Who’s Who in Surrogacy: Agencies, Clinics, Lawyers… and Support
Surrogacy takes a village — from medical specialists to legal experts — but one important role often gets overlooked: the person providing emotional support and guidance every step of the way.
As a three-time surrogate myself, I learned firsthand how essential that role truly is. SoCal Surrogacy Support was born from my lived experience — the love, challenges, and transformation that come with surrogacy. While we always hope for smooth journeys, sometimes bumps arise along the way, and no one should face those moments alone.
The Agency
Surrogacy agencies are like the project managers of a surrogacy journey — coordinating everything from medical screenings to legal arrangements and, most importantly, helping to match surrogates and intended parents. Yes, it’s a little like matchmaking — finding the right blend of personalities, goals, and values to create a strong foundation for a successful partnership.
Agencies handle the logistics: scheduling screenings, working with mental health professionals, connecting surrogates with lawyers, and ensuring that all requirements are met before the baby arrives. They are the glue that holds the process together and help keep everything organized and on track.
However, while agencies are incredible at managing the details, their focus is primarily on logistics — not always on the emotional or day-to-day support that surrogates and intended parents may need throughout their journey.
The Fertility Clinic
The medical experts at fertility clinics handle the science of surrogacy. This team includes:
Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI): The lead fertility doctor who oversees screenings, embryo transfers, and pregnancy confirmation.
Nurse Coordinator / IVF Nurse: The surrogate’s main contact for medication schedules, monitoring, and appointments.
Sonographer (Ultrasound Technician): Performs ultrasounds during screening, lining checks, and early pregnancy.
Phlebotomist / Lab Technician: Draws blood for hormone levels and other lab work.
Embryologist: Manages embryo creation, freezing, and transfer preparation.
Andrologist: Handles sperm collection and preparation.
Medical Assistants: Support patient prep and coordination during visits.
This team makes the miracle of surrogacy possible — they are the guardians of the medical side of the process. But once a pregnancy is confirmed and the surrogate “graduates” to her regular OB, their role typically concludes.
The Lawyer
A surrogacy lawyer protects everyone involved. They draft and review contracts, establish parental rights, and ensure that the process remains ethical and secure. Their work ensures that everyone’s rights are respected and that if challenges arise, there’s a clear path forward.
While their role is vital, it’s also focused on the legal aspects — not the emotional or day-to-day support that can make all the difference during a surrogacy journey.
The Support Role — SoCal Surrogacy Support
At SoCal, my work complements — not replaces — the incredible efforts of agencies, clinics, and lawyers. My role is to make the journey more human, heart-centered, and supported from start to finish.
I walk alongside surrogates and intended parents throughout their journeys — attending key appointments, helping translate medical language into real understanding, and offering reassurance in real time. I serve as a bridge for clear communication between everyone involved, ensuring that no one feels left behind or unheard.
This work matters because when surrogates and intended parents feel supported, everyone wins. My lived experience fuels my belief that empathy and compassion are essential parts of every successful surrogacy journey.
Why Collaboration Matters
Each professional plays a crucial role. When all parts of the team work together, the experience becomes smoother, more joyful, and more compassionate for everyone involved.
This month, at the SEEDS Conference, I was reminded just how deeply everyone in this field cares about helping families grow. Collaboration isn’t just ideal — it’s essential.
If you’re an intended parent, surrogate, or fertility professional who believes in compassionate collaboration, I’d love to connect. Together, we can make every journey one of strength, joy, and genuine support.