Pros and Cons of Self-Matching
Not sure how to best go about the surrogacy process and considering self-matching? Let’s start with the pros for self-matching and choosing not to use an agency; then we can talk about the cons. Self-matching can also be interchangeably called an independent journey.
Pros for self-matching or doing and independent journey:
No Agency Fee
One less person/or persons to connect with, as there is no agency
Independent control over your path and your process, no third party guidance
Decide on your own compensation package or work together with IPs to make the best package for the both of you
Choose your own support people to help you through this process
Cons:
A lot more work on your part, here are a few examples:
Gathering records
Keeping track of all information
Booking your own travel
Finding other ART Professionals (lawyers, escrow, psychologists).
*Most agencies also prescreen the surrogate before trying to match them with Intended Parents.
Direct and only contact is with the clinic or other ART Professionals
No third party to help with expense questions, talking about billing or fees or any other complicated conversations that the agency would otherwise assist with as a mediator between parties.
It’s all you! There is no buffer or advocate for you unless you are paying a lawyer, mediator, or counselor, hourly for their services.
Honestly, there is no one-size-fits-all! You must choose what is right for you. There are surrogacy consultants and some agencies like Bright Futures Families offer concierge services which gives you even more options to consider.
No matter what path you choose there are a few items that are important not to skip or skimp on.
Make sure intended parents and the surrogate have their own separate ART attorneys, preferably licensed in the state in which the surrogate lives.
Have a third-party escrow account to help manage all fund between parties, money should never be exchanged directly, nor should either attorney hold escrow. No matter how well you know each other, this is a must!
You need to work with a surrogacy-knowledgeable insurance company to professionally review the surrogate’s health insurance as well as offer other beneficial insurance policy options, such as life insurance, that will be required by the legal contract.
There are many variables and pieces to keep track in this process. If you are looking to move forward with an agency, sign up as a gestational carrier with this intake form. If you are an intended parents and want to see if Bright Futures Families is right for you, sign up for your free consult. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!