Start with the contract
Some agencies require intended parents to search exclusively with them for a defined period. Others allow non-exclusive registration or may only charge a fee once a match is accepted. Before paying or signing, look specifically for exclusivity, refund, cancellation, and matching provisions.
Potential advantages
- Exposure to more recruitment pipelines.
- Less dependence on one agency's current inventory.
- More ability to compare candidate fit and compensation expectations.
Potential problems
- The same surrogate may appear through more than one provider.
- Agencies may have different screening standards.
- You may pay multiple non-refundable fees.
- Coordination can become confusing once a match is identified.
- An exclusivity clause may prohibit the strategy entirely.
A cleaner alternative: broader search without multiple full commitments
Some intended parents use a wider matching or referral model to view candidates from multiple sources before selecting the provider or coordination structure for the journey. The important point is to understand who is responsible for screening, medical records, legal coordination, escrow, insurance and case management after the match.
Questions to ask before signing
- Am I allowed to search with other agencies?
- Which fees are refundable if I match elsewhere?
- Can I pause or cancel without penalty?
- How many active candidates are actually available now?
- What happens if the same surrogate is introduced by two providers?