How Agencies Match Intended Parents with the Right Donor or Surrogate
Choosing the right egg donor or surrogate is one of the most important—and deeply personal—decisions intended parents will make on their journey to parenthood. It’s not just about medical compatibility; it’s about shared values, comfort, and trust.
Fertility and surrogacy agencies play a critical role in making this match successful. But how do they do it? Behind the scenes, agencies use a combination of screening, psychology, technology, and human insight to ensure each match is thoughtful, safe, and set up for success.
Here’s a closer look at how agencies match intended parents with the right donor or surrogate.
1. Understanding the Intended Parents' Needs
The matching process begins with getting to know the intended parents—their story, goals, preferences, and concerns. Agencies typically conduct intake interviews or consultations to understand:
- Medical requirements (e.g., blood type, egg quality)
- Cultural or ethnic background preferences
- Desired level of communication (especially for surrogacy)
- Personality traits or lifestyle values
- Family goals (e.g., number of embryos, openness to twins)
This information creates the foundation for a personalized match.
2. Thorough Screening of Donors and Surrogates
Not everyone who applies to be a donor or surrogate is accepted. Agencies conduct rigorous screening processes to ensure candidates are healthy, emotionally prepared, and legally eligible.
This includes:
- Medical evaluations and fertility testing
- Genetic screenings and family health history
- Psychological assessments
- Background checks
- Lifestyle and behavioral evaluations
For surrogates, agencies also confirm they’ve had at least one healthy pregnancy and are parenting their own child.
3. Matching by Compatibility and Values
Once both parties are cleared, agencies use matching tools and human intuition to align intended parents with donors or surrogates who reflect their preferences and values. For example:
- A couple who values privacy may be matched with a donor or surrogate who prefers a closed arrangement.
- Parents seeking a multicultural connection may be introduced to donors with shared heritage.
- A surrogate with a calm, nurturing personality might be paired with intended parents looking for a close, communicative relationship.
It’s more than a checklist—it’s about shared comfort and aligned expectations.
4. Reviewing Profiles and Making a Match
Intended parents are presented with carefully curated profiles of pre-screened donors or surrogates. These profiles often include:
- Medical and genetic background
- Education, hobbies, and personality notes
- Photos and personal statements
- Donor/surrogate motivations
Parents then have the opportunity to express interest or request a meeting. In surrogacy, the agency may facilitate a video or in-person meeting to help both parties feel confident before moving forward.
5. Facilitating a Strong Relationship
Once a match is made, the agency’s role continues. They:
- Coordinate legal contracts and medical logistics
- Set expectations for communication (especially in surrogacy)
- Provide emotional support and counseling
- Help manage any challenges or questions that arise
The goal is to build a healthy, respectful relationship between intended parents and their donor or surrogate—one based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.