How to Find a Surrogate: The Matching Process for IPs

While embarking on the intended parent (IP) journey, finding a surrogate is a significant milestone in the surrogacy process, and a lot goes into finding the right one. We are often asked, “How do I know I picked the right person?”

Fortunately, here at Hatch, we have an extensive and exceptional history with the success of our matches between surrogates and intended parents. This article for intended parents will introduce how we find the perfect surrogate match for you at Hatch.  

Using a Surrogacy Agency to Find a Surrogate

When it comes to finding a surrogate, many intended parents (IPs) prefer working with surrogacy agencies over independent matching, and for good reason. Surrogacy agencies offer a structured and comprehensive approach to the surrogacy journey, providing numerous benefits that simplify the process and offer peace of mind.

• Legal, medical, and emotional support
• Comprehensive packages
• Pre-vetted surrogates
• Facilitating a smooth matching process

By opting for a surrogacy agency, intended parents can navigate the complexities of the surrogacy journey with expert guidance and support, leading to a more positive and successful experience. At Hatch, we are one of the few agencies to offer all-inclusive pricing, to cover all surrogacy expenses under one flat fee. Next, we'll explore the intricacies of the matching process and how agencies ensure a seamless connection between IPs and surrogates.

The Matching Process

The surrogacy matching process is a carefully structured approach designed to ensure compatibility and success. This process typically involves a detailed assessment of both the IPs' and the surrogate's preferences, values, and expectations. By thoroughly vetting and matching surrogates with IPs who share aligned goals and characteristics, agencies can mitigate potential conflicts and enhance the overall experience. A structured matching process increases the chances of a successful surrogacy journey, fostering strong, supportive relationships and ensuring that all parties are well-prepared for any potential emotional or logistical challenges ahead.

Meet With Surrogate Match Specialist

Finding your surrogate match is an essential start to your surrogacy journey. Before you can be matched with a surrogate, you will work closely with your match specialist to discuss what you are looking for in your surrogacy journey.  

Here are some examples of questions you may be asked prior to matching:

•       Do you prefer a surrogate who lives near you?
•       What are the top qualities of a surrogate mother you are looking for?
•       What type of relationship or communication level do you expect to have with your surrogate?

At Hatch, your surrogacy coordinator will work closely with you to understand your wants and needs so we can recommend the most compatible matches. For your safety and peace of mind, everyone involved—from surrogates to intended parents—is pre-screened extensively before matching.

Pre-Screening for Surrogates

Our team reviews all surrogate applications thoroughly. Our surrogacy team comprises several experienced surrogates; they are the best at connecting with every applicant to talk through their answers on the application and answer any questions they might have. We get to know all the surrogate applicants well by talking to them about their motivation to become a surrogate, their family relationships, life experiences, support networks, expectations, and preferences. These conversations help to reduce the risk of future match breaks and disappointment for any party.

We thoroughly screen all our surrogates before matching them with an intended parent to ensure they meet our surrogacy requirements. The pre-screening process ensures a surrogate candidate is physically and mentally ready for their surrogacy journey. Knowing that your surrogate has completed this screening can comfort you as an intended parent.

The pre-screening process includes:

• Background check
• Living environment assessment
• Criminal background check
• Psychological evaluation provided by a licensed mental health professional
• Insurance information

We also obtain OB and delivery records from all previous pregnancies for the IVF physician to review for pre-approval. We make sure that all our surrogate candidates meet the below criteria:

• Meet age requirements and have a healthy BMI
• Have had a full-term and healthy pregnancy
• Are a non-smoker and lead a healthy lifestyle
• Have a source of income other than government assistance
• Are free of medications for anxiety and depression

Hatch’s best-in-class surrogate screening process means that intended parents will only be matched with a surrogate candidate who meets Hatch's highest standards.

Once you and the surrogate agree on the match, a video match meeting will be held by our coordinator to allow for a proper introduction. Our coordinator will check in separately afterward to ensure you are comfortable moving forward and address any additional questions.

First Video Meeting With Surrogate

Feeling nervous and excited about meeting your surrogate for the first time is expected. At Hatch, we have matched surrogates and intended parents for over 30 years. Our experienced staff will help you ensure your first video call is successful. At this stage you are not yet officially matched, so no pressure!

The best way to have a good connection is to be yourself and let the conversation flow naturally. Intended parents want to learn about their surrogates, and surrogates also want to know about their intended parents to make the right decision. Before the meeting, review the surrogate’s profile thoroughly and be prepared to share your own story and what led you to surrogacy. It is also important to discuss your expectations for the level of desired communication. The key is to keep the first conversation light and not plan on giving a list of requirements. It is always good to start by introducing each other and discussing general lifestyle questions.

Questions To Ask Your Surrogate

Meeting your potential surrogate for the first time is a significant step in your surrogacy journey. It’s essential to come prepared with questions that will help you understand their motivations, family life, and expectations. 

Consider asking questions such as:

• What made you want to be a surrogate?
• What does your support system look like?
• What are you most looking forward to out of this experience?

These questions can help you gauge your compatibility and ensure that both parties are aligned in their expectations and goals. Establishing a strong foundation from the beginning can lead to a more harmonious and successful surrogacy journey.

Matching With Your Surrogate Officially

Once you and your potential surrogate decide to move forward, it's time to make things official. First, you'll draft and sign a surrogacy contract. This legal document outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties. It's crucial to ensure all details are covered, and that both sides have independent legal counsel to review the contract.

Once the contract is signed and all screenings are passed, you’ll reach the milestone of an official match! 🎉 This is an exciting moment that marks the formal beginning of your journey together.

Following this, the surrogate will start the IVF process. She'll prepare her body for the embryo transfer through medications and monitoring. Throughout this phase, the medical team will guide both the surrogate and the intended parents, ensuring everyone is well-prepared and supported.

How Long Does It Take To Be Matched With a Surrogate?

The timeline for being matched with a surrogate can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the availability of surrogates, the criteria set by intended parents, and the efficiency of the surrogacy agency. 

Our streamlined process ensures that intended parents are paired with the right surrogate as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

What are the Matching Criteria for Surrogates?

In surrogacy, matching criteria are essential for ensuring a successful and harmonious journey. Carefully considered criteria, such as shared values, lifestyle compatibility, and mutual expectations, help foster strong relationships and minimize potential conflicts. This thoughtful approach not only supports the well-being of both the surrogate and intended parents but also enhances the overall success and satisfaction of the surrogacy experience. At Hatch, we prioritize the following criteria to ensure the best possible matches.

Social Fit

This comprises two criteria: compatible personalities and compatible desires for your journey. Our matching team reviews the potential match to ensure good personality fits and aligned communication preferences. Our goal is to ensure that both parties have a reciprocal relationship throughout the journey.

Medical Fit

The intended parent’s IVF physician determines this. Your IVF physician will review the surrogate’s previous OBGYN and delivery records, after the match is confirmed, your surrogate will also go through a comprehensive in-person medical screening.

Legal Fit

In the United States, each state has its own laws regarding surrogacy. Some states are more compatible than others for a specific match, and Hatch only works with surrogates located in surrogacy-friendly states. Additionally, each country we assist has different requirements and laws regarding surrogacy. Therefore, our legal team ensures that the laws of the surrogate’s home state (where the delivery will take place) complement the laws of the intended parents' home state/country. We will make sure that every match is a safe, legal fit.

Financial Fit

We take on the role of being the middle-person between IPs and surrogates to create peace of mind when it comes to everything, including money. We ensure your surrogate has a clear understanding of payment as well as IPs to ensure all your team has to focus on is a healthy and loving pregnancy. 

Find the Best Surrogate for You

Choosing Hatch for your surrogacy journey means partnering with an agency that values empathy, expertise, and efficiency. With our streamlined matching process and dedicated team, we ensure that intended parents are paired with the perfect surrogate in record time. Our comprehensive support system, pre-vetted surrogates, and personalized approach help create a seamless experience. Don't just take our word for it, our success rates speak for themselves.

We offer an all-inclusive journey, with surrogacy financing support available. Trust in Hatch to guide you through every step, bringing you closer to making your dreams of parenthood a reality.