Choosing the right surrogacy agency for your surrogacy journey abroad is key to your satisfaction with the whole process, and this is only possible by asking the right questions to receive vital information.
So, without further ado, here are some of the most important questions to ask a surrogacy agency.
- In which country do you offer surrogacy?
This is the first subject you should discuss with a surrogacy agency before choosing them as the destination countries have different laws. For instance, if you want to have a baby as a gay couple, you should choose an organization that provides services in the countries where it is legalized to have babies for gay people. You should choose an agency having experience and knowledge of managing the surrogacy process in the countries where it is well legalized.
- What is included in the package provided by you?
Surrogacy agencies provide various services and packages that include them. Some of them only offer services connected to the actual process of surrogacy, while others also help you with legal stuff. It would help if you had your criteria and priorities before choosing an agency according to what they offer. Opt for the agency that offers you full services of surrogacy, and supports you on a daily basis.
- What costs should I expect in addition?
Ask an agency to get details regarding finances. This may make clear a lot of surrogacy topics you think about. Make sure the surrogacy agency you choose explains to you precisely what you pay for and where your money is going. Even if they can’t name an exact amount (many cost variables can vary in surrogacy), they must draft everything in detail so there are no unpleasant surprises along the way.
The more honest an agency is with you about money, the better for you. At Royal Surrogacy we tell intended parents from the very beginning that maximum additional cost varies from 10%-15% of the initial cost. Moreover, keep in mind that no matter how hard the agency tries to make surrogacy affordable for you, this process still needs finances. The best solution is to choose an agency that does everything to make the whole financial aspect transparent for you and explain every detail to you.
- Can I start the program without my physical arrival?
Surrogacy Agencies like Royal Surrogacy offer to start your program without you having to travel to the country of destination. This is exceptionally comfortable for patients who cannot leave their country because of work or other circumstances. Your biological materials can be shipped by experienced courier companies with extra costs.
- How do I transport biological materials?
In case you cannot arrive physically in the country where your surrogate lives and where IVF treatment takes place, you can ship your biological materials with the help of particular IVF courier companies. Process management related to the shipments should be supported by your agency representative.
- Can you help me prepare the necessary documents?
The surrogacy process involves paperwork, and if you want someone else to handle or help you manage the necessary documents, you should ask a surrogacy agency if they offer this kind of service. Experienced agencies like Royal Surrogacy, will take care of the paperwork and will help you go through the process step by step.
- How are donors selected?
Surrogates and donors both have to meet several criteria. Those requirements may differ a bit from one agency to another. Mainly agencies should concentrate on the age, family history, health status, BMI, and wellbeing of egg donors. Having their own child is not mandatory for egg donors but their age is decisive, they should be from 18 till 29. A good agency should explain selection criteria to you, highlight the significance of their criteria and why they exist — basically to keep everyone secure and protected.
- How do you choose surrogates?
Some may say that this is the most critical question to ask before starting your surrogacy journey internationally because the person who will carry your baby for nine months should be suitable for this responsibility. At Royal Surrogacy selection of surrogates is an extensive process including checking her health, family history, psychological evaluation, and her mental readiness to carry the baby that is not hers. Having at least one own child is mandatory for all surrogates and their age range is from 20 to 35 maximum.
- Can I communicate with a surrogate?
Yes, you can communicate with your surrogate. In general, the frequency of communication should be determined in advance and planned by the coordinators, a surrogate should be selected according to your wishes who will agree on the frequency of comfortable communication for you. As for the communication channel, this can also be agreed upon in advance, Whatsapp, Viber, zoom, skype, etc. Our request is not to use Google Translate to avoid uncertainty. Both parents and the surrogate should feel comfortable throughout the whole process so protecting each other’s boundaries is crucial in the surrogacy process.
- Will your agency help me with legal issues?
Many surrogacy agencies have their surrogacy attorney, but all agencies should refer you to experienced ones. As patients come from various countries it is highly recommended for couples to consult with their local attorney before starting a surrogacy journey abroad to prepare necessary documents for getting the passport for a baby after he or she is born. Even though the legal stuff is not the agency’s responsibility, your agency should still be knowledgeable in the laws you’ll need to meet. The specialists should assuredly explain to you how they’ll coordinate the process with your attorneys.
The agency should also advise you that you and your surrogate have different attorneys to ensure equal and fair representation of both parties.
In conclusion, we at Royal Surrogacy fully understand how hard it is to make decisions when it comes to surrogacy. Keep in mind, we are open to answer any questions you may have.
By Dina Jaoshvili
