Comparing IVF Clinics in the USA for Donor IVF or Surrogacy

Choosing the right IVF clinic in the United States is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your journey to parenthood. Success rates, costs, and personal support can vary widely, so it’s important to evaluate clinics with a clear framework rather than relying on marketing promises alone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step approach to comparing clinics, highlighting what really matters along the way.

Step 1: Clarify Your Priorities

Before comparing clinics, get clear on what’s most important to you.  Transparency in pricing? Comfort with the medical team? Or a clinic experienced in supporting international intended parents? Your priorities will become the lens through which you evaluate options.

Step 2: Use a Clinic Comparison Table

To make comparing U.S. IVF clinics manageable, begin with a structured table or spreadsheet. Seeing everything side by side helps you quickly identify differences and gaps, instead of relying on memory or scattered notes.

Pro tip:

Even among U.S. clinics, not every team is experienced with cross-border surrogacy. Seeing clinics side by side helps you identify which teams can manage international logistics, legal coordination, and donor/embryo workflows. All of these are crucial for a smooth journey.

– Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh M.D. FRCPS. FACOG

Fertility Institute of San Diego

Step 3: Key Questions & What to Expect

Once you’ve set up your comparison table, the next step is knowing exactly what to ask. These questions are designed to help you uncover the practical and logistical strengths of each U.S. clinic, so you can make a confident choice.

1. What are your success rates for donor egg IVF in surrogacy cases similar to mine?
   When evaluating clinics, look at success rates for procedures relevant to your situation, such as donor egg IVF for surrogacy. In the U.S., live birth rates for donor egg cycles are typically around 42%–52% per transfer (CDC). Use these figures as a benchmark, but weigh them alongside lab technology, coordination with surrogacy agencies, and the personalised support the clinic offers.
2. Will I have a dedicated international coordinator?
   A single point of contact makes a huge difference. They’ll guide you through appointments, labs, shipping, and agency communication. If a clinic answers “yes” and can explain the coordinator’s responsibilities clearly, that’s a strong positive signal.
3. What surrogacy agencies do they work with?
   Some clinics have preferred agencies, a few have a side business recruiting and manging surrogates. Understand who does what and their credentials.
4. Is the clinic prepared to accept embryos or sperm shipped from my country?
   If you have embryos already made, or need to ship sperm, bear in mind that many US clinics do not allow this. FDA testing of all gamete providers will be required where surrogacy is involved. Growing Families maintains a small list of IVF clinics with the required experience
5. What is your full cost estimate (all-inclusive)?
   Make sure they provide a breakdown covering medications, monitoring, lab fees, shipping, and any additional charges. Transparency here indicates trustworthiness and prevents surprises later.
6. How quickly do you respond to international inquiries?
   Timely communication is crucial when coordinating across time zones. Look for clinics that set clear and realistic expectations around response times and preferred communication channels. Overly ambitious promises may not always be practical, so ensure you understand how and when they typically handle inquiries to avoid frustration.
7. Overall, how do you feel about the clinic?
   This question is for you. Even with perfect stats, your comfort and confidence in the team matter. Consider tone, clarity, and how supported you feel during initial interactions.

Pro tip:

Ask about embryo development technology, lab quality, and how they support patients emotionally and legally. Understanding the full scope of care will help you make informed decisions and ensure your IVF journey is as smooth, safe, and supportive as possible.

– Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh M.D. FRCPS. FACOG

Fertility Institute of San Diego

Step 4: Narrow Your Shortlist

After filling out your comparison table and asking each clinic the key questions, it’s time to sift through the information. The goal is to identify a clinic that not only meets your needs but also feels like the right fit for you.

How to narrow your options:

1. Check essential criteria first Make sure each clinic can handle international surrogacy logistics and receiving embryos if these are outside the US.
2. Compare success rates Look for clinics with strong IVF outcomes for cases similar to yours. Consider how this aligns with your priorities, whether that’s maximizing success, reducing risk, or ensuring smooth coordination.
3. Evaluate communication and support Review how responsive the clinics were, how clearly they explained processes, and whether they provide a dedicated coordinator. Clinics that leave you feeling supported and understood often provide a better overall experience, even if their numbers are comparable to others.

Pro tip:

Sometimes the best clinic isn’t the one with the highest success rate, but the one that feels like a partner in your journey… someone who understands the unique challenges of international surrogacy and will be proactive in supporting you every step of the way.

– Anita Fiorenza, Concierge Support Manager

Growing Families

Step 5: Make the Final Decision

With your comparison table filled out, key questions answered, and shortlist narrowed, it’s time to choose the clinic that’s right for your surrogacy journey.

How to make the final choice:

1. Review your top contenders Look at the clinics that met your essential criteria, have strong outcomes, and left you feeling supported. Compare them side by side in your comparison table to see which stands out.
2. Verify credibility Look for testimonials or reviews from intended parents who have gone through that clinic. If reviews are limited or you can’t connect with former patients, check whether the clinic is endorsed by reputable organizations or verified by industry leaders. Such endorsements indicate the clinic meets high standards of care, professionalism, and ethical practice, especially for international intended parents.
3. Weigh priorities against “fit” Revisit the factors you identified in Step 1 as most important, whether it’s communication, expertise with international clients, lab technology, or legal coordination. Consider whether a large clinic or a smaller independent clinic better suits your needs. Large clinics may offer broader in-house services, but smaller clinics often provide more consistent, personalised care, with the same doctor and coordinator supporting you throughout your journey. Think about which setup aligns with your priorities and comfort level.
4. Ask follow-up questions if needed If there are any gaps in your understanding or lingering concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification. A responsive clinic willing to answer follow-ups demonstrates professionalism and attentiveness.
5. Trust your instincts Beyond stats and logistics, pay attention to how confident and comfortable you feel with the team. Your comfort with the clinic can make a big difference in how supported and reassured you feel throughout the process.

When we were exploring providers on our own, it felt overwhelming. Having guidance from an independent service like Growing Families made it much easier to narrow down our options and feel confident in the choice we made.

– Sarah V.

Mum via US Surrogacy

Choosing the right U.S. IVF clinic can feel overwhelming, but with the right questions, comparison tools, and insights from other intended parents, you can make an informed and confident decision. If you’d like personalised guidance or have questions about specific clinics, our team at Growing Families is here to help. Contact us today to speak with an expert and take the next step in your journey.