For intended parents, embarking on a surrogacy journey is both deeply personal and legally complex. Amid the contracts, clinics, and consultations, what they crave most is trust—trust in the agency, trust in the process, and trust in the person carrying their child.
That trust begins with transparency. When an agency is clear from the start—about financial structures, timelines, risks, emotional support systems, and legal procedures—it gives intended parents something to lean on. They don’t need guarantees (because in this field, there are few), but they do need to feel that no one is keeping quiet about hard truths.
Transparency also extends to the surrogate match itself. Intended parents appreciate candid discussions around preferences, values, and even potential challenges. When all parties feel safe asking questions and sharing concerns before the match is finalized, the groundwork for a resilient relationship is already being laid.
In short, transparency isn’t a courtesy—it’s a necessity. And agencies that prioritize it are the ones intended parents remember and recommend.

Finally, surrogates often talk about the emotional complexity of the experience—how deeply rewarding and uniquely challenging it can be.
They may experience unexpected feelings of grief, guilt, or even loss after delivery—not because they want to keep the baby, but because something profoundly intimate has ended. What they need is reassurance that the agency and the family will still be there—if only to say “thank you” or check in.
Emotional aftercare matters. It closes the loop. It validates the magnitude of the gift given. And it helps surrogates transition into life post-surrogacy with pride, peace, and support.

Legal agreements can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time surrogates. What surrogates want is someone who will stand beside them—who will make sure their rights are protected and their voice is heard.
Agencies play a vital role here. Ensuring that surrogates have independent legal counsel, that contracts are explained in plain language, and that surrogates never feel rushed to sign—these steps build long-term trust and reduce the risk of conflict later.
Legal protection isn’t just about terms; it’s about being respected as an equal party in the process.

Being matched with a family is a moment filled with anticipation—and sometimes nerves. Surrogates want to feel that the agency is acting in everyone’s best interest, not just trying to “make a match.”
They want transparency: Who is this couple? What are their expectations? Are their values aligned with mine? Do they see me as a partner or just a provider?
When a match is based on more than logistics—when it’s grounded in shared intentions and mutual respect—surrogates feel more secure stepping into it. The connection becomes a collaboration, not a contract.

Many surrogates choose this path because they loved being pregnant and want to help others experience that joy. But the journey is very different from carrying for yourself.
Surrogates value thorough screening—not because they’re afraid to “pass” or “fail,” but because they want reassurance that they’re truly ready. They appreciate counseling that helps them reflect on how their children might respond, how they’ll handle attachment, or how they’ll navigate postpartum emotions.
Being fully prepared, both physically and emotionally, gives surrogates the confidence they need. And when agencies take the time to help them get there, that confidence becomes resilience.

Compensation is never the only motivator—but it’s an important part of feeling respected and protected. Surrogates want to know exactly what they’ll receive, when, and how. Ambiguity breeds anxiety.
That’s why it’s essential for agencies to walk surrogates through the compensation and benefits package early in the process—before legal review begins. This conversation provides a clear breakdown of fees, allowances, and reimbursements, helping surrogates fully understand what they’re agreeing to before the legal contract is even drafted.
When this level of transparency happens up front, surrogates feel informed and empowered—not just prepared to sign, but prepared to engage with the journey ahead.

Surrogates often ask, “What happens after I’m matched?” or “Who do I go to if something doesn’t feel right?” These questions are about safety and belonging.
They want to know the agency will check in regularly—not just when something’s wrong. They want to be guided through each step with transparency and patience, and to have someone available to listen, not just respond.
Clear expectations around contact, availability, and advocacy (especially during medical or emotional challenges) make a big difference. Surrogates want to feel like they have a true team behind them—not just during screening, but all the way through recovery.

Surrogates step into this journey with both heart and purpose, and what they often want most is to be treated not as a vessel, but as a whole person. From initial inquiry to post-delivery support, the surrogate’s individuality—her family life, communication style, values, and emotional needs—should be acknowledged and honored.
When agencies lead with curiosity and care, rather than just screening and checklists, surrogates feel valued. They’re more likely to trust the process, to speak up when something feels off, and to invest emotionally in a match that feels reciprocal. Respect fosters loyalty, openness, and, most importantly, well-being.

Surrogates don’t just carry a pregnancy—they carry the hopes, dreams, and trust of another family. Their journey is full of generosity, complexity, and often unseen emotional labor.
In this series, we explore what matters most from the surrogate’s perspective—from feeling respected as an individual to receiving clear communication, legal protection, and ongoing emotional support. These insights are based on years of listening to surrogates and learning what truly helps them feel empowered, valued, and safe throughout the process.
Whether you’re building or refining a surrogacy program, these reflections are meant to ground your approach in empathy and excellence.