Many intended parents begin their US surrogacy journey by researching agencies, legal requirements, and costs. But one of the most critical choices, selecting the right IVF clinic, is often made too quickly or with limited information. The clinic is not just where embryos are created. It’s the foundation of your entire surrogacy journey.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the things intended parents often don’t realize about IVF clinics and why they can have a big impact on the surrogacy journey.
1. The Broader Role or IVF Clinics
Many intended parents treat clinic selection as a purely clinical decision, based on statistics or cost per cycle. But surrogacy is a complex collaboration between several professionals, including the clinic, agency, surrogate, and legal team. Each must work seamlessly together.
When a clinic lacks experience working with agencies or surrogates, small miscommunications can quickly grow into major delays or misunderstandings. The best clinics anticipate those complexities and take proactive steps to keep everyone aligned.
Tip: Ask prospective clinics how they coordinate with agencies, surrogates, and lawyers. Experience with third-party reproduction is as important as clinical results.
2. The Timeline for Embryo Readiness
For many intended parents, the journey begins with donor selection and embryo creation. But this stage can take longer than expected, especially when genetic testing is involved.
“Embryo creation can take more time than people anticipate, particularly if you’re using an egg donor or doing PGT testing. It’s important to understand how these steps affect your overall timeline.”
– Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh M.D. FRCPS. FACOG
Fertility Institute of San Diego
Some intended parents match with a surrogate before embryos are ready, only to face months of waiting before transfer can occur. This can strain relationships and create unnecessary pressure for everyone involved.
Tip: Discuss your clinic’s estimated timeline for donor matching, egg retrieval, fertilization, and testing early in the process. Ensuring embryos are tested, frozen, and ready before confirming a surrogate match can save both time and stress later.
3. Surrogacy Logistics
In the US, where surrogacy laws vary by state, the location of the baby’s birth can have significant legal and logistical implications. Some clinics only work with local surrogates, while others are accustomed to interstate arrangements.
A misunderstanding about where the birth will take place can lead to costly changes or new contracts later. The earlier you confirm your clinic’s policies and overall experience with surrogacy, the smoother the process will be.
Tip: Before choosing a clinic, evaluate its experience of surrogacy journeys. Ask whether it works with out-of-state surrogates, and how it handles communication with external monitoring clinics.
4. Emotional and Psychological Preparation
The medical aspects of surrogacy often take center stage, but the emotional preparation for intended parents can be just as vital. IVF and surrogacy can involve unexpected hurdles, like failed cycles, delays, or complications, and emotional resilience plays a key role in navigating them.
“Intended parents sometimes underestimate the emotional journey ahead. Being mentally prepared for the uncertainties helps you stay grounded when challenges arise. “
– Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh M.D. FRCPS. FACOG
Fertility Institute of San Diego
Clinics that offer specialized counselling can help IPs build coping strategies and strengthen their partnership before the process intensifies.
Tip: Take advantage of the clinic’s mental health resources. Even one counselling session can provide clarity and reassurance before treatment begins.
5. Communication and Accessibility
The relationship between intended parents and their clinic is often long-term. While success rates are important, consistent communication can make or break the experience.
Some clinics have dedicated coordinators for surrogacy and donor cases, while others rely on general administrative staff. Knowing who your main contact is and how they communicate helps you stay informed at every step.
Tip: Ask about response times, after-hours contacts, and how updates are shared. Feeling supported can make the journey feel less overwhelming and more collaborative.
6. Reassessing After the First Cycle
Even after embryos are created or a transfer has been done, many IPs hesitate to re-evaluate their clinic relationship. But if communication has been poor, timelines have stretched unexpectedly, or results have been inconsistent, it may be worth considering other options.
“Every case is unique. It’s okay to ask questions, seek second opinions, or explore whether a different clinic might be a better fit for your goals. “
– Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh M.D. FRCPS. FACOG
Fertility Institute of San Diego
Surrogacy is a long process, and staying flexible helps ensure you’re always working with the best possible team for your needs.
Related article: Comparing IVF Clinics in the USA for Donor IVF or Surrogacy
The US surrogacy process involves multiple moving parts, and the IVF clinic sits at the center of it all. Beyond creating embryos, it guides communication, manages logistics, and sets the tone for the journey.
If you’re currently comparing IVF programs or planning the early stages of your surrogacy journey, please reach out to us.
