20 Things to ask an agency (Surrogate Edition)
20 Questions to Ask a Surrogacy Agency Before Signing Up (And Our Answers!)
Becoming a surrogate is an incredible and life-changing decision. Choosing the right surrogacy agency can shape your experience, ensuring you feel supported, valued, and well-compensated throughout your journey. At Roots Surrogacy, we believe in open communication, deep connections, and unmatched experience—so we’re here to answer these 20 essential questions upfront!
Matching & Journey Support
1. What is the average time it takes your agency to match Gestational Carriers with Intended Parents?
At Roots Surrogacy, most of our surrogates are matched within 3 months. We focus on quality matches rather than rushing the process, ensuring that both surrogates and Intended Parents feel completely comfortable moving forward. Prior to matching, surrogates are onboarded which means there is education, medical records review, background checks, labs and psychological evaluations prior to matching.
2. Will one person handle my journey from start to finish, or will I be working with multiple team members?
Your journey will be guided by a dedicated case manager who is with you every step of the way. Unlike some agencies where you’re shuffled between departments, we believe in personalized support and deep connections. Starting out with Roots, you will be connected to our intake team (Carly and Terez) who will get you ready for matching! Once matched, you will be updated to a case manager who will handle everything you need going forward, all the way through the birth of the baby and beyond.
3. How many current surrogates are pregnant within your agency? How many cases do you handle in a year?
Roots Surrogacy is a boutique agency, meaning we focus on high-quality, hands-on care. We limit the number of journeys our case managers take on each year to ensure every surrogate gets the attention she deserves. We manage 125-150 journeys per year on average.
4. Do you have a support network for surrogates where they can interact, build friendships, and ask questions in a private setting?
Yes! We have a private surrogate support group where you can connect with other surrogates, ask questions, and share experiences. Many of our surrogates develop lifelong friendships within our community.
5. Are counseling/mental health services offered throughout the journey?
Yes! Surrogacy is a deeply emotional journey, and your mental health matters. We offer ongoing counseling and emotional support to ensure you feel confident and cared for.
6. Where do your Intended Parents typically live?
We work with both domestic and international Intended Parents, but 92% of our parents live in the United States and all of our parents speak fluent English and are looking for meaningful connections with their surrogates.
Agency Background & Experience
7. What is your position within the company, and why was your agency started?
Roots Surrogacy was founded by Brooke Kimbrough, a former surrogate herself, and Cassie Wright, a parent through IVF, with the goal of creating an ethical, transparent, and supportive surrogacy experience. After more than 10 years and 500+ successful journeys, our mission remains the same: to treat surrogates the way we would want to be treated.
8. How many employees do you have?
Our team consists of experienced professionals who specialize in case management, legal coordination, and surrogate support. We keep our team small and personal, so you always have a direct connection. We are female owned, operated and led and consist of 9 incredible women!
9. How many of your surrogates complete a second journey with your agency?
We’re proud that 99% of our surrogates return to Roots for a second journey (if they decide to do a second)—a testament to the trust and support we build with them.
10. Can I speak with at least three of your current surrogates about their experience?
Absolutely! We encourage you to hear firsthand from our amazing surrogates who have walked this path before.
11. Have you worked with a surrogate in my state? What are the legal and insurance considerations?
Yes, we have experience working with surrogates in multiple states. Our legal team ensures that your contract, rights, and compensation are protected based on your state’s regulations. We do NOT work with surrogates in LA, NE and IN.
Legal & Medical Considerations
12. Do I have to be willing to terminate a pregnancy if the parents request it?
We believe in ethical matching—meaning we only pair surrogates with Intended Parents who share the same values regarding pregnancy termination. This ensures that you’re never put in an uncomfortable position. Roots Surrogacy only partners with PRO-CHOICE surrogates.
13. What clinics do you typically work with, and where are they located?
We work with top-rated fertility clinics across the U.S. and ensure that you receive the best medical care. The majority of the clinics we work with are in CA, NY, NJ, WA,TX and OR.
14. Do you only use Gestational Carriers, or would I be asked to be a Traditional Surrogate?
Roots Surrogacy only works with Gestational Carriers, meaning you would never be required to use your own eggs.
15. How often do your Intended Parents request double embryo transfers (DETs)?
Double embryo transfers are dangerous for both babies and Gestational Carriers. We do not support DETs.
Compensation & Financial Handling
16. What does your Surrogate Benefits Package consist of?
Our first time surrogates earn $70,000+ in compensation and benefits, including:
✅ Base compensation ($60k)
✅ Monthly allowances
✅ Medical, travel, and childcare reimbursement
✅ Wellness support (doula, chiropractic, massage)
✅ Bonuses for milestones
17. Do you require surrogates to sign an Agency Contract? How long does it last?
Yes, we have a clear and fair contract to protect your rights and compensation. This agreement ensures you’re supported throughout the entire process.
18. Will you handle upfront costs for travel, insurance premiums, prescriptions, etc., or am I required to pay and then be reimbursed?
We handle all necessary expenses upfront, so you are rarely out-of-pocket for costs related to your surrogacy journey. If you are coming out of pocket, it is generally for meals or UBER rides and are reimbursed upon submitting receipts.
19. Do you handle all billing, payments, and escrow disbursements?
Yes! We work with licensed escrow services to manage all payments, ensuring your compensation is handled securely and on time.
20. What is the current insurance situation in my state, and can you refer me to a broker?
We work with expert insurance brokers to ensure that your surrogacy journey is fully covered. Intended Parents handle the costs, so you don’t have to worry about medical expenses. You do not have to have insurance or surrogate friendly insurance to move forward with Roots.
Why Choose Roots Surrogacy?
At Roots Surrogacy, we believe that surrogacy is about more than just a contract—it’s about connection. When you choose us, you’re choosing:
✨ A supportive, connected community
✨ Personalized case management (one person handles your journey!)
✨ An experienced, ethical agency with 10+ years in the field
✨ Competitive compensation, paid on time, every time
Becoming a surrogate is a big decision, and you deserve trust, respect, and full transparency every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Surrogacy Journey?
If you're ready to begin this life-changing experience, we’d love to connect with you!
Let’s make dreams come true—together. 💜