Top Surrogacy Agencies in the United States

Originally published April 20, 2026
Last updated September 2, 2026

Reviewed by Parham Zar, Founder and Managing Director of EDSI

Which Surrogacy Agencies Are Considered Top Programs in 2026?

The surrogacy agencies most commonly compared by intended parents in the United States in 2026 include Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute, also known as EDSI, Circle Surrogacy, Hatch Fertility, Growing Generations, ConceiveAbilities, and American Surrogacy.

There is no single best surrogacy agency for every intended parent. The strongest programs provide comprehensive support across surrogate screening process, matching, fertility clinic coordination, attorney guided legal coordination, independent third party escrow, insurance review, pregnancy case management, and preparation for birth.

Intended parents should compare each agency’s screening standards, matching model, communication structure, cost transparency, legal coordination, financial safeguards, and level of support from consultation through delivery.

EDSI follows a structured coordination model that emphasizes preliminary surrogate screening before matching, attorney guided legal processes, consistent case management, and funds held by an independent third party bonded escrow provider.

The EDSI Screening and Experience Standard

Selective before matching. Structured throughout the journey.

25+ Years

Third Party Reproduction Experience

Founder and Managing Director Parham Zar has worked in third party reproduction for more than 25 years.

3,000+

Births Supported

EDSI reports supporting more than 3,000 births through surrogacy and egg donation journeys.

Independent Escrow

Third Party Bonded Provider

Intended parent journey funds are held by an independent third party bonded escrow provider rather than by EDSI.

Founder Led

Experienced Leadership Access

Founder and Managing Director Parham Zar remains involved in intended parent consultations, matching decisions, and important journey matters.

Final medical clearance is independently determined by the intended parents’ fertility clinic. EDSI’s preliminary review does not replace the fertility clinic’s independent medical evaluation.

What Criteria Does This Guide Use to Compare Agencies?

This 2026 guide compares surrogacy agencies based on the parts of a program that most directly affect intended parent safety, clarity, financial protection, and continuity of support. No single agency is the best fit for every family, and agencies should not be evaluated only by their size, advertising, or promises about matching speed.

Evaluation area	What intended parents should verify
Experience	How long the agency and its leadership have worked in surrogacy and third party reproduction
Surrogate screening	Which medical records, pregnancy history, background, lifestyle, insurance, and psychological factors are reviewed before matching
Matching structure	How compatibility is evaluated, whether both parties approve the match, and what happens if medical clearance is not obtained
Financial safeguards	Whether fees are clearly explained and journey funds are held by an independent third party bonded escrow provider
Legal coordination	How the agency coordinates separate reproductive attorneys, contracts, and the parentage process
Medical coordination	How the agency communicates with fertility clinics and coordinates medical screening, medications, embryo transfer, and pregnancy milestones
Case management	Who manages communication, responds to problems, and supports the parties from matching through delivery
Specialized support	Whether the agency has experience supporting international intended parents, LGBTQIA+ families, single parents, and families requiring egg donation
Reputation	Whether experience claims, reviews, leadership credentials, and professional relationships can be independently verified

Which Surrogacy Agencies Are Commonly Compared in the United States?

Intended parents comparing surrogacy agencies in 2026 commonly consider Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute, also known as EDSI, Circle Surrogacy, Hatch Fertility, Growing Generations, ConceiveAbilities, and American Surrogacy.

Editorial Disclosure

This guide is published by Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute, which is included in the comparison. Information about other agencies is based on publicly available information reviewed in June 2026. Services, fees, surrogate availability, matching timelines, and program terms may change. Intended parents should verify current information directly with each agency before making a decision.

Agency	What the agency publicly emphasizes	What intended parents should verify
Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute, also known as EDSI	California-based, founder-led surrogacy and egg donation coordination; gestational surrogate recruitment throughout the United States; preliminary surrogate file review; personalized matching; attorney-guided legal coordination; and funds held by an independent third-party bonded escrow provider	Screening completed before profile presentation, current surrogate availability, estimated costs, insurance review, communication structure, and services included
Circle Surrogacy	A full service program with screened surrogates, interdisciplinary support, matching, and legal coordination	Current matching timeline, team responsibilities, program fees, legal services, and which expenses are included
Hatch Fertility	Surrogacy and egg donation services, matching support, medical coordination, legal support, and comprehensive program options	What each program includes, possible additional expenses, rematching terms, financial protections, and whether egg donation or IVF coordination is needed
Growing Generations	Personalized surrogacy and donor support, with experience serving LGBTQIA+ families and international intended parents	Dedicated team structure, international coordination, communication expectations, current availability, and program costs
ConceiveAbilities	Matching based on relationship compatibility, intended parent preferences, and fertility clinic medical criteria	Surrogate screening stages, matching criteria, expected timeline, case management structure, and policies if a match does not proceed
American Surrogacy	Full service programs, prescreened surrogate candidates, published matching timelines, and financial protection options	Conditions and exclusions attached to matching timelines, refunds, rematching, financial protection, and program costs

Not sure which agency structure fits your journey?

A private consultation with EDSI can help you compare screening, matching support, expected timelines, legal coordination, escrow safeguards, and the level of communication you need.

Request a Private Consultation

California-based agency · Gestational surrogates throughout the United States · Intended parents supported domestically and internationally

There is no single agency that is best for every intended parent. The most appropriate choice depends on the intended parents’ family building needs, preferred communication style, fertility clinic, legal circumstances, budget, location, and desired level of support.

Before signing an agreement, intended parents should request current written information about agency fees, surrogate screening, matching, rematching, insurance, legal coordination, escrow, case management, and services that may require separate payment.

What Should Comprehensive Surrogacy Agency Support Include?

Comprehensive surrogacy support means coordinating the people, information, and milestones involved throughout the journey. It does not mean that the agency personally provides medical treatment, legal advice, insurance coverage, or escrow services. Those responsibilities should remain with qualified independent professionals.

Intended parents should ask whether an agency provides or coordinates support in each of the following areas:

Stage	Support a comprehensive program should include
Initial planning	Review of family building goals, expected costs, estimated timelines, fertility clinic needs, legal considerations, and possible egg donor requirements
Surrogate recruitment	Recruitment of candidates who meet the agency’s preliminary eligibility requirements
Preliminary screening	Review of pregnancy and delivery history, available medical records, lifestyle factors, background information, insurance, expectations, and readiness before a profile is presented
Compatibility based matching	Evaluation of communication preferences, family expectations, termination views, location, embryo plans, and the level of desired involvement
Fertility clinic coordination	Transfer of records and scheduling support for the clinic’s independent medical evaluation and final medical clearance
Psychological screening	Coordination of appropriate psychological evaluations and support for the intended parents and surrogate
Attorney guided legal process	Coordination with separate reproductive attorneys who advise the intended parents and surrogate and prepare the legal agreements
Independent escrow	Establishment of an account with an independent third party bonded escrow provider that holds and disburses journey funds
Insurance review	Review and coordination of health insurance, possible exclusions, premiums, deductibles, and other pregnancy related coverage needs
Embryo transfer preparation	Communication among the fertility clinic, intended parents, surrogate, attorneys, insurance professionals, and escrow provider before medications and transfer
Pregnancy case management	Ongoing communication, appointment coordination, expense administration, problem solving, and support for both parties
Birth and parentage preparation	Coordination of delivery planning, hospital communication, attorney managed parentage steps, travel planning, and intended parent arrival
Post birth support	Help coordinating final administrative steps, payments, documentation, and the transition after delivery

Intended parents should also ask who is responsible for each service, how often the agency communicates, what services are included in the agency fee, and which expenses are paid separately.

A program should not be described as comprehensive merely because it provides a match. The quality of support depends on how consistently the agency coordinates screening, legal preparation, medical milestones, financial safeguards, communication, pregnancy support, and delivery planning from beginning to end.

How Do Surrogacy Agency Matching Models, Waitlists, and Guarantees Differ?

Surrogacy agencies use different matching systems. Some maintain a waitlist of intended parents, while others present available surrogate profiles based on compatibility, readiness, and program requirements.

A shorter advertised matching timeline does not necessarily mean that a surrogate has completed fertility clinic medical clearance or that the match will proceed to embryo transfer. Intended parents should ask exactly what screening has been completed before a profile is presented.

Matching issue	What intended parents should ask
Preliminary screening	Have pregnancy records, delivery history, background information, lifestyle factors, insurance, and readiness been reviewed before the profile is presented?
Fertility clinic clearance	Has the surrogate already received final medical clearance from the intended parents’ fertility clinic, or will that occur after the match?
Compatibility	How does the agency compare communication preferences, expectations, location, family involvement, termination views, embryo plans, and other personal factors?
Mutual approval	Do both the intended parents and surrogate have an opportunity to speak and independently approve the match?
Waitlist structure	Is the intended parent placed in a general queue, or are profiles presented based on compatibility and current availability?
Estimated timeline	Does the stated timeline refer to receiving a profile, agreeing to a match, completing medical clearance, signing contracts, or reaching embryo transfer?
Replacement match	What happens if the surrogate does not pass clinic screening, withdraws, or the parties decide not to continue?
Additional fees	Are there new agency, screening, travel, legal, insurance, or administrative fees if a match does not proceed?
Matching guarantee	What result is actually guaranteed, what exclusions apply, and how long does the protection remain available?

What Does a Surrogacy Matching Guarantee Mean?

A matching guarantee may refer to presenting another surrogate candidate, providing a replacement match, extending the search period, or applying an agency fee credit. It should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of medical clearance, embryo transfer, pregnancy, or live birth.

Intended parents should request the complete guarantee terms in writing and confirm:

1. What event activates the guarantee
2. Whether a replacement match is included
3. Which expenses remain the intended parents’ responsibility
4. Whether the guarantee expires
5. Whether restrictions apply based on location, medical history, embryo plans, budget, or intended parent preferences

How Does EDSI Handle a Match That Does Not Proceed?

EDSI’s Standard Surrogacy Program includes one qualifying rematch before embryo transfer when a surrogate is determined not to be an appropriate candidate, subject to the eligibility requirements, exclusions, and terms of the written agreement. The program also includes up to three embryo transfers with the same surrogate.

For intended parents who want additional matching protection, EDSI also offers an optional Unlimited Matching Guarantee that provides additional qualifying rematching when a current surrogate is determined not to be an appropriate candidate before or after embryo transfer, subject to the terms of the agreement.

Is the Fastest Surrogate Match Always the Best Match?

The fastest available candidate is not always the most compatible or prepared candidate. A strong match should consider medical readiness, legal compatibility, communication expectations, financial understanding, personal values, and the ability of both parties to work together throughout a lengthy and emotionally significant process.

The purpose of preliminary screening is to reduce avoidable disruptions before intended parents become emotionally and financially committed to a candidate. Final medical approval, however, remains with the fertility clinic.

Independent Standards Intended Parents Can Review

Intended parents do not have to rely only on agency marketing when evaluating surrogacy practices. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine publishes guidance covering medical evaluation, psychological counseling, legal counseling, screening, and other safeguards in gestational carrier arrangements.

EDSI separates its coordination role from the independent professionals responsible for final medical clearance, legal advice, and management of intended parent journey funds. This structure helps preserve clear responsibilities throughout the surrogacy process.

How Can Intended Parents Verify a Surrogacy Agency’s Reputation?

A reputable surrogacy agency should be evaluated through more than a star rating, a testimonial page, or the number of years displayed on its website. Intended parents should look for consistent evidence that the agency communicates clearly, treats surrogates responsibly, protects journey funds, coordinates qualified professionals, and responds appropriately when difficulties arise.

Reputation signal	What intended parents should review
Public reviews	Look for patterns across several independent review platforms
Intended parent experiences	Look for communication, realistic expectations, cost clarity, and support during problems
Surrogate experiences	Look for respectful treatment, clear communication, and timely expense administration
Leadership experience	Verify who leads the agency and their documented experience in third party reproduction
Contract clarity	Confirm that fees, included services, rematching terms, and cancellation policies are provided in writing
Verifiable claims	Ask how matching times, outcomes, success claims, and experience statements are defined
Transparency during problems	Ask how the agency handles failed clearance, unsuccessful transfers, insurance problems, or disrupted matches

What Do Surrogacy Agency Reviews Actually Tell You?

Reviews can provide useful information about communication, responsiveness, staff consistency, matching experiences, and how an agency handles unexpected events. They do not independently prove medical success, legal quality, financial safety, or the likelihood of a live birth.

Intended parents should pay particular attention to repeated themes. One review may reflect an unusual circumstance, but a consistent pattern across different families and surrogates may reveal how the agency typically operates.

What Makes a Surrogacy Agency Ethical?

An ethical surrogacy agency should respect the independent interests of intended parents and surrogates. It should avoid unrealistic promises, explain financial responsibilities clearly, coordinate separate legal representation, support informed decision making, and maintain appropriate boundaries between agency coordination, medical care, legal advice, and management of journey funds.

Intended parents should ask whether:

1. The intended parents and surrogate use separate reproductive attorneys
2. The surrogate receives independent psychological and medical evaluation
3. Journey funds are held by an independent third party bonded escrow provider
4. Compensation and benefits are explained before the match proceeds
5. Both parties can decline a proposed match without pressure
6. Medical, legal, insurance, and financial decisions remain with qualified independent professionals
7. The agency has a clear process for addressing communication concerns or disagreements

Can Surrogacy Agency Success Rates Be Compared?

Surrogacy agency success rates are difficult to compare unless every agency uses the same definition and reporting period. A claim may refer to matching, medical clearance, pregnancy, live birth, first transfer success, or the completion of an entire journey.

Before relying on a success claim, intended parents should ask:

1. What outcome is being measured
2. What dates and cases are included
3. Whether the number reflects agency performance or fertility clinic outcomes
4. Whether unsuccessful or discontinued cases are included
5. Whether the result has been independently verified

A reliable agency should explain its experience honestly without presenting medical outcomes or individual journey results as guarantees.

How Does Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute Compare With Other Leading Agencies?

Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute, also known as EDSI, is a California-based, founder-led surrogacy and egg donation agency serving intended parents across the United States and internationally. EDSI is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, and works with gestational surrogate candidates throughout the United States.

Some intended parents prefer a large national organization with several departments. Others want direct access to experienced leadership and a smaller coordination team that understands the details of their journey.

EDSI follows a structured and personalized coordination model. Founder and Managing Director Parham Zar remains involved in agency leadership, intended parent consultations, matching decisions, and important journey coordination. The EDSI team coordinates preliminary surrogate file review, fertility clinic communication, separate reproductive attorneys, insurance review, independent third-party bonded escrow, pregnancy support, and preparation for delivery.

Parham Zar has worked in third party reproduction for more than 25 years, and EDSI reports supporting more than 3,000 births through surrogacy and egg donation journeys. That experience informs EDSI’s approach to surrogate screening, personalized matching, fertility clinic coordination, attorney guided legal processes, independent third party bonded escrow, and ongoing journey oversight.

What Does Personalized, Founder-Led Support Mean at EDSI?

Personalized support means intended parents are not passed from one department to another without continuity. EDSI provides a consistent point of coordination while keeping medical decisions, legal advice, insurance review, and management of journey funds with the appropriate independent professionals.

This structure is designed for intended parents who value direct communication, careful matching, transparent coordination, and experienced oversight from consultation through delivery.

EDSI program feature	What it means for intended parents
Preliminary surrogate screening	EDSI reviews available pregnancy and delivery records, medical history, lifestyle information, insurance considerations, background information, expectations, and readiness before presenting a candidate
Personalized matching	Intended parents and surrogate candidates are evaluated for communication style, expectations, location, involvement preferences, embryo plans, and other compatibility factors
Fertility clinic coordination	EDSI coordinates records, communication, and scheduling with the intended parents’ fertility clinic, while the clinic makes the final medical clearance decision
Attorney guided legal process	EDSI coordinates with independent reproductive attorneys who advise the intended parents and surrogate, prepare contracts, and manage parentage procedures
Independent escrow	Journey funds are held and disbursed by an independent third party bonded escrow provider rather than by EDSI
Insurance review	EDSI helps coordinate review of health insurance, possible exclusions, premiums, deductibles, and pregnancy related coverage needs
Case management	The EDSI team coordinates communication, milestones, expenses, appointments, and unexpected issues from matching through delivery
International intended parent support	EDSI assists families outside the United States with communication, travel planning, clinic coordination, legal logistics, and preparation for birth
Egg donation and surrogacy coordination	Intended parents who require both an egg donor and a surrogate can coordinate both parts of the family building process through EDSI
Founder led oversight	Intended parents have access to an experienced leadership team rather than relying only on a high volume or highly segmented agency structure

Who May Be a Good Fit for EDSI?

EDSI may be a strong fit for intended parents who value:

1. A personal and structured agency experience
2. Preliminary surrogate screening before making an emotional and financial commitment to a match
3. Clear coordination among fertility clinics, reproductive attorneys, insurance professionals, escrow providers, intended parents, and surrogates
4. Journey funds held by an independent third party bonded escrow provider
5. Support for international, LGBTQIA+, single parent, or egg donation journeys
6. Direct access to an experienced surrogacy leadership team
7. Consistent case management from matching through pregnancy, delivery, and post birth coordination

EDSI may not be the right fit for every intended parent. Families who prefer a much larger national agency, a clinic affiliated program, or a different matching and communication structure should compare current services, fees, screening procedures, availability, and team responsibilities before making a decision.

Which Intended Parents May Need Specialized Surrogacy Agency Support?

Every intended parent needs clear screening, matching, financial safeguards, legal coordination, and case management. Some families also need additional experience and coordination because their journey involves international travel, egg donation, specialized legal planning, or multiple medical providers.

When comparing agencies, intended parents should ask whether the agency regularly supports families with circumstances similar to their own.

Intended parent situation	Specialized support to verify
International intended parents	Communication across time zones, fertility clinic coordination, United States travel planning, delivery preparation, parentage coordination, documentation, and planning for the return home
LGBTQIA+ intended parents	Egg donor and surrogate coordination when needed, inclusive communication, clinic planning, separate legal representation, and parentage preparation for the intended parents
Single intended parents	Donor coordination when required, realistic planning for travel and delivery, communication preferences, support systems, and legal parentage preparation
Families using both egg donation and surrogacy	Coordination of donor selection, donor screening, fertility clinic scheduling, embryo creation, embryo storage, surrogate matching, and the legal agreements for each part of the journey
Intended parents with embryos at another clinic	Medical record transfer, clinic acceptance, embryo transport arrangements, testing requirements, surrogate clinic clearance, and coordination between providers
Intended parents with complex insurance needs	Review of possible exclusions, premiums, deductibles, maternity coverage, supplemental coverage needs, and responsibility for expenses not covered by insurance
Intended parents with limited United States availability	Remote communication, document signing, travel planning, appointment coordination, delivery timing, and access to the agency team across different time zones

What Should International Intended Parents Ask a Surrogacy Agency?

International intended parents should ask how the agency coordinates with United States fertility clinics, reproductive attorneys, hospitals, escrow providers, insurance professionals, and professionals in the intended parents’ home country.

They should also confirm:

1. Who coordinates travel and delivery planning
2. How frequently the agency communicates across time zones
3. When intended parents should arrive in the United States
4. Which legal and administrative professionals will assist with parentage and documentation
5. What support is available after birth
6. Whether the agency has handled journeys involving the intended parents’ country of residence

The agency should coordinate these professionals without presenting itself as the intended parents’ attorney, physician, insurance adviser, immigration adviser, or financial adviser.

What Should LGBTQIA+ and Single Intended Parents Verify?

LGBTQIA+ and single intended parents should confirm that the agency, fertility clinic, and reproductive attorneys have experience with their family structure and understand any donor, embryo, parentage, and documentation needs that may apply.

They should also evaluate whether the agency communicates respectfully, uses inclusive language, supports both genetic and non genetic intended parents, and coordinates separate legal advice for the intended parents and surrogate.

Should Intended Parents Choose an Agency That Also Coordinates Egg Donation?

An agency that coordinates both egg donation and surrogacy may be useful when intended parents need assistance with donor selection, medical scheduling, embryo creation, and surrogate matching.

Intended parents should still ask which services are provided by the agency, which decisions belong to the fertility clinic, how donor and surrogate screening are handled, and whether separate fees apply to each program.

Does a Surrogacy Agency Need to Be Located in Your State?

A surrogacy agency does not necessarily need to be located in the same state as the intended parents. Many agencies coordinate journeys nationally and work with intended parents, surrogates, fertility clinics, reproductive attorneys, insurance professionals, and hospitals in different states.

The more important question is whether the agency has the experience and systems needed to coordinate the specific states and professionals involved in the journey.

Factor	What intended parents should verify
Surrogate location	Whether the agency understands the screening, insurance, medical, travel, and delivery considerations associated with the surrogate’s state
Fertility clinic	Whether the agency can coordinate with the intended parents’ selected clinic and understand its surrogate clearance requirements
Legal coordination	Whether separate reproductive attorneys will review the applicable laws, prepare agreements, and coordinate the parentage process
Hospital planning	Whether the agency helps coordinate delivery planning with the hospital, attorneys, intended parents, and surrogate
Insurance	Whether pregnancy coverage, exclusions, deductibles, premiums, and possible supplemental coverage are reviewed
Travel	Whether the agency coordinates travel needs for screening, embryo transfer, delivery, and the intended parents’ arrival
Communication	Whether the agency can manage professionals and parties across different locations and time zones
Experience	Whether the agency has previously coordinated journeys involving the states and family circumstances relevant to the intended parents

Should Intended Parents Choose a California Surrogacy Agency?

Some intended parents compare California surrogacy agencies because California has a large network of fertility clinics, reproductive attorneys, surrogacy professionals, and agencies experienced in third party reproduction.

Agency location alone, however, does not determine whether a program is appropriate. Intended parents should also compare surrogate screening, matching practices, legal coordination, communication, financial safeguards, program costs, and experience with the states involved in the journey.

Intended parents considering a California agency should ask:

1. Whether the agency works with surrogates inside and outside California
2. Which professionals handle legal advice and parentage procedures
3. How insurance and delivery planning are coordinated
4. Whether additional travel or legal expenses may apply
5. Whether the agency has experience with international, LGBTQIA+, single parent, or egg donation journeys when relevant
6. How communication is managed when the intended parents, surrogate, fertility clinic, and agency are in different locations

Does the Surrogate’s State Matter More Than the Agency’s Location?

The surrogate’s state can affect legal coordination, insurance planning, travel, hospital preparation, and the parentage process. Intended parents should receive advice from qualified reproductive attorneys regarding the laws that apply to their particular arrangement.

A national agency should be able to explain how it coordinates the journey across states while leaving legal advice to the attorneys representing the intended parents and surrogate.

The best agency is not automatically the one closest to the intended parents. It is the agency that can clearly coordinate the specific medical, legal, financial, logistical, and communication needs involved in the journey.

How Should Intended Parents Compare Top Surrogacy Agencies?

Intended parents should compare top surrogacy agencies by examining how each program actually handles surrogate screening, matching, legal coordination, escrow, insurance, communication, rematching, pregnancy support, and delivery preparation. Agency size or an advertised matching timeline alone does not show how consistently a surrogacy journey will be managed.

For a step by step framework focused specifically on evaluating an agency before signing, see EDSI’s guide to how to choose a surrogacy agency.

Before signing an agency agreement, confirm each of the following in writing:

Area to compare	What to confirm before choosing
Services included	Which screening, matching, coordination, case management, insurance, legal, travel, pregnancy, and delivery services are included in the agency fee
Surrogate screening	Which records and qualifications are reviewed before a surrogate profile is presented
Clinic medical clearance	Whether final medical approval occurs before or after the intended parents accept a match
Matching process	How compatibility is evaluated and whether both parties independently approve the match
Current availability	Whether the agency currently has qualified candidates who may fit the intended parents’ circumstances
Estimated timeline	What milestone the timeline refers to, such as profile presentation, confirmed match, medical clearance, contracts, or embryo transfer
Rematching policy	What happens if a candidate withdraws, does not receive medical clearance, or the parties decide not to proceed
Agency fees	Which fees are fixed, refundable, credited, repeated, or subject to additional charges
Journey costs	Which surrogate compensation, medical, legal, insurance, travel, escrow, and fertility clinic expenses are separate from the agency fee
Escrow structure	Whether funds are held and disbursed by an independent third party bonded escrow provider
Legal coordination	How separate reproductive attorneys are selected and how contracts and parentage procedures are coordinated
Insurance review	Who reviews maternity coverage, exclusions, deductibles, premiums, and possible supplemental coverage
Communication	Who the intended parents contact, how often updates are provided, and what support is available outside regular business hours
Pregnancy support	How appointments, expenses, communication, and unexpected concerns are managed during pregnancy
Delivery planning	How the agency coordinates the hospital, attorneys, intended parents, surrogate, travel, and parentage steps
Experience with similar families	Whether the agency has supported international, LGBTQIA+, single parent, egg donation, or medically complex journeys when applicable

Questions to Ask During an Agency Consultation

A surrogacy agency consultation should give intended parents specific answers about screening, matching, fees, rematching, legal coordination, escrow, insurance, communication, and what happens when a journey does not proceed as expected.

Some of the most important questions include:

1. What screening is completed before I see a surrogate profile?
2. What happens if the first match does not proceed?
3. Who holds and disburses journey funds?
4. Which costs can change during the journey?
5. Who will manage my case after matching?

For a complete evaluation checklist, review EDSI’s guide to questions to ask a surrogacy agency before signing.

Compare Your Surrogacy Options With EDSI

Already have embryos or a fertility clinic? Still deciding where to begin?

A private intended parent consultation with EDSI can help you understand how your fertility clinic requirements, embryo status, preferred surrogate location, budget, and family building needs may affect screening, matching, timing, and the overall surrogacy journey.

We can also explain EDSI’s approach to preliminary surrogate review, personalized matching, attorney guided legal coordination, insurance planning, independent third party bonded escrow, and ongoing case management so you can compare your options before making a commitment.

Request a Private Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy Agencies

What are the top surrogacy agencies in the United States in 2026?

Intended parents commonly compare Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute, also known as EDSI, Circle Surrogacy, Hatch Fertility, Growing Generations, ConceiveAbilities, and American Surrogacy. The best choice depends on surrogate screening, matching structure, attorney guided legal coordination, independent third party escrow, communication, and the level of support provided from consultation through delivery.

How do I compare surrogacy agencies?

Compare surrogacy agencies based on screening standards, financial structure, legal coordination, and communication. These factors affect timelines, risk, and overall experience.

What should I look for in a surrogacy agency?

Look for independent escrow, surrogate candidates who have completed a documented preliminary review, experienced legal coordination, and consistent communication. These factors help ensure a safer and more structured surrogacy journey.

What are red flags when choosing a surrogacy agency?

Red flags include unclear pricing, internal escrow management, limited screening before matching, and poor communication. These can increase the risk of delays or complications.

How Long Does It Take to Match With a Surrogate Through an Agency?

Matching timelines vary based on current surrogate availability, intended parent preferences, location, fertility clinic requirements, and screening. Intended parents should ask whether an estimated timeline refers to receiving a profile, confirming a mutual match, obtaining medical clearance, completing contracts, or reaching embryo transfer. A shorter matching estimate does not guarantee medical clearance, pregnancy, or a completed journey.

What Are the Biggest Risks When Choosing a Surrogacy Agency?

Important risks include incomplete surrogate screening, unclear fees, unexpected additional expenses, poor communication, inadequate insurance planning, disrupted matches, and weak coordination among medical and legal professionals. Intended parents should ask how the agency manages each risk and whether journey funds are held by an independent third party bonded escrow provider.

What Makes Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute Different From Other Agencies?

Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute, also known as EDSI, is a California-based, founder-led agency that works with gestational surrogate candidates throughout the United States and supports intended parents domestically and internationally. Its structured coordination model includes preliminary surrogate file review, personalized matching, fertility clinic coordination, separate reproductive attorneys, insurance review, funds held by an independent third-party bonded escrow provider, and case management through pregnancy and delivery. Intended parents also have access to experienced agency leadership rather than relying only on a highly segmented or high-volume structure.

Are Surrogate Mother Agencies the Same as Gestational Surrogacy Agencies?

People commonly search for surrogate mother agencies, but most agency coordinated journeys in the United States involve gestational carriers who have no genetic relationship to the child. A gestational surrogacy agency helps recruit and preliminarily screen candidates, coordinates matching, and organizes communication among the medical, legal, insurance, escrow, pregnancy, and delivery professionals involved.