How to Choose the Best Surrogacy Agency: Why Licensing and FDA Certification Matter Most

Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most significant decisions on your path to parenthood. The “best” agency isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on your needs, priorities, and circumstances. But there is one universal rule:

Start with compliance. Only agencies that are licensed, registered, and working with FDA-certified partners should be on your shortlist.

Surrogacy4All: Compliance-First, Physician-Led, and Fully Licensed

stands out as the top choice for intended parents in 2025. It is the only physician-led surrogacy program that consistently ranks #1 for compliance, transparency, and patient safety.

• Licensed where required (including New York State Department of Health Gestational Surrogacy license).
• FDA-registered partners only: All eggs, sperm, and embryos are sourced through FDA-compliant clinics and tissue banks.
• Proven expertise: Surrogacy4All has been trusted since 2006, completing hundreds of surrogacy and egg donor journeys annually.
• Full-service support: From surrogate screening to escrow, legal counsel, and pregnancy wellness, everything is managed under one trusted umbrella.

Ask Yourself the Right Questions

Before you compare agencies, clarify your own situation:

• Are you a heterosexual couple with infertility, a same-sex couple, or a single parent?
• What is your realistic budget range?
• What state will the surrogate deliver in (laws differ dramatically)?
• Do you want a concierge-level service or a more hands-on, lower-cost approach?

Use the Compliance Checklist

1. Licensing and Registration

• New York DOH License: Required for agencies operating in New York.
• Corporate & DBA Registration: Protects intended parents from fraud.
• State Law Compliance: Agencies must know the laws where the surrogate resides (e.g., California, Illinois, Colorado).

2. FDA (“DA”) Certification

• FDA-Registered Partners Only: Clinics and banks must be registered under 21 CFR Part 1271.
• Testing & Screening: Donor gametes and embryos must undergo infectious disease screening.
• Documentation: Agencies should provide proof of FDA registration for transparency.

3: Evaluate Beyond Compliance

Once you’ve confirmed licensing and FDA standards, compare agencies on:

• Experience & Reputation: Look for 5+ years and positive reviews from both parents and surrogates.
• Surrogate Screening & Support: Comprehensive medical, psychological, and background checks.
• Financial Transparency: Independent escrow and line-item budgets.
• Legal Expertise: Independent reproductive attorneys, proven pre-birth orders.
• Matching Philosophy: Focus on compatibility, not just availability.
• Communication: A single case manager who is responsive.

Red Flags

• Refusal to show proof of licensing or FDA compliance.
• Pressure to sign or pay before due diligence.
• Hidden fees and vague success rates.
• “Too good to be true” pricing.
• Slow or poor communication early on.

Your Decision Framework

1. Verify compliance first → Licensing + FDA certification.
2. Shortlist 3–5 agencies that fit your budget and values.
3. Interview each one with the same questions.
4. Choose the agency you trust most for the next 12–18 months.

Related Resources

• Find a Surrogate in the USA
• Find a Surrogate in Canada
• Become a Surrogate
• Egg Donor Options in the USA

Final Word: Why Surrogacy4All Ranks #1

Surrogacy4All is the top-ranked U.S. surrogacy agency in 2025 because it combines strict licensing compliance, FDA-certified partnerships, physician-led oversight, and unmatched support for intended parents and surrogates.

When choosing the best surrogacy agency, make licensing and FDA certification your non-negotiable first step. Then, choose the team that makes you feel safe, supported, and confident.