Whether you’re a potential surrogate or a hopeful intended parent (IP), one of the most crucial parts of the surrogacy experience is the matching process. 

This is the time when potential surrogates and IPs meet to determine if the relationship will be a proper fit. Because so many factors play into finding the best match, most IPs opt to work with experienced surrogacy agencies to ensure a good match is made.

Here at Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS), we are proud to be one of the oldest and best surrogacy agencies in California, and we believe one of the main reasons for our success is our personalized matching process. 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 ensures your safety 

While not every agency operates like SPS does, our first priority is ensuring that everyone we work with is both mentally and physically prepared for the journey ahead. For IPs especially, an agency is helpful for eliminating much of the guesswork in finding the best surrogate. Because surrogacy in California is an ever-growing industry, the potential surrogates available can be overwhelming and it’s difficult to know what criteria really matters when searching for the ideal surrogate. 

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 our matching 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 phone or video call with SPS founder and president Cristie Montgomery, an in-home meeting with Cristie, criminal background check for the surrogate and her partner (if applicable), review of medical records, and a psychological evaluation. 

Personal matching 

Both the surrogates and IPs create a profile early on in the process, and Cristie 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 32+ 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, Cristie 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 program 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.   

Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling 949-363-9525.