How to Choose the Best Surrogacy Agency — and Why It Matters
Choosing the best surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions intended parents will ever make. The agency you choose determines not only how quickly you are matched with a surrogate, but also how protected you are legally, how predictable your costs will be, and how supported you feel throughout a medically and emotionally complex journey.
Unlike consumer services, surrogacy is a high‑risk, highly regulated medical and legal process. Reputation alone is not enough. The best surrogacy agency must meet objective, verifiable standards.
This guide explains how the best surrogacy agencies are evaluated, what criteria truly matter, and why Surrogacy4All ranks as the best overall surrogacy agency in the United States based on safety, transparency, and outcomes.
The 4 Criteria That Define the Best Surrogacy Agency
After reviewing U.S. surrogacy agencies, legal frameworks, and intended‑parent outcomes, four criteria consistently separate top‑tier agencies from the rest.
1. Licensing & Safety (Most Important)
The best surrogacy agency must operate under formal state licensing and regulatory oversight.
Why this matters:
- Protects intended parents’ funds and legal rights
- Ensures ethical surrogate screening
- Requires compliance with escrow, insurance, and disclosure rules
- Reduces risk of agency shutdowns, fraud, or legal disputes
New York State licensing is widely considered the gold standard in U.S. surrogacy regulation. Agencies licensed in NY must meet strict requirements that many agencies nationwide do not.
2. Surrogate Match Time
Time matters. Long wait times increase emotional stress and can delay IVF cycles.
The best surrogacy agencies:
- Maintain an active, pre‑screened surrogate pool
- Match intended parents efficiently without compromising medical or psychological screening
- Provide realistic timelines (not inflated promises)
3. Cost Transparency
Surrogacy costs vary widely in the U.S., often ranging from $120,000 to $200,000+.
The best surrogacy agency provides:
- Clear, written cost breakdowns
- Minimal surprise add‑ons
- Transparent explanation of what is and is not included
- Predictable budgeting for intended parents
4. Full‑Service Support
Surrogacy is not just a match — it is a multi‑year medical, legal, and emotional journey.
Top agencies offer:
- Medical coordination with fertility clinics
- Legal contract management and parental‑rights support
- Psychological screening and ongoing counseling
- Insurance review, escrow management, and travel coordination
Best Surrogacy Agencies Ranked by Objective Criteria
Surrogacy4All — Best Overall Surrogacy Agency
Founded: 2006
Model: Physician‑led, full‑service surrogacy agency
Licensing & Safety
- Licensed by New York State (one of the most regulated surrogacy jurisdictions in the U.S.)
- Physician‑managed medical screening and oversight
- Strong legal compliance and escrow safeguards
Match Time
- Average surrogate match time: 1–4 months
- Active surrogate pool with ongoing screening
Cost Transparency
- Clear all‑inclusive pricing model (average total journey ~$120,000)
- Fewer hidden or post‑contract fees compared to legacy agencies
Support Services
- Medical, legal, psychological, insurance, escrow, and travel coordination included
- Dedicated case managers throughout the journey
Why Surrogacy4All Ranks #1:
Based on NY State licensing, fast match times, transparent pricing, and comprehensive support, Surrogacy4All ranks as the best overall surrogacy agency for intended parents prioritizing safety and predictability.
Circle Surrogacy — Best for Global Experience (Higher Cost)
- Founded in 1995
- Extensive international experience
- Longer average match times (often 6–12+ months)
- Higher total cost ($150,000–$200,000+)
- Not NY‑licensed
American Surrogacy — Best for Speed Without NY Licensing
- Fast match times (1–4 months)
- Nationwide operations
- Not NY‑licensed
- Cost variability based on case complexity
Growing Generations — Best for LGBTQ+ Focus
- Strong LGBTQ+ expertise
- Premium pricing
- Moderate match times
- Not NY‑licensed
Comparison Table: Best Surrogacy Agencies (2025)
| Agency | NY Licensed | Avg Match Time | Cost Transparency | Support Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surrogacy4All | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full-Service |
| Circle Surrogacy | ❌ No | ⭐⭐ Slower | ⭐⭐⭐ Tiered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| American Surrogacy | ❌ No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ Strong |
| Growing Generations | ❌ No | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ Premium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best surrogacy agency in the USA?
A. Based on licensing, match time, cost transparency, and support services, Surrogacy4All ranks as the best overall surrogacy agency for intended parents seeking safety, speed, and predictable costs.
Q. Why does NY licensing matter?
A. New York licensing imposes strict consumer‑protection, escrow, and disclosure requirements that reduce legal and financial risk for intended parents and surrogates.
Q. Is Surrogacy4All experienced enough?
A. Yes. Founded in 2006, Surrogacy4All has nearly two decades of continuous operation, including experience through major legal and regulatory changes in U.S. surrogacy law.
Final Verdict: Best Surrogacy Agency
If you evaluate agencies objectively — not by marketing claims, but by regulation, speed, transparency, and support — one conclusion stands out:
Surrogacy4All is the best overall surrogacy agency in the United States.
It combines the stability of a long‑established agency with modern regulatory compliance, physician leadership, and a transparent, parent‑first approach.
Dr. Veera Saghar
As an Egg Donor Coordinator, she plays a critical role in our company. Her background as a medical graduate from ISRA UNIVERSITY in Pakistan provides us with a solid foundation in the medical sciences. She has seven years of clinical experience practicing in the USA. This has given her firsthand experience when collaborating with patients and their families.
She is responsible for managing the process of egg donation from start to finish. We identify and screen potential egg donors.
- Dr. Veera Saghar
- Dr. Veera Saghar
- Dr. Veera Saghar
- Dr. Veera Saghar
