8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Surrogacy Agency in Oklahoma
Whether you are a woman eager to become a surrogate mother, or you are seeking to expand your family through surrogacy, it’s important to work with a surrogacy agency that best fits your needs. When you can fully trust your surrogacy agency to meet your expectations, the surrogacy process will go much more smoothly for everyone involved. At Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma, we want you to get the most out of your surrogacy experience so you can look back on it with no regrets. That’s why we are suggesting this list of things to consider when choosing a surrogacy agency in Oklahoma.
- How Long has the Surrogacy Agency been in Business?
Knowing that the surrogacy agency you are working with is well established can serve as a testament to the agency’s stability as well as experience and expertise in the surrogacy industry. This can provide both surrogates and intended parents with the reassurance they need to confidently navigate the surrogacy process.
- Is the Surrogacy Agency Reputable?
Does the surrogacy agency have a high rate of successful matches over a long period of time? Is the agency’s staff properly credentialed and highly knowledgeable about surrogacy? Are staff members empathetic and understanding toward intended parents and surrogates? Is the agency transparent about how it conducts business? Are the needs and concerns of the surrogates and intended parents addressed in a timely fashion? Has the agency been subject to any litigation over the years? Make sure to carefully research the quality and client satisfaction of the agencies you are considering so you can answer these and other questions you may have about the agency’s reputation.
- Should I Choose a Bigger or Smaller Surrogacy Agency?
While the size of your surrogacy agency won’t guarantee the quality of your surrogacy experience, you should weigh the pros and cons of choosing a larger agency versus a smaller agency. A benefit of choosing a larger agency is that it will likely have a larger pool of resources to meet your needs. However, smaller agencies tend to make the experience more personalized and often respond in a more timely manner.
- What does the Surrogacy Agency’s Screening Process Entail?
For intended parents, it is of the utmost importance that the agency performs a thorough screening of prospective surrogates as well as any egg or sperm donors to ensure the highest chances of success. Be sure that the agency’s screening process rigorously evaluates a surrogate’s physical and mental health, motivations for pursuing surrogacy, lifestyle choices, and criminal background or lack thereof. Additionally, prospective surrogates need to make sure that the agency is capable of addressing any questions or concerns they may have, so they can be assured that they are making an informed decision.
- How does the Surrogacy Agency Handle Costs and Payments?
As a surrogate, you want to make sure that the agency you are working with will provide you with adequate compensation to cover your surrogacy costs so you don’t have to bear any financial burden during your pregnancy. Intended parents will want to determine whether the agency can assist them in affording surrogacy expenses. They may want the surrogacy agency to help them find an insurance plan that will cover medical expenses, or they might want the agency to guide them toward other sources of financial assistance. They will also want to know how the agency distributes payments to the surrogate as well as if there are any hidden costs they should be aware of.
- Will the Surrogacy Agency Facilitate Relationships between Intended Parents and Surrogates?
It is important to many surrogates and intended parents to establish some kind of relationship with each other and maintain a certain level of contact. Such relationships can provide everyone involved in the process with a strong support system that can make the process go more smoothly. These relationships can also be meaningful to both surrogates and intended parents long after they complete the surrogacy process.
- Does This Surrogacy Agency Offer Legal Services?
Knowing and protecting your rights throughout the surrogacy process is critical for a successful experience. You can benefit from taking advantage of your surrogacy agency’s legal services to stay informed of your rights and responsibilities. If the agency does not offer legal services, find out if they will at least help you locate and afford high-quality legal representation. Of course, you should compare the agency’s legal services with any independent legal services you are considering.
- Are Counseling Services Available at This Surrogacy Agency?
In addition to fully understanding your legal rights and responsibilities in the surrogacy process, you also need to be informed about other aspects of the surrogacy process. Examples of such aspects include the following: the emotional impacts of the pregnancy; the physical effects of fertility treatments; the time it takes to successfully complete the surrogacy process; and how much it will cost to go through the surrogacy process. If the experience proves to be more emotional than you anticipated, you may benefit from any counseling services that the agency offers.
What are You Looking for in Your Surrogacy Agency?
Choosing the right surrogacy agency can make your surrogacy journey everything you were hoping for. It is wise to consider multiple agencies to ensure that you will truly get the best experience you can find. If you are considering surrogacy in Oklahoma, remember to consider Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma in your search. We will ensure that your surrogacy experience fulfills your dreams of expanding your family or helping someone else become a parent.
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
Meet the Author: Mary DeStefano is an Ohio native currently living in northern Virginia and works in the litigation consulting industry where she has experience in antitrust, product liability, and mass torts matters. She holds a B.A. in Economics (‘15) and an M.A. in Applied Economics (‘16) from the University of Cincinnati.
Mary finds great meaning in wielding the written word to develop impactful narratives and to help people stay informed. In her spare time, Mary can be found beachcombing and going on other adventures with her dog along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She also has an affinity for antiquing and loves a good 80’s movie marathon.
