Surrogate Tips: 6 Questions To Ask a Surrogacy Agency

Considering becoming a surrogate? Unsure of where to start or what to do? Don’t worry—we get it! There is a lot of information about surrogacy available nowadays, and it can all become a little overwhelming. 

To start, you should try to find an agency that fits your needs—physically, emotionally, and financially. Finding the right agency for you is incredibly important. The decision to help someone else grow their dream family is a courageous and generous one. Anyone who embarks on this journey deserves to have a team of specialists on their side, guiding them through it. Here at Circle, you can expect top-tier support from the moment you submit your application up to and beyond the birth of the baby. Making sure you are going to be valued and cared for should be one of your top priorities. 

Here are some questions to ask about surrogacy at any agency you might be considering!

How do I get started to become a surrogate?

The first step at most agencies will be to fill out an application to become a surrogate. Here at Circle, our online form takes about 10 minutes. Once completed, you will be contacted within 1 to 2 business days with the next steps. 

We will then connect you with a Surrogate Advisor during the application process. Your personal advisor will guide you through the surrogate screening process and even help you find the right intended parent match when the time comes. 

What are the requirements to be a surrogate?

Surrogate requirements can vary between agencies and IVF clinics. At Circle, we follow the guidance of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Our successful surrogate applicants:

• Have delivered a child of their own

• Are between 21 to 42 years of age

• Do not participate in certain government aid programs, including cash assistance, welfare, public housing, or Section 8. All other forms of government assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Typically have a body mass index (BMI) no higher than 33

• Live in a surrogate-friendly state in the United States (we are very sorry, but we cannot accept gestational carriers who reside in Nebraska or Louisiana)

• Have the support of family and friends

• Do not use illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, or abuse alcohol 

View our full list of surrogate requirements.

What happens after I get accepted as a surrogate?

After being accepted as a surrogate, you’ll be introduced to a program coordinator and a licensed mental health professional from the surrogate support team. Both will be with you throughout your journey, providing guidance at every step, managing the process, and ensuring everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Here at Circle, we also have many staff members who are experienced surrogates and are always willing to share their personal surrogacy experiences with you and answer any questions you have. 

Do I get a say in who I help?

This will vary depending on the agency. At Circle, the answer is yes! Our MatchMade™ process is an integrated approach to the critical matchmaking step. We help all kinds of families who are looking for surrogates, including married couples, single parents, same-sex couples, domestic and international couples, and single people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. We have parents who are hoping to add to their families and others who are having a child for the first time.

During the screening process, you will let your Surrogate Advisor know who you want to match with, and we will prioritize your requests. 

What will I be compensated?

Circle offers a comprehensive benefits package for all surrogates. As a surrogate, you have the ability to customize your benefits and how you'll use your payments. Surrogate compensation varies depending on your state of residence, whether you've been a surrogate before, and the terms outlined in your Carrier Agreement (the contract between you and your intended parents).

Learn more about Circle’s surrogate pay and benefits. 

Why should I choose Circle? 

We are a full-service agency committed to being with you every step of the way. We promise to educate, guide, and support you throughout the entire process.

With Circle, you also have the added security of knowing that many of us on the Circle team are experienced surrogates ourselves, so we understand firsthand how rewarding—and at times complex—this journey can be. That’s why we’re always eager to share our experiences and answer any questions you may have.

Our two-way matching process, MatchMade™, ensures we find the best fit for both you and your intended parents. From the moment you begin your research, through pregnancy, delivery, and beyond, we provide extensive support. By becoming a surrogate with Circle, you’re joining a community of hundreds of remarkable women who have helped build families. With nearly 30 years of experience, we’ve successfully navigated almost every situation.

At Circle, our dedication to our surrogates is unmatched. We offer an exclusive private social community for surrogates to connect with each other, as well as a dedicated mental health professional to ensure you feel supported and heard throughout every part of your surrogacy. We’ll guide you through the journey, help smooth out any bumps along the way and celebrate with you when we reach the finish line. Everyone at Circle is fully committed to supporting you and your journey.

Ready to get started? Complete our quick application.