Pieces to the Puzzle of Growing a Family Through Surrogacy: It Takes a Village
The journey of growing a family through surrogacy is complex, emotional, and full of moving pieces. Each story is unique, shaped by countless variables that bring both challenges and rewards. What is consistent, however, is that surrogacy is a group effort — truly, it takes a village.
At Bright Futures Families, we love supporting parents and surrogates through this process. But just as importantly, we guide you to the right resources, professionals, and safeguards so that your journey is grounded in expertise and care. Here are some of the essential “pieces” along with Bright Futures Families that make up the surrogacy puzzle:
ASRM – American Society of Reproductive Medicine
ASRM is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of reproductive medicine. They provide educational, research, and advocacy resources for both professionals and patients.
Their 2022 committee opinion on practices using gestational carriers sets important guidelines for surrogacy. These recommendations help IVF clinics establish clear criteria for surrogate qualifications, medical screenings, and ethical practices. Many clinics use ASRM’s standards as their baseline.
👉 Read ASRM’s recommendations here.
SEEDS – Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy
SEEDS is a nonprofit created by agencies that wanted to promote ethical behavior and industry standards. Their mission is to make sure everyone — intended parents, surrogates, and donors — is treated with respect and transparency. Working with SEEDS-compliant agencies means you can trust that ethical guidelines are being followed.
RESOLVE – The National Infertility Association
RESOLVE provides support, education, and advocacy for people experiencing infertility. They offer community connections, resources for navigating assisted reproduction, and advocacy for better policies. Many intended parents find RESOLVE to be a lifeline of emotional support and information during the surrogacy process.
👉 Read more about Resolve here.
Carrot Fertility
Carrot is a global fertility benefits provider. For those lucky enough to have access through their employer, Carrot can help cover the financial side of surrogacy, including egg/sperm donation, IVF, surrogacy agency fees, and more. Asking your HR team if you have fertility benefits is always worth it.
SeedTrust and Other Escrow Management Companies
SeedTrust is one of the leading escrow companies in surrogacy. Escrow ensures that funds are held securely and disbursed fairly, protecting both intended parents and surrogates. A reliable escrow partner like SeedTrust provides transparency, compliance, and peace of mind throughout the journey.
IVF Clinics
The IVF clinic is often the hub of your surrogacy process. Clinics manage:
Egg retrieval and sperm collection
Embryo creation and genetic testing
Surrogate medical screening
Embryo transfers
Choosing the right clinic — one with strong success rates, ethical practices, and clear communication — is one of the most critical decisions in your journey. Each clinic and REI work a little different and their costs can vary as well.
Lawyers (Assisted Reproductive Technology – or ART - Law Specialists)
Surrogacy is as much legal as it is medical. Attorneys specializing in reproductive law:
Draft and review surrogacy contracts
Assist with establishing parental rights
Navigate state and international laws
Ensure everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clear
Having experienced lawyers ensures that all agreements are enforceable and that your family is legally protected.
OB Offices & Midwives
Once pregnancy is established, care transitions to obstetricians or midwives. They handle prenatal care, monitor the surrogate’s health, and manage the delivery. Building a good relationship with this team and your surrogate helps create a supportive pregnancy experience.
Mental Health Professionals, Psychologists & Social Workers
Surrogacy isn’t just medical — it’s deeply emotional. Mental health professionals help:
Screen surrogates
Inform intended parents
Provide counseling during stressful points
Support emotional well-being before, during, and after pregnancy
Having strong mental health support ensures everyone involved feels heard, respected, and cared for.
Final Thoughts: It Truly Takes a Village
From medical experts and legal professionals to escrow managers, mental health providers, and advocacy organizations — surrogacy requires collaboration at every step.
At Bright Futures Families, we’re honored to walk beside you, connecting the right pieces of the puzzle so you feel supported at every turn. Because while surrogacy is a path filled with challenges and joy, no one should ever walk it alone. Click here to read more about what we do at Bright Futures Families.