Surrogacy is a life-changing journey for both intended parents and surrogates. At its core lies one of the most critical elements of the entire process — the match. A thoughtful and well-aligned surrogate-intended parent match sets the tone for a healthy, trusting, and successful partnership. Whether you’re new to the process or actively searching for the right agency, understanding how surrogates and intended parents are paired is vital.
In this blog, we’ll explore how surrogacy agencies like OneWorld Generations (OWG) facilitate ideal matches and what intended parents can expect from this intricate yet rewarding process.
Why the Matching Process Matters
The surrogate-intended parent relationship often spans more than a year, involving deep trust, frequent communication, and shared goals. A poor match can lead to emotional strain, miscommunication, and even legal complications.
That’s why reputable agencies invest heavily in perfecting the matching process — not just to make the surrogacy successful from a medical standpoint, but also to create a positive emotional experience for both parties.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Education
The first step for any intended parent is education. Agencies like OneWorld Generations begin by offering a free consultation where parents receive personalized surrogacy information. This includes legal considerations, medical processes, estimated timelines, and, most importantly, what to expect when getting matched with a surrogate.
During this stage, intended parents outline their preferences, values, expectations, and any non-negotiables — whether cultural, lifestyle-based, or health-related.
What’s covered in this phase?
- Legal framework by state
- IVF processes
- Financial obligations and escrow setup
- Timeline estimates
- Ethical considerations
This phase provides essential surrogacy information for intended parents to help them make confident, informed decisions.
Step 2: Surrogate Screening and Database Creation
Before any matching begins, the agency ensures all potential surrogates are thoroughly screened. OneWorld Generations, for example, follows a multi-stage process that includes:
- Medical Screening: Review of health history, reproductive health, and physical exams
- Psychological Screening: Ensuring emotional readiness and stability
- Background Checks: Legal and lifestyle verification
Only those who meet all criteria are included in the agency’s surrogate database — ensuring intended parents are only matched with reliable, healthy, and committed candidates.
Step 3: The Matching Process Begins
With preferences from both parties in place, the agency begins the matching process. The goal is to align:
- Communication styles
- Personality traits
- Health and lifestyle preferences
- Geographic location (if relevant)
- Expectations about relationship (e.g., ongoing contact)
The process typically takes 1 to 3 months, but OWG maintains a strong database of qualified surrogates, often leading to quicker matches.
Agencies act as intermediaries during the introduction phase, arranging phone calls, virtual meetings, or even in-person visits to help both parties gauge comfort and compatibility.
Step 4: Psychological and Legal Clearances
Once a tentative match is made, both parties undergo a second round of screenings:
- Psychological Clearance: Conducted by licensed professionals to ensure emotional preparedness
- Medical Clearance: Final assessments by fertility specialists
- Legal Clearance: A formal agreement is drafted, reviewed, and signed by both parties
This step is essential in protecting everyone involved and laying a clear roadmap for the rest of the surrogacy journey.
The surrogacy contract includes details such as:
- Parental rights
- Compensation
- Medical procedures
- Lifestyle commitments
- Contact preferences
For intended parents looking for comprehensive surrogacy information, understanding this stage is crucial — as it ensures all legal rights are protected before embryo transfer begins.
Step 5: Establishing Communication and Expectations
Once the legal paperwork is completed, the intended parents and the surrogate establish communication guidelines. This may include:
- How often to check in (weekly, monthly)
- Participation in medical appointments
- Updates about the pregnancy
- Future contact post-birth
OneWorld Generations assigns a dedicated case manager to facilitate communication, ensuring clarity and mutual respect are maintained throughout the pregnancy.
Step 6: Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy Monitoring
Following the successful match, the IVF process begins. Throughout the pregnancy, both parties are guided and supported by the agency. OWG takes care of:
- Medical scheduling
- Escrow account management
- Emotional and logistical support
- Legal documentation (e.g., pre-birth orders)
Intended parents are encouraged to stay involved — attending ultrasounds, talking regularly to the surrogate, and preparing for the baby’s arrival.
Step 7: The Birth and Beyond
As the due date approaches, the agency prepares both parties for the delivery. Legal documents like pre-birth orders ensure that intended parents are immediately recognized as the legal parents of the child.
After the birth, ongoing contact is determined based on previously agreed preferences. Some matches evolve into lasting friendships, while others maintain respectful boundaries. Either way, a successful surrogacy journey hinges on a solid foundation — built during the matching process.
How OneWorld Generations Excels at Matching
As one of the top surrogacy agencies in California, OneWorld Generations stands out by offering:
- A multilingual team (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish)
- LGBTQ+ inclusive programs
- Free rematching if needed
- No upfront fees until medical pre-clearance of a surrogate
- Global support for international intended parents
By focusing on transparency, communication, and client-centered care, OWG provides valuable surrogacy information for intended parents while ensuring every match is ethically and emotionally sound.
Final Thoughts: Building Families Through Thoughtful Matches
The matching process is more than a logistical task — it’s the emotional and legal cornerstone of a successful surrogacy experience. It requires trust, time, and the guidance of experienced professionals.
If you’re an intended parent considering surrogacy, working with a reliable agency like OneWorld Generations ensures you’re not alone. From your first consultation to the moment you hold your child, every step is carefully designed to support you.
