What a good program provides
Independent legal counsel
A separate attorney representing only you, paid for by the intended parents.
Escrow-based payments
Compensation held by a neutral third party, not direct from intended parents.
Dedicated medical insurance
A clear, verified policy covering pregnancy-related care.
Real case management
A responsive coordinator who answers questions throughout, not just during sign-up.
Mutual matching
You have a genuine say in who you’re matched with — never assigned without input.
Mental health support
Access to counseling before, during, and after the journey, not just a one-time screening.
Questions worth asking before you sign up
- Is my compensation held in escrow, and who manages it?
- Will I have my own independent attorney, and who pays for them?
- What does the matching process actually look like, step by step?
- What support exists if a transfer doesn’t work, or something goes differently than planned?
- How many completed journeys has this program facilitated?
Red flags to watch for
- Pressure to sign quickly, or vague answers about compensation structure
- No mention of independent legal representation
- Payments made directly by intended parents rather than through escrow
- Lack of clarity about which state’s surrogacy laws apply
- No licensed mental health screening as part of the process
“A program that’s confident in how it operates will answer every one of these questions clearly, without hesitation.”