Beyond the Basics: Smart Questions to Ask a Surrogacy Agency

Choosing a surrogacy agency isn’t just about comparing costs or timelines—it’s about finding a partner you can trust during one of life’s most intimate and meaningful journeys. The right agency does more than manage logistics; it offers steady support when emotions run high and guidance at unexpected turns. That’s why the most important questions go beyond the basics, revealing an agency’s values and how they truly care for surrogates and the families they serve.

Ask: How are surrogates supported medically and emotionally? 

Surrogacy involves far more than medical checkups and lab work. Health screening is an important first step, but what truly matters is how an agency continues to care for surrogates throughout the journey. Consistent medical guidance, emotional support, and a sense of community can transform what might otherwise feel overwhelming into a life-changing, positive, and sustainable experience. Asking how an agency provides that care will give you a clearer picture of what it’s really like to work with them.

Consider asking your agency: 

  • Is there ongoing emotional support or counseling available throughout pregnancy?
  • Are there check-in routines, peer groups, or meetings with other surrogates?
  • How does the agency support surrogates during emotional lows?

Additionally, pay attention not only to whether they have these services, but also to how they describe them. Do they feel like an afterthought or a foundation to their practice?

Ask: How are unexpected challenges handled?

Even with the best planning, surrogacy can bring surprises such as medical complications, emotional strain, or logistical challenges. How an agency responds in those moments says a lot about its reliability.

It may be helpful to ask questions such as:

  • What protocols are in place if medical concerns arise?
  • Can they point to real examples of how they’ve guided families and surrogates through difficulties?
  • How does the agency support open communication between intended parents and surrogates if sensitive issues come up?

The ability to step in with compassion and clear solutions when things don’t go as planned is what sets a truly supportive agency apart.

Ask: How are legal complexities handled across states—or even internationally?

One of the most challenging parts of surrogacy isn’t medical at all—it’s legal. Laws vary widely from state to state, and intended parents from outside the U.S. often face another layer of complexity. Some states, like California, have well-established guidelines, while others are less clear or even restrictive. Because of this patchwork system, the way an agency navigates legal details can have a major impact on your peace of mind and the smooth progression of your journey.

You may want to have answers to questions such as: 

  • How will they handle legal parentage orders, especially in states with limited guidelines?
  • If you're an international intended parent, what’s their process for matching U.S.-based surrogates and navigating cross-border legalities?
  • Do they have trusted legal partners or case-specific legal counsel?

How an agency handles legalities can help you assess its preparedness.

Reflect On Your Experience 

Medical expertise and legal knowledge are essential, but they’re not the whole story. Surrogacy is an intensely personal journey, and the culture of an agency—the way its team communicates, supports, and treats people—can shape how the entire experience feels. Some of the most meaningful insights can come from your everyday interactions.

Try to reflect on the following questions:

  • Do your initial interactions feel warm, open, and responsive?
  • Are you paired with a consistent point of contact, or bounced around?
  • Do you sense a mutual investment in your well-being—as people, not just participants?

Partnering With the Right Surrogacy Agency

Choosing an agency is far more than selecting a service—it’s forming a relationship. By asking thoughtful, layered questions about surrogate support, crisis handling, legal clarity, and agency culture, you’re empowering yourself to choose with confidence.

At Fertility Source Companies, we believe every journey deserves transparency, compassion, and expert guidance from start to finish. If you’re ready to take the next step, our team is here to answer your questions and walk with you through each stage of the process. Contact us today to begin your path toward building your family.