 35—they lowered their compensation offer to around $60,000.

That didn't sit well with me.

Aside from the significant reduction, I didn't feel their website was very transparent about how compensation was determined. It left me wondering whether other surrogates were also receiving different offers based on factors that weren't clearly explained upfront.

In the end, I decided that agency wasn't the right fit either.

Eventually, I found the agency I'm now working with, and everything felt different from the beginning.

Before moving forward, I explained exactly why I had been disqualified by the first agency. To my surprise, they were just as surprised as I was. They told me they regularly work with candidates who have had LEEP procedures and have gone on to become successful surrogates. Hearing that was incredibly reassuring. It reminded me that every agency evaluates medical histories differently, and one agency's decision doesn't necessarily reflect your ability to safely carry a pregnancy.

Their website also clearly outlined their compensation package, and they offered the same base compensation to every qualified surrogate. There weren't different pay scales based on age or other factors once someone met the medical qualifications.

That mattered to me.

Pregnancy is an incredible gift, but it also asks a lot of your body. Surrogates dedicate months of appointments, blood work, medications, lifestyle adjustments, and recovery—not to mention the emotional and physical commitment that comes with carrying a baby for another family.

In my opinion, once someone has met the qualifications to become a surrogate, that commitment deserves equal compensation. If two women are approved to carry a pregnancy, they are both making the same incredible commitment of their time, energy, and body, and I believe they should be valued equally.

Another reason I felt confident choosing this agency was their experience. They've been helping connect surrogates with intended families for over 30 years. That kind of history gave me peace of mind. When you're trusting someone to guide you through one of the biggest commitments of your life, experience matters.

If there's one thing I've learned through this process, it's that choosing an agency isn't just about the biggest paycheck.

It's about transparency.

It's about feeling respected.

It's about having confidence that your agency will advocate for both you and the intended parents throughout the journey.

Finding the right agency took longer than I expected, and I faced a few disappointments along the way. But looking back, I'm grateful I didn't settle. Every "no" ultimately led me to the agency that feels like the right fit for me.

If you're considering becoming a surrogate, my advice is simple: do your research, ask lots of questions, and don't be discouraged if one agency says no. Every agency has different medical criteria, different philosophies, and different priorities. A denial from one agency doesn't necessarily mean your surrogacy journey is over.

Sometimes it just means you haven't found the right fit yet.

For me, finding an agency that was transparent, experienced, and valued its surrogates fairly made all the difference. It gave me confidence that I was beginning this journey with a team I could trust, and I can't wait to share what comes next.