What Agencies Match On
Agencies match intended parents and surrogates based on alignment across several dimensions: geographic preference (some IPs want a surrogate in their home state; others are flexible), level of desired contact during and after the pregnancy, views on selective reduction and termination (these must be aligned and are documented in the GCA), personal values and lifestyle compatibility, and communication style preferences.
Reviewing Surrogate Profiles
A surrogate profile typically includes: age and health history, prior pregnancy and delivery records (number, complications, C-sections), family situation, employment, lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, BMI), motivations for becoming a surrogate, desired level of contact with intended parents, and views on selective reduction and termination.
When reviewing a profile, pay attention to alignment on the sensitive topics — contact expectations and selective reduction — as much as the health history. A mismatch on values is harder to navigate than a medical complexity that can be managed.
The First Meeting
The first meeting (almost always a video call) is an opportunity to assess connection and confirm alignment on key topics. Come prepared with questions, and be open about your own situation and expectations. Key topics to discuss: how involved do you want to be during the pregnancy, what is her preference for birth support, how does she envision contact after the birth, and does she have any concerns she wants to raise?
After You Match
Once both parties confirm the match, a match agreement is signed, the surrogate undergoes fertility clinic medical evaluation, and legal contract negotiations begin. Both parties retain independent attorneys who negotiate and draft the GCA. The timeline from match confirmation to signed GCA is typically 3–6 weeks.
Don't rush the match because you're eager to start. The right match — where values are genuinely aligned — makes everything that follows easier.