Choosing the right surrogacy clinic is one of the most important decisions intended parents and surrogates will make on their journey to building or supporting a family. A high-quality, compassionate fertility clinic provides the medical foundation for a successful surrogacy experience—from surrogate screening and fertilization to confirming a healthy pregnancy.
But navigating the fertility world can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re new to the terminology and process. That’s where a trusted surrogacy agency comes in. Your agency is your partner in finding a clinic that aligns with your goals, values, and logistical needs.
What Does a Fertility Clinic do for Surrogacy?
Fertility clinics—sometimes called IVF or surrogacy clinics—play a medical role in the surrogacy process. They manage:
- The medical screening of the surrogate
- Fertilization and embryo transfer (via IUI or IVF)
- Confirming pregnancy through lab tests and ultrasound
Some clinics are more experienced in surrogacy than others. A surrogacy clinic differs from a general fertility clinic in that it has established procedures and teams trained specifically to support third-party reproduction. These clinics are accustomed to coordinating with agencies, attorneys, and multiple parties, which is essential in a surrogacy arrangement.
Medical Services Provided by Surrogacy Clinics
Surrogate Medical Screening
Before any embryo transfer or insemination, surrogates undergo a comprehensive medical screening. This process ensures the surrogate is physically able to carry a pregnancy safely.
Typical screenings include:
- Bloodwork and STD testing for the surrogate and her partner
- Drug testing to confirm a substance-free lifestyle
- Saline sonogram to detect uterine fibroids or abnormalities
- Hysteroscopy to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes
In addition to these procedures, the surrogate receives:
- A pap smear to check for infections or cervical cell irregularities
- A general physical exam to confirm overall health and readiness
These tests help fertility specialists determine whether the surrogate is medically cleared to proceed.
Fertilization & Embryo Transfer
The next phase depends on the type of surrogacy arrangement:
Traditional Surrogacy: IUI Process Explained
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg. During the surrogate’s ovulation period, sperm from the intended father or donor is inserted into her uterus through intrauterine insemination (IUI). If successful, fertilization occurs naturally.
Gestational Surrogacy: IVF and Embryo Transfer
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. The fertility clinic performs in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create an embryo from the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm.
Steps include:
- A mock cycle, where the surrogate is given hormones to prepare her uterus for embryo transfer.
- Egg retrieval from the donor or intended parent using ultrasound-guided aspiration.
- Lab fertilization, where the egg is combined with sperm to form an embryo.
- Embryo transfer, where the embryo is inserted into the surrogate’s uterus.
Clinics may use fresh or frozen embryos, depending on the timing and readiness of all parties.
Role of Egg Donors and Sperm Donors
If the intended parents are unable to use their own genetic material, the clinic can coordinate egg or sperm donation from carefully screened donors. These donations are used to create embryos for transfer, just as in any IVF cycle.
Pregnancy Testing & Confirmation
Roughly 10 to 14 days after embryo transfer (or 7 days post-IUI), the surrogate returns to the clinic for pregnancy testing.
- A qualitative hCG test detects the presence of the pregnancy hormone in urine or blood.
- A quantitative hCG test measures the exact hormone level, offering more precise results.
A rising hCG level confirms pregnancy and leads to an early ultrasound to verify implantation and fetal development.
What Fertility Clinics Don’t Do
It’s important to understand that fertility clinics do not provide full-service surrogacy support. Their focus is medical. They do not:
- Handle legal surrogacy contracts, birth orders, or parental rights
- Perform psychological screenings or match surrogates with intended parents
- Manage financial compensation or ongoing emotional support
Once the pregnancy is confirmed and stable, care transfers to a local OB-GYN for standard prenatal monitoring.
How to Choose the Right Surrogacy Clinic
Choosing a surrogacy clinic isn’t just about selecting the closest or cheapest option. It’s about trust, experience, and alignment with your needs.
Location & Convenience
Both the surrogate and intended parents will visit the clinic multiple times. Proximity matters—especially for time-sensitive procedures like IVF or IUI. Choose a clinic that’s accessible for everyone involved.
Success Rates (and how to interpret them)
Clinic websites often publish success rates—but they don’t tell the full story.
- Some clinics only accept low-risk cases, which skews their rates higher.
- Others accept complex cases, which may lower success statistics.
Ask specifically about success rates with gestational surrogacy, not just general IVF success.
Quality of Providers and Facilities
When evaluating a clinic, consider:
- Who are the doctors and embryologists on staff?
- What technologies and lab procedures are used?
- Is the space clean, organized, and welcoming?
- Does the team communicate clearly and compassionately?
The atmosphere and professionalism of a clinic can significantly impact your experience.
Insurance, Cost & Financial Considerations
Cost varies by region and services, and not all clinics accept all insurance.
- Make sure the clinic accepts the surrogate’s insurance plan or offers guidance on coverage.
- Consider out-of-pocket expenses for IVF, medications, and testing.
- Ask about payment plans or financing options.
Transparency upfront will prevent financial stress later.
Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Clinic
Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions. You’re trusting this clinic with a major life moment. Here are a few to guide your conversations:
- Do you have experience working with surrogacy cases?
- What is your success rate with gestational surrogacy?
- What’s your protocol for IUI or IVF with a surrogate?
- How do you coordinate with agencies and legal professionals?
- What kind of support and communication can we expect throughout the process?
Top-Rated Surrogacy Clinics by Region
At Surrogacy by Faith, we partner with and recommend only the most experienced, ethical, and compassionate clinics. Here are a few trusted options:
California Clinics
- San Diego Fertility Center – San Diego
- California Fertility Partners – Los Angeles
- Family Tree Surrogacy Center – Chula Vista
- ISC Surrogacy Center – Murrieta
- Genesis Egg Donor and Surrogacy Group – Pasadena
Oregon Clinics
- Oregon Reproductive Medicine (ORM) – Portland
- OHSU Center for Women’s Health – Portland
- Oregon Fertility Institute – Tigard
- Fertility Center of Oregon – Eugene
- Northwest Fertility Center – Portland
Washington State Clinics
- Seattle Reproductive Medicine – Seattle
- ORM Fertility – Bellevue
- Pacific NW Fertility – Seattle
- Northwest Surrogacy Clinic – Seattle
How Surrogacy by Faith Helps You Choose a Clinic
At Surrogacy by Faith, we provide more than just recommendations—we provide partnership. Whether you’ve already selected a clinic or need help evaluating your options, we’re here to support you.
- We coordinate closely with trusted medical partners.
- We ensure every step aligns with your legal and emotional milestones.
- We only recommend clinics that are experienced with surrogacy and hold the highest standards of care.
Why Choose Surrogacy by Faith?
We are a surrogacy agency that believes in walking beside our intended parents and surrogates with grace, compassion, and hope.
- We offer shared values and heartfelt care.
- We coordinate across medical, legal, and emotional aspects of the journey.
- We maintain a trusted network of clinics, attorneys, and counselors who honor the miracle of life.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to connect with us. Whether you’re an intended parent seeking hope or a surrogate ready to serve, Surrogacy by Faith is here to guide your journey—faithfully, lovingly, and with expertise every step of the way.
Fill out the surrogacy inquiry form or intended parent form to begin the process. Your decision could transform lives forever.