Intended Parents frequently question whether they are better off trying to find and manage their own surrogate versus using an agency.
The table below will provide guidance:
Here’s a breakdown of key factors comparing agency-managed and independent surrogacies. This table is based on average estimates, reported data, and industry insights.
| Aspect | Agency-Managed Surrogacy | Independent Surrogacy |
|---|---|---|
| Success Rate (Live Births) | 90–99%* | 50–85%* |
Cost |
$90,000–$150,000+ | $80,000–$140,000+ |
Screening & Matching |
Comprehensive and managed by the agency | Responsibility of intended parents |
Legal Support |
Included (contracts, compliance with laws) | Must hire separate attorneys for all parties |
Emotional Support |
Provided (counseling, mediation, and coordination) | Limited or self-arranged |
Medical Coordination |
Fully coordinated by the agency | Responsibility of intended parents |
Risk of Legal/Medical Issues |
Low (agency ensures compliance) | Moderate to High (requires personal oversight) |
Flexibility |
Limited (agency handles contracts, procedures) | High (parents control arrangements directly) |
Notes:
- Success Rate:Â Agency-managed surrogacy success rates are often higher due to thorough surrogate screening, monitoring, and professional support throughout the process. Independent arrangements may face challenges, especially without medical or legal expertise frequently resulting in much lower sucess rates.
- Cost Savings by finding your own surrogate without an agency: Agency fees are typically around $33,000 for agency fees due to comprehensive services. Independent surrogacy reduces agency fees to $0. Still, Intended Parents need to add back fees that the agency agreement includes of about $10,000 to cover Medical Pre-Screening: Perform preliminary medical evaluations to determine physical suitability, Psychological Evaluation to ensure the candidate is prepared for the journey, and Criminal Background Checks, They average about $2,500 per surrogate and we typically screen about four surrogates of which only one qualifies. Also, add costs to set up and manage escrow accounts of $2,000 and surrogate management and support fees of $2,000 per month during pregnancy.
- Subtracting these $30,000 in expenses from the surrogacy agency fee of $33,000, results in a net saving of $3,000. The question an Intended Parent needs to ask if saving $3,000 in fees is worth the hidden costs of managing pregnancy complications, cost of finding and screening surrogates, long delays in find the right surrogate, and then the headaches of dealing with the numerous minor and major issues the surrogate will always raise during her pregnanacy cycle.
- Screening:Â Agencies ensure surrogates meet psychological, medical, and lifestyle criteria. Independent surrogacy requires intended parents to organize and verify these details
- Independent surrogacy’s lack of professional oversight can lead to higher failure costs. This includes failed surrogate screenings, legal disputes due to improperly executed contracts, and unexpected medical costs due to unverified surrogate health conditions.
This comparison should help evaluate which option aligns with your needs, resources, and comfort level.
If you’d like specific examples or regional variations, let me know!
Wish you all success in yor journey to have a beautiful healthy baby.