The Safe Surrogacy Seal aims to ensure Intended Parents find a surrogacy agency that prioritizes "you" and your future baby. It ensures you as prospective parents are dealing with surrogacy agencies that are operating transparently, legally, and prioritizing the well-being of all parties involved in the surrogacy process. Agencies adhering to these standards will be better positioned to provide a safe and ethical surrogacy experience.
Unfortunately, many surrogacy agencies are "sales machines", focused on selling Intended Parents on why they are the best and why they shouldn't work with any other agencies. Many of these agencies, lack transparency, create packages that cost Intended Parents more, in order to increase the "agency fee." Agencies increase their profits in many creative ways such as selecting sub-par IVF clinics, egg donors, surrogate mothers and more. They will also create packages and not disclose what isn't in the package or provide medical advice on why you don't need critical services for yourself or the surrogate mother.
Safe Surrogacy Standards:
- Ethical Recruitment and Screening: Agencies must adhere to a comprehensive and ethical process for recruiting and screening surrogates. This includes meeting age, health, obstetric history, mental health, and lifestyle factor requirements.
- Informed Consent: Agencies must ensure that surrogates fully understand and consent to the surrogacy process, including potential risks to their physical and emotional health.
- Transparent Compensation: Agencies must provide clear and transparent information about surrogate compensation, outlining all payments and reimbursement of expenses. This ensures fair and ethical financial arrangements.
- Legal Compliance: Agencies must operate within the legal framework of their jurisdiction, including obtaining necessary legal documentation, such as surrogacy agreements and parental rights relinquishment.
- Medical and Psychological Support: Agencies must facilitate access to appropriate medical care and psychological support for surrogates throughout the entire surrogacy process.
- Clear Communication: Agencies must maintain open, honest, and transparent communication with all parties involved in the surrogacy process, ensuring everyone is informed and updated regularly.
- Surrogate Education and Empowerment: Agencies must provide surrogates with access to educational resources and support, empowering them to make informed decisions about their involvement in the surrogacy process.
- Intended Parent Support: Agencies must provide support and guidance for intended parents throughout the surrogacy journey, addressing their concerns and ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Agencies must have strict protocols in place to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved in the surrogacy process.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Agencies must demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement by staying up-to-date with industry best practices and evolving regulations, as well as seeking regular feedback from surrogates and intended parents.
- Transparent and Affordable Fees: Agencies need to be transparent with the fees they are compensated with to both Surrogates as well as Intended parents and these fees shall not exceed $20,000.
By adhering to these standards, surrogacy agencies can earn the "Safe Surrogacy" seal of approval, which signifies their commitment to providing a transparent, legal, and ethical surrogacy experience for all parties involved.
