Surrogacy Agencies vs. Independent Journeys — How to Decide Which Path Is Right for You
One of the earliest and most important choices for anyone considering surrogacy is whether to work with an agency or go the independent route. This decision shapes your entire journey, so it’s worth exploring both paths thoroughly to understand what’s best for your situation.
What Does a Surrogacy Agency Do?
Surrogacy agencies, like Family Choice Surrogacy, are full-service organizations that support both intended parents and surrogates throughout the process. From screening and matching to coordinating legal, medical, and psychological care, agencies are designed to make the process manageable and the parties feel supported from start to finish.
For intended parents, an agency can provide peace of mind, especially for those navigating surrogacy for the first time. They handle the logistics, help with screening and selecting a surrogate, and connect you with legal professionals who understand the nuances of Assisted Reproductive Technology law.
For surrogates, agencies offer structure and a built-in support system. They screen intended parents, help manage medical appointments, and ensure your compensation and legal protections are clearly defined.
What About Independent Surrogacy?
Independent surrogacy, also known as private surrogacy, is when intended parents and surrogates connect without an agency. Sometimes this means working with someone you already know—like a friend or family member—but not always. Independent arrangements can also happen through online communities, social media groups, or word-of-mouth referrals.
This path can come with lower overall costs since you’re not paying agency fees. Many people may appreciate the full control over the matching process and communication styles.
However, it does require more effort and time. You must coordinate all aspects of the journey. Starting with screening the surrogate to ensure she is a viable candidate, parties may find themselves wasting time on candidates who are not qualified. The team will also need to arrange your own legal, medical, and psychological evaluations and ensure everyone involved is aligned on expectations. Independent journeys can be successful but require strong organization, communication, and a clear understanding of surrogacy laws in each state.
How to Choose What’s Right for You
Choosing between an agency and an independent journey depends on your needs, resources, and comfort level. Here are a few questions to consider:
- Are you new to surrogacy or already familiar with the process?
- Do you have the time and ability to coordinate all the moving parts yourself?
- Do you have a clear understanding of the requirements and sequential steps involved to protect all parties?
- What is your budget, and what services do you consider essential?
If choosing to go through the surrogacy process independently, intended parents and surrogates must be prepared to focus on every detail along the way. It requires extreme diligence, organization, and trust. If either party isn’t 100% confident navigating all the legal, emotional, and logistical complexities, it’s worth investing in experienced agency support.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people start independently and later seek agency support, while others stay with an agency from start to finish. The key is choosing the path that makes you feel informed, safe, and empowered.
Curious about which route is right for you?
Reach out to our team for a free consultation —we’re here to help you navigate your options with confidence, no pressure, and no judgment!