Whether you’re considering becoming a surrogate or you’re a hopeful intended parent (IP), one of the most important parts of the surrogacy journey is the matching process.

This is when surrogates and IPs meet to see if the relationship feels like the right fit. Because so many factors go into finding the best match, many IPs turn to experienced surrogacy agencies for guidance.

At Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS), we’re proud to be one of California’s oldest and most respected surrogacy agencies, and we believe our personalized matching process is a big reason for our success. Through decades of experience, we have found that personalized matches are the best way for everyone involved in surrogacy to have the most fulfilling experience.

How our matching process keeps you safe

At SPS, our first priority is to ensure that every surrogate and intended parent is mentally and physically ready for the journey. For IPs, an important part of that preparation is removing the uncertainty from finding the right surrogate. With California’s surrogacy industry continuing to grow, the number of potential candidates can feel overwhelming, and it’s not always clear which qualities matter most when making a choice.

Fortunately, using an agency for the matching process is the safest and most reliable way to find the right fit. Of course, quality agencies are with you well after the match is made, but assisting in this initial step is an important safeguard that makes the whole process much smoother.

How the process works 

At SPS, we don’t offer an online database of surrogates for IPs to review. We feel the matching process should be much more personal. Intended parents and surrogates who not only get along professionally but on a deeper, more personal level tend to have even more rewarding experiences throughout the surrogacy process.

Our surrogates are not available to be matched until they have been screened and accepted into our program. The screening includes a video interview with the surrogate and her partner (if applicable), a psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist, a review of medical records, and a meeting with our team. 

Personal matching 

Both the surrogates and IPs create a profile early on in the process, and Cristie Montgomery, our founder and president, also meets with both parties. The information gathered from the profiles and the meetings allows Cristie to learn more about what brought each party to surrogacy; what kind of experience they are hoping for (i.e., how close of a relationship they want during the surrogacy process, etc.); and other values, beliefs, and expectations which may be important in the matching process. 

Once the IPs and surrogate have spoken with Cristie, completed the personality profile, and entered the program, Cristie will use the information she has learned about each party to propose a match. The IPs will get a chance to review the profile of the surrogate that Cristie believes would be a best fit for their journey, and vice versa. Cristie uses everything she learns from the profiles, the meetings with each party, and her 35+ years of experience in the field to create matches that are almost always a success. 

The meeting 

After the IPs and surrogate have reviewed each other’s profile and decided to meet each other, our team facilitates a meeting which includes the IPs, the surrogate, her partner (if applicable), and the case manager that will be supporting both parties through their journey.

The meeting provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about each other, discuss the expectations for the relationship and to review sensitive issues further, such as termination and multiples. After the meeting, everyone returns home and has a chance to think over the potential match before moving forward. In our experience, everyone almost always agrees to the match! 

Creating deep bonds 

One huge benefit of having a highly personalized match between surrogate and IPs is the opportunity to continue the relationship even after the child is born. Many surrogates remain close to the IPs long after the process is over because they bonded so deeply over their shared experience. 

Regardless of a surrogate’s involvement in the child’s life, they may remain a key pillar of support for the parents because they went through a unique journey together. This doesn’t happen for everyone, but more often than not an intimate friendship or familial feeling will develop between parties.

Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services 

Surrogate Parenting Services is proud to celebrate over 30 years of helping to bring dreams to life! Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy agency that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship. We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.   

Do you want to become a surrogate? Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.