Selecting the rightsurrogacy agencyFor those planning to goSurrogacy in the United StatesIt is crucial for the parents-to-be, as it is directly related to whether or not the parents-to-be will be able to hold their babies. This article, is meant to save you countless hours of searching and comparing. Not only is there a list ofMost Recommended and Reputable Surrogacy Agencies in the US in 2025, has also compiled a list of the most critical considerations when picking a surrogacy agency, as well as FAQs. We hope that after reading this, you will be able to successfully go through your American surrogacy journey.

I. 2025 Recommended Best Surrogacy Agencies in the USA

1. HRC Fertility: Assisted Reproduction Facility for over 30 years

HRC Reproductive Medicine Center, the "old school" of assisted reproduction since 1988, now has a history of more than 30 years, with 9 hospitals distributed in the most core cities in California, HRC is not only one of the largest reproductive healthcare networks on the West Coast of the U.S., but also one of the industry's " HRC is not only one of the largest reproductive healthcare networks on the West Coast of the United States, but also one of the industry's most recognized names in terms of technology, service, and reputation.

Many people are concerned about the success rate of IVF. Indeed, at the end of the day, this industry is all about technical prowess.

Number of cycles ranked #1 on the U.S. West Coast, with a success rate better than the industry average!

HRC's embryo lab is the "heart" of the entire IVF process.Its four laboratories, all of which are dual CAP and CLIA accreditedInside, there are 5-8 experienced embryologists keeping an eye on the whole process. Inside the equipment, constant temperature, clean, shock-resistant grade is extremely high, even a small embryo just formed, there are 5-8 experienced embryologists to watch the whole process, like caring for newborn babies as carefully.

You may have heard of "ICSI" and "PGS/PGD"? ICSI and PGS/PGD are second- and third-generation IVF techniques that HRC has been using since before many organizations were equipped with them. What do they do? One is to help sperm "accurately match" with eggs, and the other is to screen embryo genes in advance, so a higher success rate and healthier babies are the most direct rewards.

Currently.HRC Has Welcomed Over 50,000 Babies, and success rates are higher than the U.S. national average across multiple age groups.

HRC arranges exclusive Chinese consultants to receive one-on-one, so you don't have to worry about the language problem, and you don't have to touch the process yourself, no matter whether it's looking for a surrogate mother, selecting eggs, doing genetic testing, arranging for egg pickup/transplantation, or even including the future confirmation of parental authority, legal documents, and the baby's passport. ......Every link you can think of, there are mature programs, fixed process, and a whole team familiar with the systems of both China and the United States to help you run errands, solve puzzles, and cover your back.

HRC is different, from doctors, laboratories, legal services to the management of egg source, all by themselves, interlocking, can greatly reduce the error rate.

HRC hosts nearly 5,000 treatment cycles in California each year.Nearly a third of them are from Chinese families. In order to truly serve Chinese customers, a special Chinese service department has been set up, with doctors, nurses, coordinators and consultants who are all bilingual and understand cultural differences. They will customize the program for you according to the Asian body type and reaction.

The blogger learned that some Chinese women are more responsive to ovulation-promoting drugs, and Dr. HRC makes special blends in terms of dosage and frequency.

One final note: HRC is not a "process" organization, but a team of people who have their hearts in the "business of life".

So, if you are looking for a solid, reliable, sincere service and technically dependable US assisted reproduction agency, HRC would be a good choice.

Official website:https://hrcsurrogacy.com/

2. AmCan U.S.-Canada Surrogacy Agency

Service Characteristics: AmCan International Surrogacy Agency is located in Los Angeles, California, USA. As an internationally recognized comprehensive egg donation and surrogacy service agency, it is composed of a group of experts who love babies and are passionate about assisted reproduction. Nearly 100 babies are born here every year to parents from many countries and regions around the world, including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, Portugal, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

We have offices in Shenzhen and Shanghai, China, making it easier to serve our Chinese customers.

Success rate: up to 98%

Who we serve: We have solved fertility problems for many clients from all over the world, helping them realize the inheritance of love. Surrogacy services cover clients who are single, infertile, senior, second child, same-sex relationships, and other individualized needs, and we are committed to fulfilling every family's dream with the highest quality of service.

Website: mrsurrogacy.com

3. Hatch Fertility: Top Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agencies

Founded in 1991, Hatch Fertility is dedicated to helping prospective parents find the most suitable surrogacy and egg donation partners. As one of the most established surrogacy and egg donation agencies in the United States, Hatch Fertility has successfully completed more than 8,000 surrogacy programs, and with its exceptional track record, tops the list in 2024.

Fixed surrogacy costs:

Hatch Fertility offers a unique Peace of Mind Program, a fixed-fee service that covers all costs from medical to surrogacy until a successful live birth. The program provides prospective parents with financial transparency and security, ensuring that there are no unexpected expenses throughout the surrogacy process.

Preferences for Surrogate Mothers

Hatch Fertility is popular with surrogate mothers, not only because of the personalized help it offers, but also because of its competitive compensation system. Surrogate mothers receive comprehensive support and attention throughout the process, giving them peace of mind.

Highest surrogacy success rate in the industry

Hatch Fertility leads the industry with a 99.5% success rate. Working with the world's top fertility experts, the organization utilizes state-of-the-art technology and methods to provide prospective parents with the greatest chance of success in bringing their babies home.

Website: hatch.us

4. Circle Surrogacy

SERVICE FEATURES: Founded in 1995, Circle Surrogacy is an agency known for its comprehensive surrogacy services and highly specialized matching process. They are committed to providing a full range of support, including psychological evaluations, medical care, and legal support.

Success Rate: Up to 96%

International Services: Supports international parents from over 70 countries.

Specialty Services: Offers a variety of fixed-fee options, including sibling journeys and international surrogacy.

Website: circlesurrogacy.com

5. Fertility Center of Las Vegas (FCLV)

Rooted in this land since 1988, FCLV was the first clinic in Southern Nevada to specialize in Reproductive Medicine, accompanying thousands of families through the complete journey of anxiety, waiting, hope, and joy. Founded by Bruce Shapiro, M.D., who is still in practice today, FCLV continues to help more families find their share of possibilities with more than three decades of clinical experience.

Let's be honest, the road to infertility is never easy. But luckily, at FCLV, you won't have to face it alone. In addition to Dr. Shapiro, FCLV has two very special female physicians on its team - Dr. Carrie Bedient and Dr. Leah Kaye.

Not only are they the first professionally certified female reproductive endocrinologists in Southern Nevada, but more importantly, they really know how to understand every difficult situation you're going through from a woman's, a partner's, or even a mom's perspective.

Dr. Bedient specializes in helping those who are facing impaired fertility as a result of cancer treatments, or other specific medical conditions, while Dr. Kaye has studied "difficult bodies" such as polycystic, ovarian failure, and thyroid disorders. What's more, they're both very sensitive to the LGBTQ+ community, and offer genuinely friendly, non-judgmental pregnancy help.

In their eyes, there is no way of life in which one should not have the right to have "children".

More than three decades later, FCLV has welcomed patients from all over the world. People from not just the U.S. states, but more than 70 countries have traveled far and wide to find the place where they can truly understand themselves and also have the strength to help them achieve their dreams.

FCLV's IVF pregnancy and live birth rates are consistently higher than the national average, and it has been repeatedly recognized by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) as one of the nation's top-performing fertility centers.

FCLV specializes in multilingual coordinators for families with different language backgrounds, with English, Chinese, French, and Spanish all covered. No matter where you come from, what language you speak, or what faith you believe in, someone who understands you will be arranged to accompany you every step of the way.

FCLV's fees are never hidden. The pricing structure is transparent and clear, so everyone knows exactly where every dollar is being spent. If you're under financial pressure, FCLV also offers financial assistance programs, so that "wanting to be a parent" is no longer just a budget-constrained dream.

Website:https://fertilitycenterlv.com/

6. ConceiveAbilities

SERVICE FEATURES: Founded in 1996, ConceiveAbilities is a highly preferred surrogacy and egg donation agency for their clients. They focus on match personalization and comprehensive case management to provide exclusive support to each prospective parent.

Services: Includes matching and managing all aspects of the surrogacy process, providing highly personalized support to prospective parents.

Legal support: Ensuring the legality and transparency of the surrogacy process by working with local legal experts.

Website: conceiveabilities.com

7. Growing Generations

SERVICE FEATURES: Growing Generations has been dedicated to helping families of all types through advanced reproductive technology and comprehensive support services since 1996. They especially specialize in surrogacy services for gay and single men.

Technological Leadership: Utilizing the latest assisted reproductive technologies to help HIV-positive men realize their dream of biological fatherhood.

Service Focus: In addition to surrogacy, egg and sperm donation services are available.

Website: growinggenerations.com

8. Same Love Surrogacy

SERVICE FEATURES: Same Love Surrogacy is an agency that focuses on providing competitive compensation and benefit programs designed to ensure the financial independence and well-being of surrogate mothers.

Services: Provides comprehensive matching services and support programs to ensure a smooth surrogacy process.

Legal support: Comprehensive legal guidance and protection through partners.

Website: samelovesurrogacy.com

9. IARC Surrogacy

Service Characteristics: IARC Surrogacy offers a full range of surrogacy services, ensuring that each prospective parent's needs are met through a professional matching process and legal support.

PARTNERSHIPS: Partnering with IVF clinics across the United States and an experienced legal team to provide complete support and guidance to prospective parents.

Successful Experience: Long history of success and good reputation in the surrogacy industry.

Website: iarcsurrogacy.com

10. Roots Surrogacy

SERVICE FEATURES: Roots is a professional mid-sized surrogacy agency dedicated to connecting and supporting individuals, couples and surrogate mothers as they build their families.

Founded by: Fertility attorney Cassie Wright founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to share in the gift of parenthood.

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY: Adherence to high standards and prioritization of the personal connection between the prospective parents and the surrogate mother.

INDUSTRY POSITIONING: Dedicated to being a beacon in the industry, providing a pathway to parenthood for all, regardless of geographic location or sexual orientation.

Website: www.rootssurrogacy.com

Location: Lincoln, California

A tabular version of the 2025 US surrogacy agency rankings:

II. Criteria for selecting the best surrogacy agency:

If you are considering going down the path of American surrogacy, or are thinking about picking a surrogacy agency, then I really want to start by saying this:It's not easy, and it's not just a matter of paying for it... Picking a surrogacy agency is like finding a partner; being reliable or not can affect every next step and even whether you will be able to carry your baby home.

Recommended Reading:How to choose the best surrogacy agency? A list of must-see questions for selecting a surrogacy agency

Today I want to tell you all about the "under the table" aspects of selecting a surrogacy agency. I hope that you can read it and take fewer detours and suffer less unseen pains.

1. Look at the reputation and experience of the surrogacy agency

The websites of many organizations seem to be very high profile, and they are always saying that they are the "international leader" and "serve the world". However, I would like to say that just saying so does not count.

How can I find out?

• look back at the historical accounts: Check how many years the agency has been open first. It's not that new agencies are necessarily bad, but in the matter of surrogacy, experience is king. The longer it has been running, the more it knows how to handle all kinds of emergencies.
• See real casesDon't just look at the photos on the website of the smiling surrogate holding the baby. It's best to ask for detailed data, such as how many surrogacy programs have been completed in the past few years and what the success rate is.
• Listen to the man who's been there.: Join some surrogacy-related weibo groups and forums, and go ask people who have already traveled this path. Their personal experiences are often more valuable than advertisements. Some people are even willing to privately share the whole process of cooperation and what pitfalls they encountered, which are super valuable.

My advice is simple:Don't be shy, ask! Ask more! Compare more!After all, you are making a choice for your future home.

2. Ask the surrogacy agency exactly what it can do for you.

You may think that a surrogacy agency is just helping you find a surrogate mom, but there is actually a lot more going on. A reliable agency should be there to help you from start to finish.

A few examples:

Substitute Matching

A surrogate mom is not just any person. A reliable agency will take the trouble to make a match: for example, the physical condition of the surrogate mother, her family background, her personality, and even her habits will all be taken into consideration. Because you'll be working together for more than ten months in the future, it's important to get along.

Legal safeguards: can a child's parental rights be stabilized?

One of the most attractive aspects of surrogacy in the United States is the clear legal framework.Once the child is born, the name of the commissioning parent can be written directly on the birth certificate.The

But here's an easy detail to overlook: ⚠️ Not all states are the same.The
CalifornianSome states, such as Nevada, are particularly surrogacy-friendly and have a smooth legal process, while others are still in the gray area, with complicated procedures and even hidden risks.

A reliable surrogacy agency must have its own team of lawyers who are involved throughout the entire process to ensure that you stay on track every step of the way, from the time you get pregnant to the time you return home.

Surrogacy cost management

Surrogacy is not a cheap endeavor, and it's important to ask where and how the money is spent, and if there are any hidden fees. Reliable organizations will usually give you a detailed breakdown of surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal fees, and other itemized bills.

Psychological support

Don't underestimate this link. During surrogacy, both the prospective parents and the surrogate mother have quite a lot of psychological fluctuations. A good agency will arrange counseling or support groups so that you have someone to talk to and someone to open up to.

In other words, a surrogacy agency is not simply an agent, but more like a "butler" and "bodyguard" for you along the way. Anything you can think of, they better think of for you first.

3. Surrogacy agency screening and matching process for surrogate mothers

Choosing a surrogate mom is not just about picking someone, it is an interlocking safety mechanism. A reliable organization will do a very strict screening of substitute moms. For example:

• Physical examination and medical history
  A full physical examination is required, including tests for infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders. It's not just a matter of testing two random items and calling it a day.
• Psychological assessment
  Surrogate moms must not only be physically healthy, but also psychologically mature. The organization will ask a psychologist to assess their motivation, stress resistance, emotional stability, etc. Because carrying a baby to term is not just a physical job, but also a psychological one.
• Life background checks
  The agency will check her family status, financial status, and circle of life. For example: Is there a criminal record? Is there a chaotic life and frequent change of partners? Is there a drug or alcohol problem? These are all critical.
• economic situation
  It sounds a little realistic, but it's important. A surrogate mom shouldn't be doing this solely because she's short of money. Surrogate moms who are relatively financially stable are usually less psychologically stressed and more cooperative.

My advice:It is better to sift rigorously than to skip this step.After all, you are putting a new life into each other's hands.

4. Quality and efficiency of resources for surrogate mothers

Many organizations will tell you, "We have thousands of surrogate moms in our pool here!" But I have to be honest: just because there are a lot of surrogate moms doesn't mean they're all right for you.

You have to focus on asking:

• Have all these surrogate moms completed background checks?
• Have the medical records, the psych evaluations been cleared?
• Is the file initially registered, or is it ready to enter the matching process?

Reliable agencies usually do a much more careful job: they will only recommend a surrogate to you when all the information has been reviewed and there are no major problems. Instead of just grabbing a few people out of the database.

One more thing: when a surrogate mom is eliminated because she fails a medical exam, a good agency can replace you immediately, saving you months of waiting there on empty.

In a nutshell.Quality is much more important than quantity in the field of surrogate motherhood.. Just like buying a house, it's not about having more houses, it's about having the right one for you.

5. Transparency of surrogacy companies

This step is particularly problematic. Surrogacy is not buying cabbage at the grocery store, and a low price is not always a good thing.Don't fall into the "low price trap" to save money.The

A reliable surrogacy agency will:

• Write down every penny clearly:How much compensation for surrogate motherhood, how much for medical expenses, how much for attorney's fees, and even a contingency budget for unforeseen circumstances should be specified in the contract.
• The contract should include ways to handle various emergencies, such as what happens if the surrogate mom has a miscarriage? Who bears the cost of pregnancy complications? All of these should be spelled out in advance.
• Provide smooth communication channels. You can always find someone if you have a question, and you won't be left in the dark.

Many prospective parents feel that "the lower the cost, the better," but I'm going to throw cold water on that:Surrogacy is a high-risk, high-cost affair, and services come at a cost. If an agency quotes a price that is well below the average market price, you really need to keep an eye out.

6. Local legal background of the surrogacy agency

Surrogacy is a matter that is tied to the law in every way, especially in the United States, where the laws vary greatly from state to state.

Recommended Reading:What are the states where surrogacy is legal in the US? Is surrogacy legal in the United States?

Different states have different rules.

for exampleCalifornia is relatively surrogate-friendly, while New York did not liberalize commercial surrogacy until recent years. When picking an agency, look to see if the person is familiar with the laws in your state and the surrogate's state.

It's in the contract.

Surrogacy agreements should be clear:Parental Rights, Financial Distribution, and What to Do in the Event of an EmergencyIf it is not written clearly, the child may be stuck in the future. If it is not written clearly, in the future, when the child is born, it may be stuck in the transfer of household registration, household registration, or even brought back to the country.

Recognition of parenthood

How quickly can parents be legally identified, especially in the case of interstate or transnational surrogacy? Agencies would be well advised to provide experience and legal services in this area.

Surrogacy Insurance

There is always the possibility of accidents during pregnancy. It's important to find out what is covered by the surrogate mom's health insurance and what needs to be paid out of pocket.

My advice: just because it's a more reliable organization doesn't mean you can just hand them all the contracts to read and sign. Always get an independent lawyer to go through the contract again. Money is a small thing, legal risk is a real hassle.

7. LGBTQ friendliness

If you're an LGBTQ+ family, it's even more important to pick the right surrogacy agency. Not every agency is LGBTQ+ friendly.

• Choose an experienced organization that understands the legal, social, and cultural pressures you face.
• There should be a friendly, inclusive environment within the organization so that you don't have to worry about being discriminated against.
• Preferably, agencies would also consider the acceptance and support of LGBTQ+ families when matching surrogate moms.

Blogger Suggestion:

When you pick a surrogacy agency, you are really picking whether or not you will be able to sleep well in the months, or even years to come. This choice is about more than money, it's about your emotions and your home. My attitude is firm: surrogacy is a big job and there is no room for sloppiness. Any more comparisons and time spent will be far more cost-effective than filling in the holes after the fact.

Recommended Reading:Which countries support gay/lesbian legal surrogacy?

Third, the American surrogacy price breakdown analysis:

Many people can't help but stare in disbelief when they first hear that "American surrogacy costs $150,000 to $200,000."
"Oh my God, why is it so expensive?!"

But to be honest, this price is not just shouted out, but a reasonable range precipitated by decades of the entire market.
Don't worry, I'll break it down for you and see where every dollar is spent.

① Medical and IVF expenses (about $40,000-60,000)

• Egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, laboratory fertilization
• Embryo culture, PGT genetic screening
• Embryo freezing, transfer procedures

👉 As complicated as it sounds, this is actually the part where you'd spend about the same amount for IVF at a high-end private hospital in China. The difference is that the genetic screening in the US is more comprehensive for theFamilies of advanced age and with a family history of genetic disordersEspecially important.

② Compensation for surrogate mothers (approximately $50,000-$60,000)

Surrogate mothers don't work odd jobs, they literally use their bodies to help you carry your baby to term.
So included in this compensation:

• Basic compensation (approximately $30,000-$40,000)
• Extra benefits (nutrition, transportation for maternity check-ups, compensation for maternity leave)
• Risk compensation (in cases of cesarean section, miscarriage, twins, etc.)

To be clear, you're not paying for a child, you're paying for the recognition and security of her hard work.

③ Agency and service fees (approximately $20,000 - $30,000)

This section is more like a "project management fee".

• Helping you match with qualified surrogate mothers
• Coordination of hospitals, lawyers, insurance, etc.
• Translation, document preparation

👉 To put it bluntly, it's all about helping you take the easy way out. Without this level of service, many families get burnt out in the process.

④ Laws and court decisions (approximately $10,000-$20,000)

Surrogacy is legal in the United States, but it must be backed by a legal process.

• Drafting of contracts by lawyers
• Issued by the court Pre-Birth Order
• Explicit waiver of parental rights for surrogate mothers

Without this step, even if the child is born.It may not count for you legally.. This is the pitfall that many families take most lightly.

⑤ Medical insurance and miscellaneous expenses (about $10,000-$20,000)

Pregnancy insurance is key. It covers labor and delivery, and even some emergencies.
Without insurance, the cost could go straight up several times over in the event that a surrogate mother has complications midway through her pregnancy.

Also included are miscellaneous items: DNA testing, travel, translation ...... fine but necessary.

⑥ Living expenses (approximately $10,000 - $20,000)

Don't forget, you've had to fly to the US a couple times yourself:

• Egg retrieval, embryo transfer
• Accompanying for maternity check-ups or deliveries

Airfare, hotels, food and lodging add up to almost $10,000 to $20,000 in expenses.

Why should you be careful below $150,000?

You've probably swiped through ads like this:
"American surrogates complete for as little as $100,000!"

But on closer inspection, it's often inside:

• Not screened for PGT (high risk)
• Compensation for surrogate mothers is kept low (easy to fail to match or even drop out halfway through)
• Legal aspects are simplified (wait until you return to your home country to find out that the formalities are stuck)
• No pregnancy insurance (in case something goes wrong, the costs just explode)

👉 To put it bluntly, this kind of "low-cost packages", the omission is precisely the most critical link. It looks cheap, but in reality it's all pits.

Why is more than $200,000 not necessary?

On the other hand, there are organizations that offer "deluxe packages": $250,000 or even more.

But in comparison, the extra money over $200,000 is mostly just for "life experience services":
For example, upscale monthly centers and extra care, rather than a substantial boost in success or guarantees.

So.Over 200k is more of a premium, not just demandThe

📌 Webmaster's Summary

• Less than $150,000 → Cutting out key links is risky
• $150,000-$200,000 → Reasonable, safe, full process coverage
• Over $200,000 → It's mostly a premium. It's not necessary.

In other words.$150,000-$200,000 is both the bottom line and the optimal solutionThe

Fourth, choose the American surrogacy agency to avoid the pitfalls of attention:

If you are choosing a surrogacy agency in the United States, I would like to tell you something from the bottom of my heart: this matter is both simple and complex. Simple because there is so much more information than in the past; complex because you have to pick the one that is really reliable and suitable for you from all these agencies that "all look alike".

I'd like to lay out some of the "lessons" I've learned along the way, and maybe it'll help you take the easy way out.

1. Price traps: low price ≠ really cheap

Do you often brush up on similar ads online:
"American surrogacy is only 100,000 dollars for the whole package!"

At first glance, it's $50,000 to $80,000 less than the average market price, so who wouldn't be tempted?
But when you do sign up for it, you'll find out the cat's out of the bag:

• The basic package is cheap, but a bunch of extra costs follow, such as surrogate mother's allowance, pregnancy insurance, legal documents, all of which you have to shell out again.
• At the end of the day, add and subtract, but instead, it's more expensive than a regular organization.

rule of thumb: In the United States, the total cost of a reliable surrogate is basically in the $150,000-$200,000 This interval.
Anything less than that is either an opaque bill or a "retroactive ticket" waiting to be paid at a later date.

2. Do more research and comparisons, don't just look at the official website

Nowadays, every surrogacy agency's website is made to look like a five-star hotel - lofty, storytelling, and accidentally making people think, "This is the answer for me". But the reality is that just looking at the website is not enough.

What do I have to do to find out? I suggest you:

• Go for reviews on third-party platforms instead of just focusing on the positive reviews hanging out on the organization's official website.
• Don't just listen to the "high success rate", ask: how is the success rate calculated? Does it include all cases, or just the ones that were successfully completed?
• Go over how many projects they've done and how many years of history they've had, and don't underestimate the numbers - more time usually means having encountered more situations and knowing how to close them.

I always tell people:Picking a surrogacy agency is like picking a partner. Just being able to say nice things and take pretty pictures doesn't mean you'll be able to have a good life with you.

3. Talk to more than one

Some people come up and talk to one organization without looking at others. This is actually dangerous.

My advice:Chat at least 2 or 3. Why?

• Different organizations have different cultural atmosphere, communication styles, and service processes. Talk to a few more before you can feel out which one is more compatible with you.
• Some organizations may seem to have similar conditions and offer similar prices, but talk and you'll be able to see who is more professional and genuine.
• Ask the same questions and see who answers with more detail and realism. Some people answer vaguely, others just dump the details, and the gap comes out.

It's like going on a blind date, meeting more than one person to find out the one who puts you most at ease.

4. Transparency of contracts and costs

There can never be any ambiguity about money. Surrogacy is a life event, not a bargain at the grocery store.

Reliable surrogacy agencies, usually:

• Write down the costs clearly: compensation for surrogate motherhood, medical expenses, attorney's fees, emergency reserve, list it all.
• The contract states various contingencies, such as what happens if the surrogate mom has a miscarriage? Who is responsible for sudden illnesses during pregnancy? The more clearly these are written, the less trouble you will have in the future.
• It's not afraid to ask you for details, and it won't confuse you with a bunch of jargon.

Remember: Don't ever think "the lower the cost, the better". In the case of surrogacy, a low price may mean skipping some key aspects, and in the end, you may end up spending more.

5. Legal support and compliance

Don't underestimate the weight of the law in surrogacy. Especially in the U.S., the disparity in regulations from state to state is staggering. Take California and New York, one is as friendly to surrogacy as it gets and one didn't allow commercial surrogacy until a few years ago.

My advice:

• Find an organization that has a legal team, or has worked with an attorney familiar with reproductive law for a long time.
• Confirm that they can get it done for you:Contract writing, confirmation of parental rights, transfer of the child's identity, and even future international formalities(if you are taking the baby back to China or another country).
• Even if the organization says "it's all taken care of", make sure you have an independent attorney look over the contract again on your own. It's worth the money and will save you a lot of hassle down the road.

5. Service management, preferably with full follow-through

Surrogacy is a matter that involves too many links - legal, medical, psychological, financial, all need to be coordinated. A reliable agency will usually arrange a "Case Manager" (case coordinator), specializing in helping you keep an eye on the process.

You can ask:

• Is there a fixed exclusive coordinator?
• Is it possible to get in touch 24 hours a day? Or can you only find people during working hours?
• What is the process if there is an emergency?

With a reliable coordinator, many of your small problems can be solved in a timely manner without having to call around and write emails and get exhausted yourself.

6. Risks of unscrupulous intermediaries: selling the dog's meat under the guise of the sheep's head

There is a more insidious pit:unscrupulous middlemanThe
They have no resources or legal qualifications to be surrogate mothers themselves, and are just "second hand dealers".

The routine is simple:
They charge you a large "consulting fee" and then refer you to other organizations.

And the result?

• You're spending an extra layer of money out of nowhere.
• service without guaranteeing it.
• When things go wrong, their first reaction is to "kick the can down the road".

suggestion: Be sure to find out if the agency has directly contracted resources for surrogate mothers and a team of attorneys who are regular partners.
If it's just a "referral", it's a big risk.

7. Values, be right

This is something many people don't think about at first, but it's actually particularly important.

Every agency has its own underlying values. Some agencies can be particularly strict in their selection of surrogate moms, while others are more open and inclusive of certain groups (e.g. LGBTQ+ families, clients from different religious backgrounds).

When picking an organization, it's best to ask:

• What are the institution's attitudes toward different cultures, races, and sexual orientations?
• Any experience serving the LGBTQ+ community?
• Are surrogate moms treated with respect and equality?

After all, this is a path that requires a high level of trust. It's a good fit with your own values, so you can feel comfortable working together.

Fifth, the U.S. surrogate child return process (avoid pit strategy):

Many families have had a smooth ride with American surrogacy and thought they would finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief when the "Return of the child to the country" This step was tripped up.
The reason is really simple: every country has a different attitude towards surrogacy; some recognize it, some are vague, and some reject it outright.
If you don't plan ahead, there is a real possibility that your child will not come back.

① Birth Certificate

In the United States, once a baby is born, the hospital issues a birth certificate.

• mileage: In some surrogate-friendly states (like California), theThe name of the commissioning parent can be written directly on the birth certificate, surrogate mothers don't show up.
• crux: this must have Pre-Birth Order of the Court Bottoms up.

👉 Once there is no judgment, the birth certificate will likely be in the surrogate mother's name, and any subsequent attempts to change it will be very cumbersome, if not almost insoluble.

② U.S. Passport

Once you have the birth certificate, you can apply for a passport for your child.

• Who can apply: Children born in the U.S. are naturally U.S. citizens.
• Materials required: Birth certificates, proof of parental identity, plus supporting documents prepared by lawyers or agents.
• timing: Usually available in 1-2 weeks.

③ DNA Paternity Test (very crucial!)

Many embassies in the U.S. require DNA identification for travel documents.

• goal: Confirmation that there is indeed a blood relationship between the child and the commissioning parent.
• workflows: This is done locally in the United States, usually by oral swab sampling, and then the results are sent directly to the embassy by the forensic identification agency.

Even if you look exactly like your child, the embassy won't pass you by "eye contact" alone.

④ Travel document/repatriation certificate

With a passport and DNA report, the next step is to apply for a travel document at your country's embassy in the United States.

Take the Chinese family for example:

• If the parents are Chinese nationals and the child was born in the U.S. → You can apply for a "China Travel Permit".
• Required documents: birth certificates, parents' passports, DNA results.

If the parents are from other countries, you also need to consult the corresponding embassy in advance, which is usually required:

• affidavit of paternity
• Documents legalizing birth certificates

⑤ Domicile/Identity Issues after Returning Home

When the baby returns home, there will be another real problem: nationality and identity recognition.

• Mainland China: A child born in the U.S. is a U.S. citizen and cannot get a Chinese hukou, but can live in the country for a long time on a travel permit.
• Taiwan/Hong Kong: Additional paternity determinations are usually required.
• Other countries: It varies considerably and it is advisable to consult a lawyer in your country in advance.

Common "Pitfalls" ⚠️

1. Wrong name on the birth certificate
   Without a court decision, the birth certificate may be directly in the name of the surrogate mother → the latter is almost unresolved.
2. No DNA test.
   Embassies will not accept verbal certificates; a formal appraisal report is required.
3. Late preparation of travel documents
   Some families wait until the last minute, and as a result, their children are forced to stay in the U.S. for months.
4. The nationality issue wasn't confirmed.
   Some people think that their children can settle down, but when they return to their home country, they realize that it is not possible at all → schooling and health insurance are all affected.

📌 Webmaster's Summary

The process of returning a child to his or her home country is really a four-step process:

Birth Certificate → U.S. Passport → DNA Paternity Test → Travel Documents

But any mistake can cause a child to get "stuck" and not come back.

👉 So here's my advice:

• Engage a team of lawyers to plan ahead
• Keep every document intact
• Contact your country's embassy in the U.S. before the birth of your child to confirm all requirements.

This way, the entire process will be smooth and reassuring, and you won't fall off the wagon at the last step.

VI. Frequently asked questions

Q1. What are the most critical factors in choosing a surrogacy agency?

• Technical strength (laboratory qualification, success rate)
• Legal support (familiarity with local laws, ability to provide independent attorney review)
• Cost transparency
• Degree of personalized service
• Availability of a rich pool of surrogate mothers and rigorous screening

Q2. Which states in the U.S. have legalized surrogacy?

The most surrogacy friendly states in the US are California, Nevada, Illinois, etc. States like New York did not open up commercial surrogacy until recent years. When picking an agency be sure to check if it is familiar with the laws of the state you plan to surrogate in.

Q3. What is the approximate cost of a surrogacy agency?

Typically the total cost ranges from $130,000 - $200,000 USD is involved:

• Compensation for surrogate mothers
• Medical and pharmaceutical costs
• attorney's fees
• emergency reserve
• Surrogacy agency service fees

Q4. I am an LGBTQ+ family, will I be restricted?

No, but it is important to choose the right agency. Not all organizations are LGBTQ+ friendly; organizations such as HRC, Growing Generations, and Same Love Surrogacy are particularly open and experienced with LGBTQ+ families.

Q5. What is the most overlooked aspect of the surrogacy process?

• Contractual details: especially abortion, complications, legal identification clauses
• Psychological support: important for both parents-to-be and surrogate mothers
• Rigor of screening for surrogate mothers: not only physical examination, but also psychological assessment and background check

wind up

Choosing a surrogacy agency is, quite frankly, choosing a "partner" for your future home. It's not just about money, it's about emotions, health, and even whether or not you'll be able to carry your baby home. Spending a little more time and doing a little more homework will give you more peace of mind and cut out a lot of unnecessary detours.

The Surrogate's House wishes you the best of luck on this not-so-easy, but hopeful road to finally reap the fulfillment that belongs to your family.