The Private Surrogacy Process vs. Going through an Agency

Private surrogacy, or independent surrogacy, lacks the involvement of an agency. Agencies usually provide a lot of services and support that may seem complicated to new intended parents and new surrogates alike. 

Three parts of the gestational surrogacy process usually overseen by an agency include matching and screening, case management through logistical aspects and counseling, or emotional support. Medical and legal ramifications are important to understand going into the process of using a surrogate, both for the surrogate themselves as well as the parents for whom the surrogate intends to carry the baby. Agencies provide strong frameworks for these aspects of the process that become the responsibility of the intended parents if an agency is foregone. 

It is especially important to establish a surrogacy contract through both private and agency-managed surrogacy. Key terms to look for in this contract include:

• Finances

• Risks and liabilities

• Outlines for different scenarios such as termination of pregnancy

• Health records and responsibilities of the surrogate mother

• Social requirements and support like accompanying the surrogate to appointments 

While it might make sense to go with a private surrogate if they have previously worked through an agency and successfully delivered the baby, first-time participants would be advised to work with an agency to avoid emotional, medical or legal snags.