When choosing an agency to work with as a GS, what questions would you say are a must to ask?
On the top of my head I know I should ask about how the agency will communicate with the hospital to prepare them for a surrogacy delivery making sure the staff is informed and hopefully accepting.
Communication is really important to me. I want to make sure that the agency will not keep me or my IPs in the dark and that they will show some compassion if things go awry. Like a last min. cancelled cycle or a failed one or a miscarriage.
For some reason I feel like I am just drawing a blank here. I know there are many important issues I need to make sure I ask. It's so important to me to see how they will respond to my questions. I hope it will give me a good feel as to how they deal with their current GS and IPs alike.
Reply by Rayven
Well, the first question you need to ask is what services beyond matching does the agency offer. Many agencies only match surrogates and intended parents. Some go a step further and offer suggestions on lawyers and clinics, or handle escrow. But it sounds as though you are looking for a full-service agency.
I would ask the following questions:
1. If I sign up with your agency, is this an exclusive contract, or may I match independently or through another agency while working with you? If this is an exclusive agreement, how long is the agreement?
2. May I use my own attorney or must I use the one you provide?
3. May I set/alter my own fees or must I conform to the agency's fees?
4. Do you facilitate communication between myself and my attorney? Myself and the clinic? Myself and the hospital?
5. What services beyond matching do you offer for surrogates?
I have not had an agency facilitate communication between me and my attorney, doctor, clinic or hospital. I've done that on my own, and honestly, for me personally, I prefer it that way. If there was a cancelled cycle, the clinic would call me. If there was a problem with the hospital, the attorney would take care of it.
So its important to realize that not every agency does these things. Each one is different, and it will be important for you to interview them to find out just what types of assistance they provide.
Some agencies have monthly get-togethers for their surrogates, do home visits, have weekly conference calls, and annual reunions. Others do not.
After you've interviewed potential agencies to find the ones that offer the service levels you'd like, I would suggest asking for references from other surrogate mothers willing to speak to you. Ask what their experience has been with a particular agency, and go from there.
